25 Sitting Poses for Photos: Flattering Sitting Positions (2023)

portraitThis can be a challenge, especially if you are youngPhotography.Directing your subject is no easy task, even when shooting from a seated position - trust me, it gets harder as there are fewer elements to play with.

I know how hard it is to come up with good poses while shooting. And I also know what it's like to feel completely lost because you don't know what to do.

So in this post, I'm going to share 25 sitting positions to help you get ready for your next shoot.

Let's start!

25 sitting positionsfor photos

In this list, I'll give you ideas for photographing people sitting outside and inside. Some docks are for chairs and couches, while others are for stairs, curbs, and even floors. Also, at the end, I have two ideas for a pose for more than one person.

Before proceeding with the pose, it is importantschedule your appointmentMove forward so you can work more smoothly and safely. This will help you focus while working and give you a more professional look in front of the model.

I want to clarify this because sometimes we don't think enough about programming. We prefer to improvise and see "how it turns out". Of course, sometimes this experiment produces something beautiful. Even so, you'll still feel lost and meaningless most of the time, which doesn't help you (or your model) feel at ease.

so alwaysprepare a mood board. Include references for your shoot, from colors and styles you want to examples of poses you want to photograph. The clearer you are about what you want to achieve, the better.

Now, without further ado, let's get seated:

1.Lean forward with your elbows on your knees

The attitude is simple, classic and versatile. In addition, you can use the hand position to adapt to different emotions depending on the effect you want to produce.

For example, if you want your subject to look serious but relaxed, tell them to spread their legs, put their elbows on their knees, and rest their hands on their waists. Or you can get them to smile, put their legs together and put a hand or two under their chin for a more inviting and friendly atmosphere.

2.sitting on the steps

Stairs are great for creating stunning,dynamic photography.In addition, they create a more casual look.

You can position your subject in the middle of the stairs with one leg higher than the other to create an even more impressive composition. The best part is that this pose can be done both forward and sideways.

3.Lean back with your arms at your sides

This pose is great to createThe effortless, almost photo-like casual look is completely honest.Great for painting on a large chair or sofa.

You can try placing your hands on top of your hands or just one arm by your side, with your arms crossed to form a triangle with your arms.

4.one knee up

Whether you're sitting on a chair, on a step, or high up on a wall, this pose is perfect for adding more life to your composition. It's also a great way to give your model a relaxed look.

Make sure one leg is bent, with the foot close to the hip and the knee up. The other leg is kept at a lower level, slightly bent or straightened (depending on where the subject is sitting).

As a final suggestion, try opening your upper legs slightly to the side, instead of all the way forward.

5.legs apart

This pose looks fun and creates interesting eye-catching lines - good for fashion andstreet photography.Great for using a high chair or for working on the floor. It also works well with the legs fully extended or slightly bent.

6.style pereca

This is another classic pose for a quick fix portrait sitting on the floor or in a chair.

As the name suggests, this pose simply means crossing your legs like a pretzel (well, sort of). The hands can be placed between the legs or on the support.

7.the position of crossed legs on the side

This pose looks feminine and sophisticated while being earthy and classic.

Your model should be45 degreesTurn towards the camera instead of facing it completely. In this way, you can make better use of the lines created based on the position of the body and legs, resulting in a more impressive portrait without losing simplicity.

8.Feet bent on the floor, one knee up

This is a variation of the pose we saw earlier on the floor.

In this case, bend one leg as in the pretzel pose, and keep the other slightly bent, with the knee pointing up and the foot on the floor. You can then move your torso slightly forward and place one hand (or both) on the raised leg.

9.lean on the table

If you have a table, make the most of it! You can play with the model's hands to create interesting lines and shapes, and forget about the legs for a moment.

For example, you can have your subjects rest their forearms on the table, forming a triangle between their hands and head - it never fails. Alternatively, you can have them rest their elbows on the table and rest their chin on their hands.

10.chair on one side, one hand on the back

It's a good idea to use the chair in a different way and stand out.

You can control the direction of your body by crossing your legs forward or sideways.

11.lean against the wall with your legs bent

Here's another simple and classic pose that always works. It looks great with your hands on your knees or with one leg higher than the other to create a more dramatic line. Try it indoors or out with walls, frames, windows, trees and more.

You can take photos with the subject completely sideways or at a 45-degree angle to the camera.

12.L shapes

Any pose that creates lines and geometric shapes will add a lot to your final image. The L pose is perfect for fashion photography and is perfect for showing off your long legs.

Sit on a chair or windowsill and slightly bend your legs to one side, forming a thin L shape. Touch the floor with your toes to create the illusion of longer legs.

13.sits on his lap

The attitude is simple, pleasant and sweet. Remember, it looks better from the side than from the front.

14.lean back with your legs crossed

This pose is perfect for photographing the subject from the front and creatingattractive vertical composition.Working on a sofa, chair or stairs.

Have the subject lean back slightly and cross their legs in front. It would be even better if they could hold their hands by their sides. With it you can create an intense yet elegant look for your portraits.

15.legs to one side

this is one of the most common seatsfemale pose.It just requires you to keep your legs together and at your sides without crossing them. Works both on a chair and on the floor. Besides, it looks great and sophisticated.

16.hug the knees

This pose works with one or both knees raised. It is beautiful and adaptable to different situations and themes.

You can shoot this pose from the front, from the side, and from above. Also, if you want to move him out of the way, you can tell the model to rest his head on the lap.

17.shot position

The kicking pose is perfect for creating playful and dynamic photos. To do this, raise one leg in the air and lower the other leg slightly bent or straight - depending on the chair, whichever is more comfortable for you. It works well from the side, at a 45 degree angle to the camera and from a low angle.

18.Lean forward, rest your chin on your hand

This pose is perfect for photographing children or creating tenderness in an unadorned portrait.

The trick in this pose is not to put the weight of the head on the hands, but to hold it in a very subtle way. This avoids distortion of the face (especially the cheeks and jaw).

19.squat with legs apart

This pose is great for both fashion and street photography. It helps create a wild and relaxed feel without making the photo look too staged.

You should do some exercise though, because your legs will be very tired!

20.ballet pose

This pose is one of my favorites becausefeminine and sweet.It fits well with stools of different heights, it is best to pull it to the side to emphasize the line created by the legs.

The idea is to have one leg straight and the other bent, with the knee up. For a better look, point your toes like a ballerina.

21.diamond stand

The diamond pose is easy to achieve and looks great in photos on a high chair.

As the name suggests, the idea is to get your legs into a diamond shape by keeping your knees out and bringing your feet down. Hands can be placed on the chair between the legs.

What I love most about this pose is that it looks casual and effortless while still creating beautiful lines.

22.lean back with straight arms

This option is great for creating a relaxed, carefree feeling. It looks great on the floor or any surface and is perfect for a travel photo blog.

You can photograph your subject from the front, back or at a 45-degree angle. And, if you want to add something else, you can shoot the models from behind, making them look back at the camera.

23.legs in the air

The trick here is to hang your legs in the air and use only your hips to support yourself. It's perfect for testing stairs or a chair, and it looks great from the side too.

This pose looks playful and primitive, but it is not easy to do. So practice this before shooting to get your subjects used to it.

24.For couples: back to back pose

Sometimes it is necessary to capture more than one person in the frame, and if you do not have a prepared sitting position for such situations, your photos can look a bit boring.

So this is my favorite position for two people: back to back.

The idea is simple and classic, that's why it always works! Plus, it's perfect for almost any two-person portrait, whether it's a couple, siblings, parent-child, etc.

If you want to give it a more interesting twist, you can try tilting your head back and doing it from an upward angle.

25.For groups: different heights and shapes

the best way to make itcrowdIt's even more fun to use different poses at different heights. You can do this with a series of stairs or by playing with chairs of different heights. Remember to create lines with the subject's legs and arms to make the composition more interesting.

closing words

I know that portraits can be intimidating at first and that it takes a lot of practice to be a good portrait photographer - just like any other type of photography.

So the best advice I can give you is to look for references, plan your lessons over time and practice with your friends.

In addition, you can practice alone. I personally like to test poses and shoot myself first to figure out how to improve them and guide the subject more effectively. It also helps to know if the pose is uncomfortable so you don't make it difficult for the model.

learn photographyIt's all about trial and error, so grab your camera and find a place to sit and practice your poses!

a common problem