The 5 best basic poses for solo portraits

Have you ever posed by yourself for a photo and thought, “I’m not sure what to do with my hands”? We’ve got you covered. Check out these five basic poses for solo portraits so you never have to worry about feeling awkward in your photoshoots.

Using props

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Any type of prop can add a little something to a photo and keep your hands occupied. You can even bring a couple of different props along and create a themed shoot! You’ll never feel unsure of what to do with your hands again.

Looking away

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Don’t be afraid to look away from the camera now and then to get some unique shots. If there’s a particular side that you feel better about showing off, you can turn your head that way and look thoughtfully into the distance. Another option is to look down at the ground, or you can turn around and look over your shoulder. These poses add variety to the shoot and provide an opportunity for the photographer to capture different angles.

Sitting poses

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Many people feel more comfortable sitting down for photos. With these poses, your hands might fall a bit more naturally, whether you’re leaning on them or placing them in your lap. You can sit on a chair or on the ground with your legs folded or ankles crossed. Choose what is most comfortable for you because that will make for more natural photos.

Leaning against a counter/wall/table

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Another way to get comfortable when posing for solo portraits is to lean against something, like a counter, table, or wall. This can prevent looking unintentionally stiff when you’re trying to keep your body straight. Come on, we all slouch at times. We might as well embrace it in a few photos.

Standing with hands on hips, legs crossed

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When you’re posing for standing photos, one of the best ways to accentuate the natural curves of your body is to cross your legs and place a hand just above your hip. You can keep your shoulders up straight, or turn a bit and place your other hand on your thigh. Don’t forget to smile!

Contact October Dreams Photography today to set up a portrait session!