Cute Poses For Pictures: Ideas For Instagram & More!
Let’s face it – social media is here to stay!
So why not make the most of it?!
I’ve been on social media myself for quite a few years now.
I’ve always loved sharing outfit ideas and my favorite finds.
However, being confident in front of the camera took some time!
Whether you’re an influencer or someone who just enjoys sharing outfits, it’s important to have some cute poses that you feel comfortable with.
Today, I’ll be going over some different ways you can pose solo, with family members, and even with a furry friend!
Cute Poses For Photos For Instagram & Beyond
1. Classic Pose
Putting your hands on your hips or with a hand in your pocket is a great way to pose when you want to keep it simple.
This can be one hand or both and can be with you looking at or away from the camera.
You can pop your hip slightly, and even turn your wrists so just your thumbs are in the front.
Many people (myself included) often feel that having just the thumbs in front option makes the pose a little less stiff-looking.
However, whichever way is natural for you is the way to go.
2. A Bit Of Movement
I always seem to love the photos that were taken during candid moments.
Of course, if you are in the middle of a scheduled photoshoot, it’s not necessarily candid, but can absolutely appear that way.
Instead of just standing in place, add some movement to your pose.
I personally love the walking down the sidewalk look.
Just remember when doing this that you always have your shoulders back and you are facing the right way so that the wind (if any) works with you and not against you.
No one wants to have their photos ruined because of messy hair!
I personally love my right side for photos so I always make sure the setting where I’m taking photos allows me to position myself that way.
Think about your “good side” and make sure that you can position yourself so that you feel best during your shoot.
3. With Props
One of the easiest ways to feel less awkward during a photo shoot is to use props.
They definitely make traditional poses feel less awkward.
Your props can be anything from a drink tumbler to a phone, handbag, flowers, basket, etc.
Chances are, you’ll probably have a handbag with you anyway, so use it to your advantage!
Just make sure that whatever prop you choose is suitable for the setting.
If you’re heading to the beach, a pair of flip-flops, sunglasses, or a beach bag are great options.
If you’re sitting at a restaurant this could be a glass of water, wine, or even chopsticks.
4. With Your Pet
There are several different poses you can do with your pet – depending on their size of course.
With our little 5-pound yorkie-poo, I love holding her!
If you have a dog this small, you could even have them peeking out over a tote bag.
Both are adorable poses for a dog this size.
If you have a larger breed dog (we’ve got those, too!) you could sit next to them, have them go in between your legs, stand next to them, etc.
Whichever route you choose, all are equally great for capturing a tender moment between you and your furry bestie.
5. With Triangles
If you want to nail the perfect pose, here’s a trick I learned years ago – create triangles.
I know this might sound strange, but I promise you it works for every body type, shape, and size.
For example, if you are standing straight on simply bring one armed up and out while simultaneously touching your sunglasses (or hair, hat, etc.).
This creates a triangle between your body and your elbow.
Although you are stationary, it creates visual interest in the photo.
Another way to do this is by sitting on a couch, stairs, bench, etc.
Simple sit, lean back slightly to one side, put the arm on that same side down and slightly out.
The triangle will be created in the space between your arm, body, and sofa.
Additionally, this will also create a triangle between your feet, floor, and legs.
There’s a great example of this a few images below this one!
This is hands down one of the best poses if you love the backdrop but don’t have much room to work with.
6. Add Your Partner
There are so many cute couple poses!
When working with 2 people it can be hard to get everybody’s best angle.
If that’s the case, consider a pose that allows you to move naturally.
Check out the photo above as an example.
We didn’t want to stand directly next to each other for this photo because we wanted something a bit more fun and candid.
By hopping up at an angle slightly higher than my husband I was able to choose which side I wanted to be on while still being close enough to him to properly position myself for a photo.
The corner of the counter worked best for this and in the end, we got a great picture!
Try this the next time you do a couples photoshoot and I bet you’ll be surprised at how great your photos turn out.
7. Sitting Down
Natural poses are definitely more my speed than daring or edgy.
Sitting down is right up my alley LOL.
While I don’t recommend sitting and taking your pictures straight on, there are plenty of ways you can get a great photo while seated.
If you have long hair as I do, playing with your hair is always an option.
I have my hands in my hair in almost all of my Instagram photos these days.
The best part about using your hair is that it also alleviates the need to add a prop!
My first posing tip for capturing the perfect shot while sitting is to take your photo at an angle.
If you’re working with a photographer chances are they’ll tell you this, but if you’re using your tripod to take your own photos, keep this in mind.
The second tip is to try different postions with your legs.
Generally, extending one leg while bending the other is most flattering as it helps to elongate your body and create balance.
8. Lean Against An Object
For a lot of people, it feels a bit more comfortable touching or holding something when taking photos.
Empty hands can, and often do, feel awkward when having your photo taken.
While finding something to lean on that is the perfect height can be a challenging task, if it’s an option, it’s one you should always consider.
In this photo, I’m using the wall for 2 reasons.
The first reason is that my dress is a bit longer than I would like, so by using the ledge to shorten it a bit, I’m able to make it a bit more flattering.
Additionally, it gives me something to do so that I’m not just standing there empty-handed.
As you can see, I’m also using one of my other photography tips which is to create a triangle with my other arm.
In the end, I was able to get a great shot that ended up being such a cute Instagram picture!
9. Walk Toward The Camera
If you can’t find a great pose you love while standing still, try walking toward the camera.
The best way to do this is at an angle so that you can capture the movement more naturally.
The angle can even be very slight, like it is in the image above.
You can still get the front of your face into the photo without staring straight ahead and having it looking too forced.
A great place to do this is on a sidewalk, however, there are many other places that work as well.
Some options include a flower patch, a quiet trail, the beach, a bridge, and much more.
10. Flip Your Skirt Or Dress
If you prefer a flirty, girlier vibe, female poses that incorporate clothing are some of the best!
A windy day is perfect for this because it happens naturally and often induces candid reactions by the person being photographed.
However, you can certainly do this fun pose on a non-windy day.
It just may need a few more takes to get in just right.
A loose-fitting skirt or dress is the perfect piece of clothing for this.
Just be sure it isn’t too short, or you could risk showing more than you planned!
11. Use A Side Angle
A good way to instantly take your photos from amateur to expert is by using angles to your advantage.
You could have a great setting, incredible figure, and the perfect outfit, but without proper posing, chances are you won’t love the photos.
While this is a very simple pose, it’s one that can completely change the overall vibe of your pictures.
With a bit of practice, you can take this from feeling awkward to feeling sexy in no time.
Side note – still creating triangles here!
12. Walk Away From The Camera
You don’t need a professional photographer to teach you cool poses.
Looking back over your shoulder is one of the easiest poses to do!
The most important thing about this post is getting the angle just right.
This pose is incredibly popular in wedding photography but can also make for great solo Instagram pictures.
You can also do this pose basically anywhere – this photo is actually in the walkway of our home!
While a fake walk might not seem like the most comfortable thing to do, it’s one of the best ways to capture photos that look more natural.
13. Throw Leaves
For those who love the great outdoors, throwing leaves can be a fun way to catch some cute photos.
This is great opportunity to add your kids into the mix and it’s always popular in couples photography as well.
In the winter, you can also swap out the leaves with snow.
Bonus points for a snowball being another cute prop to add to the mix!
14. Hands up
The best photos often happen when you least expect them.
Cute but casual couple poses could include anything from sitting on a bench together, walking hand-in-hand, or snapping a picture in the middle of you two just laughing and having a great time, like above!
Raise your free hand in the air as if you’re celebrating and have your hunni sneak in a nose kiss or some forehead kisses to make it even more adorable.
15. Give The Peace Sign
Of all the cute Instagram poses out there, this is one of my favorites.
There’s just something about it that is so fun-loving, inviting, and happy!
You can easily do this one solo, with friends, your partner, and kids.
16. A Mirror Selfie
Cute selfie poses have been in for quite a few years now.
All you have to do is stand in front of the mirror and snap away!
Sometimes these actually end up being my favorite photos because they just don’t seem so forced.
One of the good things about going this route is that you can choose to not show your face if you prefer.
I actually feel that I get better angles when I hold the camera so my face isn’t showing.
With a mirror selfie, you can get the perfect Instagram shot to show off your full outfit of the day or you can capture just your upper body if you prefer.
17. Laugh It Off
You know what they say, laughter is the best medicine!
So why not incorporate it into your photos?
It’s an old tried and true trick to getting that candid and natural image the easy way!
18. Cover up
Covering your face is a playful way to take an otherwise basic photo.
You can cover your face with just your hand or you can use. prop.
In this photo I was sharing some of my favorite Tula products, so to make the image a bit more fun I covered my eyes with one of the bottles. Easy peasy!
19. One Leg Up
Here’s another simple yet playful pose that’s not only adorable but inersally flattering!
Simply bring both arms out while simultaneously lifting one leg up.
This pose takes zero practice and is great for all backdrops!
Conclusion
There are so many easy yet cute poses you can do to get great photos.
However, the right pose will vary from one person to another.
Ultimately, you need to go with the one that makes you look and feel your best!
If you still want some more ideas, check out my instagram!
Hopefully, you found a cute pose idea from our suggestions above for your next photo shoot.
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