Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 18th May 2023

Fact: We live in a visual, media-obsessed world. Fact: If you want to succeed in today’s climate, you need to use social media to your advantage. And how do you do that? By looking attractive in every single one of the photos you post. Like it or not, good-looking people have easier lives. They have an easier time connecting to others because they look more trustworthy and feel more comfortable socializing. They may even have more job opportunities and more cash in their bank accounts (yes, you read that right). Luckily, you can curate your online image in a way that makes you look more attractive and interesting by simply paying attention to how others see you and stepping up your posing game. Of course, this is easier said than done – being comfortable in front of the camera takes quite a bit of practice and time. To make things a bit easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best posing tips to help you appear attractive in every shot.

Find Your Best Angle 

Finding your best angle is the first and most important tip for appearing good-looking in every picture. How do you do this? Start with experimenting with different angles to find the one that flatters your features the most. Bear in mind that most people look the best by tilting their head slightly and bringing their face forward a bit. You may also want to try tipping your chin slightly down. This may feel a little unnatural in the beginning, but as you practice, it’s guaranteed to become easier.

Relax Your Face 

Speaking of feeling unnatural, avoid forced or fake poses. Sure, big eyes may look beautiful in real life, but in photos? A person with wide-open eyes is more likely to look like a deer in the headlights than beautiful. Before snapping a pic, take a deep breath (trust us, it really works!) and relax your face. A small, genuine smile is a bonus but not necessary. 

Maintain Good Posture 

Good posture matters to your overall health – and is crucial for being more photogenic and looking good in pictures. Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders back and your chest out, but – and this is essential – do not face the camera straight on. Yes, you want to stand (or sit) tall, with your shoulders back, because that signifies confidence and elongates your body, making you look taller. However, you don’t want to force yourself to hold an unnatural position and face the camera squarely. Instead, maintain good posture, and position your body at about a 45-degree angle. This way, you’ll look more relaxed, natural, and slimmer. Don’t forget to wear stylish and comfortable clothes! 

Shift Your Weight 

While we’re on the subject of good posture, you don’t want to distribute your weight evenly between both feet – that’s likely to make you look stiff and awkward. Instead, shift your weight so that most of it is on your back leg. This will make you look slimmer and add visual interest to your pose.

Be Mindful of Your Hands 

Can’t figure out why your hands and arms look stiff and weird in photos? You’re probably holding them rigid beside your body. Experiment with different arm and hand positions to find what feels comfortable and looks good. Most people look their best when they slightly bend their arms, put their hands in their pockets, or simply place one on their hip. Want to convey a powerful pose? Consider posing with your arms crossed. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Move 

If you’ve tried everything but still find yourself looking (and feeling) stiff in photos, move! Walk a little, move your arms, heck, you can even jump. Adding some movement to your pose and picture will make you look more relaxed and natural. Moving around can greatly help when taking pictures, especially if you usually end up looking stiff and tense. As a bonus, you’ll get some candid-looking pics (even though they are anything but), which always look more genuine and can even make a better impression. 

Wrapping Up 

Posing is a skill like any other, so practice, practice, practice. Don’t be afraid to take dozens of pictures in order to get a few great ones. Relax, have fun, and experiment! If you’re a photographer posing other people, consider using photo card printing services to create unique custom photo cards that you or your clients can later use as invitations or even as memorable keepsakes.

Find Your Best Angle, Relax Your Face, Maintain Good Posture, Shift Your Weight, Be Mindful of Your Hands, and Don’t Be Afraid to Move.