There are all kinds of female poses out there that can make or break an image. So experimenting with different posing techniques to keep your images diverse is important.

When it comes to portrait photography, capturing the beauty and essence of women is an art form. It combines creativity and technique. So we delve into various female poses that celebrate the natural grace of the subjects.

38 Best Female Poses for Portrait Photography

Here are 38 of our best female poses and photography tips to teach you how to pose models effectively.

We’ve split the list up into three sections, looking separately at standing, sitting, and lying down poses. This will give you a huge amount of variety, so you can pose female models of all types in any situation.

You can also read our post on how to pose fashion models for more ideas! We also have flattering bikini poses and saucy boudoir poses if you’re looking for something a bit different 

© Autumn Goodman

Standing Female Poses

This section looks at the best standing poses for female portraits. The great thing about standing poses is that you don’t need any props or extra equipment. You can do nearly all of them in any location, whether inside or outside. 

1. Hands in the Air

Create a dynamic and captivating portrait by having your model raise her hands. She can close her eyes, clasp one wrist, or gaze skyward for added touches.

This pose can also transform into a slow dance or be used in a seated position, offering versatility in expression. And you can capture the moment against natural light for a dreamy effect.

Shot with a Sony a6400. 50mm, f/1.8, 1/2500 s, ISO 100. Photo by Ananthu Ganesh

2. Flip Hair

Channel simplicity and movement with the timeless hair flip. Have your model close her eyes and avoid any awkward facial expressions. This is a very common female pose. But it’s still something you can include in a few of your photoshoots.

You can play around with shutter speeds. Use a fast shutter speed to capture sharp portraits. Or use a slower shutter speed for a more abstract shot with blur. Embrace the fluidity of the motion.

Shot with a Nikon D750, 85mm, f/1.4, 1/1600 s, ISO 800. Photo by Sheldon

3. Lean on a Wall

Embrace a casual vibe by positioning your model against a wall. Encourage her to lean her head against it. She can stand straight or arch her back a little.

But this must be subtle so the pose looks as natural as possible. Sunglasses or other accessories can be added to this laid-back pose for a distinctive touch.

Shot with Sony a7 III. 70mm, f/5.6, 1/80 s, ISO 160. Photo by Aleksandrina Andreeva

4. Look Over the Shoulder

Harness confidence and empowerment with this very common female pose in portrait photography. She can stand or be seated as she looks over her shoulder.

This classic pose exudes a feeling of strength and superiority. It’s adaptable to various locations and lighting setups.

Shot with a Canon EOS R6. 35mm, f/1.6, 1/250 s, ISO 100. Photo by Grace Hilty

5. One Hand on Hip

Have your model place one hand confidently on her hip. The other hand can hold an accessory or rest on her leg. This is one of the most empowering female poses out there. It accentuates her form and radiates cool confidence.

Shot with a Canon EOS 60D. 50mm, f/1.8, 1/160 s, ISO 400. Photo by Marlon Alves

6. Hands in Pockets

Embrace casual chic with this casual standing pose. Encourage your model to slip her hands into her pockets for an effortlessly stylish look.

It’s perfect for lifestyle photography. This pose adds character to the shot and prevents your subject from standing awkwardly in front of the camera.

Shot with a Canon EOS 6D Mark II. 85mm, f/3.2, 1/500 s, ISO 200. Photo by Anna Wojtowicz

7. Squat Pose (Baddie Squat)

You may have seen this pose on social media. The “baddie squat” is a hit on platforms like Instagram, loved by celebrities like Kylie Jenner.

To nail this pose, have your model squat while leaning on one leg and extending the other. This creates a balanced stance. It accentuates her figure and gives the portrait a trendy, edgy vibe. Modify it to a simple, powerful squat pose if she struggles with the extended leg.

Shot with a Nikon Z6. 50mm, f/1.8, 1/1600 s, ISO 500. Photo by Isaiah McCarty

8. The Cosy Pose

For autumn and winter shoots, consider a “cozy embrace.” In this pose, your model crosses her arms as if giving herself a warm hug. Encourage her to close her eyes slightly and lift her head to achieve a relaxed and inviting look.

But it’s not limited to just those seasons. It can also work as an expression of self-acceptance.

Shot with an Apple iPhone 8 Plus. 6.6mm, f/2.8, 1/30 s, ISO 50. Photo by Vanessa Kintaudi

9. Hands in Hair

Mastered by models and beginners alike, this pose radiates confidence. Instruct your model to place both hands in her hair with a subtle chin lift for added self-assuredness.

This versatile pose flatters all body types. You can use it in photoshoots with beginners. And it works wonders in building a model’s portfolio.

Shot with a Sony a7R III. 35mm, f/5, 1/500 s, ISO 100. Photo by Elise Wilcox

10. Stretch a Hand Out

This is a great female pose for creative portrait photography. This is an easy way to make your photos stand out without much fuss. It’s also a very easy pose for all kinds of models.

All your model has to do is stretch her arm out toward your lens. She can hold something, like a cup, as she does this or make a gesture. Use a wide aperture and focus on the model’s face. This will keep her in focus but artfully blur her hand and background.

Shot with a Sony a7 III. 43mm, f/2.8, 1/200 s, ISO 160. Photo by Brad Starkey

11. One Leg in Front of the Other

This popular standing pose accentuates outlines. And it adds a touch of elegance to any female model’s stance.

Ask your model to put one leg in front of the other. She can lean on her back leg and raise her front leg a little bit. Or she can put both hands on her hips for a power pose.

Shot with a Canon EOS 77D. 50mm, f/1.8, 1/1000 s, ISO 100. Photo by Dollar Gill

12. Hands on the Cheeks

This is a great female pose for captivating portrait photography close-ups. It highlights symmetry and draws attention to the model’s facial features.

Ask your model to place her hands on her cheeks. Encourage a gentle touch to avoid any undue pressure on the face. This helps avoid unflattering marks from appearing.

Shot with a Nikon D5300. 50mm, f/7.1, 1/160 s, ISO 100. Photo by Dimitar Dimitrov

13. Hands By the Mouth

This is a subtle variation of the previous pose. It exudes contemplation and allure.

In this pose, your model should gently place one or both hands near her mouth. She can touch her lips with her fingers, rest her chin on her hand, or bite her nails.

There are many possibilities for an interesting headshot. She can also tilt her head and slightly open her mouth. This female pose is great for emphasizing hands, nails, and lips.

14. Take a Few Steps Forward

Having your model walk toward the camera is another common pose in lifestyle portrait photography. Focus on your model and make sure you lock focus. Then ask her to move a few steps forward. And move with her so all of your photos remain sharp.

She can either look at you straight ahead or off to the side. This dynamic approach adds energy and spontaneity to your images. It helps capture her character in motion.

Shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. 50mm, f/1.8, 1/2500 s, ISO 100. Photo by Jasmin Chew

15. Lean Back

Instruct your model to stand sideways to the camera and subtly lean back. She shouldn’t lean on anything. This is a versatile pose that you can combine with other portrait poses. It creates an elegant silhouette that celebrates her form.

Shot with a Canon EOS Rebel T7i (800D). 85mm, f/1.8, 1/3200 s, ISO 100. Photo by Ibrahima Toure

16. Hands Behind the Neck

This is a great pose for elegant female photos. As your model gazes at the camera, have her delicately hold her neck with one or both hands.

The result is an alluring and elegant portrait that captures her poise. If you take a close-up photo, try to shoot at eye level to avoid making your model’s face look too large.

Shot with a Sony a7 IV. m50m, f/1.8, 1/250 s, ISO 640. Photo by Fineas Gavre

17. Hide Behind a Scarf

You can use this to pose and accentuate the color of your model’s eyes or makeup. All she needs to do is playfully hide behind a scarf or colorful fabric. Ideally, it should complement her skin tone and eye color.

Use a zoom or long portrait lens for a comfortable distance. This will help her feel more comfortable experimenting with different expressions. It also helps with creative framing.

Shot with a Canon EOS 6D Mark II. 50mm, f/2.2, 1/500 s, ISO 320. Photo by Aleksandra Sapozhnikova

18. Sideways Profile

Have your model stand or sit in profile, with her gaze fixed forward. It’s an excellent way to get a close-up side profile shot. But it is can also a good opportunity to get a striking portrait pose for environmental portraits.

Try shooting from a distance to capture the model and her surroundings simultaneously. This composition can add an atmospheric touch to your portraits and create an intriguing narrative.

Shot with a Canon EOS R50. 40mm, f/6.3, 1/160 s, ISO 200. Photo by Anna Keibalo

19. Pull Hair From Both Sides

You’ll love this tip. It adds a touch of playfulness to a female model pose! It works best if your model has medium-length or long hair.

Ask your model to pull her hair from both sides. This infuses energy into the frame. Then experiment with different expressions to capture her dynamic personality.

Shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. 100mm, f/4, 1/320 s, ISO 500. Photo by Dynamic Wang

20. Legs Apart

Standing up straight with the legs apart is a power pose that’s great for female portraits. It strongly implies the sense of stability and self-assuredness. It also casts a big shape, filling the frame for a more dominant portrait. 

It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s confident. You have to use this female pose if you want your women to look powerful and in control. 

© Brad Switzer

Sitting Female Poses

Having a big collection of sitting poses, you can help your model stay relaxed. They might feel less awkward than when stood up. And it allows you to use their body in different ways and create new shapes. 

You can also have powerful sitting poses for women at promote confidence and intensity. 

21. Hands On Cheek, Looking Up

Include this pose in your photoshoot for a tranquil note. Have your model rest her cheek in her hand, her elbow propped on a surface, and her gaze toward the heavens.

This relaxed pose creates a sparkle in her eyes and ensures even lighting on her face. The result is a well-lit, ethereal portrait.

Shot with a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. 80mm, f/4.5, 1/60 s, ISO 100. Photo by Lola Rose

22. Head on a Soft Surface

This is a relaxed photography pose perfect for any model. It can capture the essence of comfort or other emotions.

Have your model sit on or by a comfortable surface. This can be a couch, armchair, or bed. She can rest her head on the couch or a pillow. And she can look into the distance or directly at the camera.

Experiment with shooting angles to convey different emotions. Shoot at eye level for familiarity or a higher angle for a touch of vulnerability.

Shot with a Nikon D810. 85mm, f/1.6, 1/250 s, ISO 320. Photo by Navid Artworks.

23. Legs Folded to the Body

Evoke elegance and grace by having your model curl up on a comfortable surface. It’s also an effective female pose for studio portrait photography.

Have your model draw her knees to her chest and rest her head gently on her knees. Then have her place her hands delicately on her feet. Or she can hug her knees. You can have her play with different variations of this.

This pose is particularly captivating for dancers. And it lends itself to creative and conceptual photography. Variations can include legs curled to the side or resting her head on her knees in a sitting pose.

Shot with a Canon EOS Kiss X5. 50mm, f/2.5, 1/640s, ISO 200. Photo by Baran Lotfollahi

24. Elbows on a Table

Display casual simplicity with this pose. It combines a basic pose and storytelling for a minimalistic lifestyle portrait.

Position your model at a table with elbows resting comfortably on its surface. Then have her tilt her head for a relaxed, engaging expression.

Props like books, drinks, or fruit can be added to enhance the narrative within the frame.

Shot with a Canon EOS Rebel T6i (750D). 50mm, f/1.8, 1/250 s, ISO 200. Photo by Ilyas Bolatov

25. Sitting With Toes Pointed

Take a few photos of your model sitting on a chair with toes pointed out. Again, there are several variations and ways to interpret this. She can point her toes out and bend her legs to create a flattering curve in her body.

And she can turn away from the camera to create a sense of mystery. Or it can be a more direct portrait with her looking forward.

Shot with a Canon EOS Rebel T3i (60D). 50mm, f/3.2, 1/640 s, ISO 100. Photo by Timur Romanov

26. Side Resting Pose

Encourage your model to lie on her side. She can rest her head on her arm or something comfortable. Or ask her to gaze directly at the camera.

This candid pose exudes an air of relaxation and confidence. This makes it perfect for capturing casual expressions.

Shot with a Sony a7 IV, 1/160 s, ISO 160.

27. Crossed Legs While Sitting

You can try this at any point in your photo session as an icebreaker. It’s a simple pose that can make your portrait photos look striking.

Have the female model swing one leg over the other. And then, she can try different poses with her hands. She can put them gently in front. Or she can even put an elbow on the bent knee and gently rest her chin on her hand for a charming look.

Shot with a Nikon D3200. 35mm, f/2.5, 1/4000 s, ISO 100. Photo by Tamara Bellis

28. Reversed Chair

Using a chair backwards is a classic technique for female portraits. By forcing the woman to open her legs, it’s immediately provocative and confident. The model can also straighten one or both legs to create strong, dynamic shapes. 

They can also lean on the back of the chair, allowing them to bring their hands to their face in a natural way.  

© Anhelina Osaulenko

29. Legs Apart

You don’t need a backwards chair for a legs-spread pose. You can also sit wit the legs apart when using a normal chair.

This type of pose won’t be for all women, but it’s a great technique if you want a woman to look confident. Of course, it’s sexually suggestive. But confident women are in control of their sexuality. 

© Anthony Notes

30. Lean Forward

This is a less provocative pose that still inspires confidence. Any type of chair will do, so it will become a go-to pose in any shooting location.

The model can have their legs open or closed. You can achieve a deeper lean when the legs are open, but you can position the hands in between to make it less suggestive. This is a good option for less confident women looking for a powerful sitting pose. 

© Erinada Valpurgieva

31. Side to Front

By sitting side-to-front, the model creates an interesting shape. It’s slightly disconcerting at first, but it also implies confidence. It tells the viewer that this person in unconventional and does things her own way. 

As with other chair shots, the model can use the chair’s back as a surface to rest their arms. They can bring their hands to their face or lean them on the chair. 

© Melbin Jacob

32. Arms to One Side

Draping the arms to one wide creates a casual yet confident look. They should cross their legs or have them lean in one direction while having their arms casually placed in the other. It helps if they have something shoulder-height they can lean one of their arms on. 

© Brooke Cagle

Lying Down Female Poses

Lying down poses can be anything from casual to sexy. You can really bring out the elegant shapes of a woman’s body when they’re lying down. And you can play with different camera perspectives to achieve different types of portraits. 

33. Lie on Stomach

This is an easy female pose for indoor portrait photography. Have your model lie on a clean surface like a wooden floor or a bed. She can bend her legs back behind her. This creates a comfortable and laid-back look.

Shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark III. 50mm, f/1.6, 1/500 s, ISO 500. Photo by Giorgio Trovato

34. Lie on the Edge of a Bed

This is a great pose to add to your list of fun photography poses. It works best if your female model has long hair. But it works with short-haired models too.

Position your model’s head at the edge of the bed, letting her long hair cascade downwards. This dynamic pose accentuates the beauty of flowing locks. And it adds a playful element to your portraits.

Shot with a Nikon D70. 52mm, f/5.6, 1/13 s, ISO 200. Photo by Baran Lotfollahi

35. Lie with Arms Stretched Above Head

Sometimes, simplicity is best for a successful photoshoot. Have your model lie on the floor in a relaxed pose, exuding casual elegance.

Positioning her arms above her head with stretch the torso, creating long lines that accentuate the body. It also slims the midsection, which is great for self-conscious models. 

Shot with a Canon EOS 6D. 24mm, f/2.8, 1/125 s, ISO 100. Photo by Samantha Sokolva

36. Flat Back Knees Bent

This female pose gives you a strong visual when shot from a side angle. By bringing the knees up to bend the legs, you create a triangle that’s visually pleasing. And by keeping the back flat on the ground and the shoulder back, it slims the belly. 

© Max

37. Lying on Side

A woman lying on her side also creates an elegant shape with long sweeping lines. 

Have the model stretch her lower arm out so it’s in line with the rest of her body. This will be more comfortable as she’ll be able to rest her head on her arm. But it also gives you one long connection to the ground. With the arm tucked under, the head with be raised off the ground and the body more hunched. 

© James Forbes

38. Hair Fanned Out

If your model has long, luxurious hair, you can use it for this fabulous female pose. Have the model lie flat on the ground and spread their hair out as much as possible. You can let it form natural waves or, if it’s long enough, you can create shapes. 

Use a step ladder to get an overhead shot. You need the elevation to capture their face and all the long, flowing hair. 

© Karl Hedin

Conclusion: Best Female Portrait Poses

Each female pose has its unique charm and purpose. Experimenting with different female poses not only adds variety to your portfolio. It also helps your subjects express themselves authentically.

So don’t hesitate to embrace these female portrait poses in your next photoshoot. And capture the essence of each individual with a touch of artistry and style.

Keep practising, experimenting, and evolving your techniques. This will help your subjects feel at ease and make your portrait photography shine.