How to Choose the Best Headshots Poses for Your Photos

Getting professional headshots taken can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. You want photos that capture your personality and display you in the best possible light. An important factor in achieving great headshots is choosing the right poses. Selecting headshots poses that flatter you and fit the image you want to project takes some forethought. Here are some tips on choosing excellent poses for headshots:

Focus on Your Strengths

When selecting headshot poses, play up your best features and assets. Identify what you see as your positive attributes and how you want to be perceived. Do you have a warm smile you want highlighted? Sharp jawline? Strong cheekbones? Figure out what physical traits you want to showcase. Choose poses that accentuate those strengths. For example, tilting your head can emphasize nice jaw structure. A smiling pose draws attention to your eyes and bright expression. Posing with your body slightly angled and head turned evokes a more candid, approachable feel compared to a straight head-on angle.

Consider Emotion and Personality

In addition to flattering your appearance, your pose should communicate the impression you wish to make. Think about the emotions and personality traits you want your headshots to convey. Do you wish to transmit warmth? Professionalism? Strong leadership? Use poses that align with the message. Open body language with arms uncrossed looks friendly and engaging. Sitting poses exude casual composure. Standing tall with hands on hips or clasped behind your back expresses confidence. A slight smile contributes sincerity and warmth. Minor posture tweaks can have a major influence on the mood of the photo.

Frame Your Face

When posing for head-and-shoulders shots, incorporate your arms, hands, and torso. The way you hold your hands near your face makes a difference. Placing hands under your chin can appear thoughtful. Showing just one hand by your cheek looks elegant. Clasping hands in front creates stable symmetry. Do not clench hands too tightly, which looks tense. Make sure your fingers are relaxed and gracefully positioned. The angle of your shoulders also impacts framing. Tilting one shoulder up towards your ear creates a slimming diagonal line. Dropping both shoulders looks casual. Decide if you want sharp lines or soft curves around your face.

Work Your Angles

The angle of your pose completely changes how your features look. Face the camera head-on for the most direct, confident impression. Turn your upper body or head slightly to the side for a more dynamic look. Look up a bit to exude high energy. Glance downwards for a contemplative mood. The most flattering angle typically involves facing your head mostly forward and turning it just a little off-center. Play around to determine the angles that show you in the best light. Take photos from different perspectives to see what is most complementary.

Find Your Inspiration

Looking at sample poses can provide inspiration on how to approach your own headshot session. Notice how shifting just a few minor details creates totally different feels. See which types of poses most align with the image you wish to present. Pick a few exemplary poses you can try out and make them your own. Remember that the pose needs to look and feel natural on you. If you fidget or look uncomfortable, it will show through in the photos. Select poses that play to your strengths but also feel like an authentic representation of you.

Top Poses for Headshots

Here are some of the best, most versatile headshot poses to consider:

The Over-the-Shoulder - Turn your upper body at an angle to the camera with one shoulder coming forward. Look back over that shoulder with your head turned so your gaze meets the camera. This power pose slims your features.

Sitting Down - Sitting in a chair or low to the ground exudes approachability and confidence. Try leaning forward with forearms on thighs. Or place hands gracefully in your lap. Keep your torso engaged.

The Solid Stance - Standing tall with legs hip-width apart and weight distributed evenly makes for a strong, grounded pose. Clasp hands in front or place hands on your hips. Shoulders stay down and head is straight.

Reading a Book - Hold a book in both hands in front of your torso. Tilt your head down slightly and look up at the camera as if interrupted mid-read. This pose conveys intelligence.

Chin on Hand - Place your elbow on a table surface. Rest your chin thoughtfully on your hand. Angle your body slightly away from the camera. Look directly into the lens.

Leaning on Wall - Cross your ankles and lean sideways against a wall or surface. Your head can face forward or turn towards the camera. One hand placed on the wall looks stable.

Seated Crouch - Crouch down in a slight squat with elbows resting on thighs. Your gaze tilts upward at the camera positioned above you. This unique perspective stands out.

Hands Behind Back - Lace your fingers together behind your back while you stand tall. This pose expresses confidence and professionalism. Women can use one hand to hold the opposite wrist gracefully.

The Head Tilt - Start straight on then tilt your head slightly up/down/left/right for more visual interest. Avoid tilting both left and down/right and up at the same time.

Lift Your Chin - Lifting your chin ever so slightly helps elongate the neck. But do not tilt too far back or it strains the neck. Add a slight smile to finish the pose.

Mix It Up

During your headshot session, move through various poses instead of sticking to just one or two. Subtle variations in your positioning, gaze, expression, and framing create diverse options for your photographer. They can then select the best shots that bring out different aspects of your personality and highlight your features. Flow organically through poses without overthinking each small change. Practice fluid transitions that look and feel natural. Aim for around a dozen strong options that give your photographer great material to work with.

Relax and Be Yourself

The most important tip for choosing poses is to relax. If you appear stiff, awkward, or uncertain, the camera will catch it. Have confidence, even if you have to fake it at first. Remember your headshot is simply to capture your essence. Don't obsess over looking perfect. Focus on feeling like the best version of yourself. That natural confidence and authenticity will shine through. Before the shoot, practice holding your chosen poses comfortably in front of a mirror. Finding ease in your own skin brings out your natural magnetism.

Conclusion

With the right headshot poses that complement your strengths and showcase your spirit, you are sure to end up with stunning professional headshots. Use these tips to find positions that feel both flattering and true to who you are. A talented photographer will also offer guidance on optimal stances. Approach your session with a positive attitude and a willingness to have fun experimenting. When you exude confidence and character, the perfect pose becomes any that feels right in the moment.