25 Cool Poses for Men, According to Photographers & Modeling Agents

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Plus, more tips to look good and feel confident in any photo
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Whether it’s time for senior pictures, you need a new thirst trap to upload to Tinder, or you’re thinking of dipping your toes into the male modeling world, knowing how to pose and use your body can make or break your final shot. If you’re not sure where to start (don’t feel bad—most guys don’t!), you’re in the right place. We’ll show you 25 of the most attractive photo poses for men, plus more tips to look your best in photographs, all with tips and insights from professional photographers and modeling agents. Say goodbye to feeling self-conscious in photos!

How should guys pose for pics?

Modeling agent Traci Halvorson recommends putting your hands in your pockets or pretending to adjust something on your outfit, like cufflinks, to strike a cool pose as a guy. Other easy and attractive poses for men include:

  • Crossing your arms.
  • Leaning against a wall or railing.
  • Walking during the shoot to get a mid-stride shot.
  • Touching your face or chin (like “The Thinker” statue).
  • Sitting down and leaning in with your elbows on your knees.
Section 1 of 2:

Best Photo Poses for Men

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  1. 1
    Hands-in-pocket Halvorson says “hands in the pocket” is a good pose for men because you can “use the pocket as a reference so you don’t strike your hands on your hips.”[1] It’s a simple pose that gives you something to do with your hands—just keep your thumb(s) hooked on the outside of the pocket so your hands don’t look cropped off. Halvorson adds, “You could do your back pocket or your front pocket. There’s really not a whole lot to do.”[2]

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Traci Halvorson is a modeling agent, former model, and the owner of Halvorson Model Management (HMM) with over 25 years of experience in the modeling industry.

    Jessica McKnight is a photographer and photography coach who provides one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and photography retreats around the globe.

    Victoria Sprung is a photographer and the owner of Sprung Photo wedding photography studio with over 13 years of experience in the industry.

    Annie Tao is a lifestyle and commercial photographer and the owner of Annie Tao Photography.

  2. 2
    Crossed arms Crossing your arms is a simple and easy way to give yourself something to do with your hands and arms (especially if you’re concerned about looking photogenic). It’s really versatile, too. Depending on your facial expression, background, and/or posture, it can look professional, edgy, or tough.[3]
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  3. 3
    Adjusting your wardrobe Pretend to make a small adjustment to your outfit, like reaching up to flatten your collar or “tightening” your watch. These movements make it look like you’re mid-action, giving the photo a cool, almost-candid feel. The adjustments you make “depend on what you’re wearing,” Halvorson explains. “You can put your hands to your cufflinks,” for example, but “if you're in a T-shirt and beach shorts, there's really not as much you can do.”[4]
  4. 4
    Leaning against a wall Leaning against a wall or other object is a great way to find a relaxed and expressive pose. Try putting your back against the wall for a more intense or direct vibe, or lean on your shoulder or side instead for a more casual or playful look. Combine this with crossed arms, hands in your pockets, or any other hand/arm pose so your arms aren’t hanging down awkwardly.[5]
  5. 5
    One leg up Stand with your back leaning against a wall, then put one foot up on the wall for a cool and casual pose. Feel free to experiment with backgrounds, too. Pillars, rocky bluffs, doorways, or any tall and sturdy object can add even more interest to the photo.
  6. 6
    Mid-stride If you’re worried about looking stiff, try walking toward the camera from a distance to loosen up and get a sense of movement in the final photo. Or, try walking across the camera’s field of vision to get a fluid shot of your profile while you walk. Either move is a great way to take a full-body shot if you’re feeling self-conscious about managing all those limbs![6]
  7. 7
    Jacket over your shoulder This is another classic guy pose that looks fashionable and editorial. Use one hand to drape a jacket or sweater over your shoulder on the same side. Then, the rest is up to you. You can stand, sit, lean against a wall, look into the camera, glance over your shoulder—the options for this versatile pose are nearly limitless![7]
    • If you want the jacket to billow behind you, try walking toward or in front of the camera to add some movement to the photo.
  8. 8
    Fixing your hair Playing with your hair is another way to find something to do with your hands, regardless of what you’re wearing. Try running your fingers through your hair or using one (or both) hands to “fix” your hair for something that looks relaxed or candid. You can also place your hand on the back of your neck for a similar vibe.[8]
  9. 9
    Hand-to-chest This pose is an easy way to convey depth and expressiveness, whether it’s introspective or bold and confident. Just put one hand on your opposite shoulder or side of your chest to add interesting lines and angles to your body. You can also hold something, like your shirt or a small prop, for even more visual interest.[9]
  10. 10
    Shifting your weight Sometimes, standing totally straight can make you look a bit stiff or unnatural. The solution? Shift your weight to one straightened leg, then let your other leg bend slightly while you twist your upper body slightly off-axis. The result is an asymmetrical but balanced look that looks dynamic and fluid—an easy way to look good in pictures![10]
    • The term for this pose is contrapposto, or “counterpose” in Italian. Michelangelo’s David is one of the most famous examples of this pose in art history.
  11. 11
    Hands-on-hips Standing with your hand on your hip is a pose that normally gets associated with women, but it can work just as well for men, too! To avoid the “angry” or “superhero” look, just pop one hand on your hip, then place your other arm on the back of a chair, on a wall, or even in your pocket so it’s not just hanging down at your other side.[11]
    • Your facial expression can add a lot, too. A relaxed smile can make the photo look casual, while a furrowed brow or more intense expression can add some drama or intensity.
  12. 12
    Jawline feature If you want your strong jaw to be the star of the shot, stick your chin out forward and slightly down. This creates a shadow on your neck, accentuating the jawline. Just make sure not to let your chin go up, or the world will get a nice view of the underside of your jaw (and your nostrils).[12]
  13. 13
    Leaning in This is another classic guy pose that can look powerful and confident. All you have to do is sit down (on a chair, on the stairs, on a random bike rack downtown—whatever fits the vibe you want) and put your arms on your knees to make you lean in and forward. Looking right at the camera adds bold intensity, while looking away can appear more introspective or aloof.[13]
  14. 14
    “The Thinker” Named after the famous sculpture by Auguste Rodin, this pose makes you look thoughtful and serious. To do it, sit down and rest your chin on one hand and your elbow (of the same arm) on your knee. The great thing about this pose is that it looks interesting from the front and the sides, and you can look into the camera or down and away depending on what mood you want to set.[14]
  15. 15
    Crossed legs For a natural seated pose that looks like it has some movement, sit down and cross one leg so your ankle is resting on your opposite knee. You can sit anywhere you like for this one—a couch, chair, bench, or staircase will look casual, while a more unconventional object or location will appear more playful or lighthearted.[15]
  16. 16
    Backwards chair Another favorite male pose! Grab a chair and turn it backward, then straddle the back and face the camera. Lean into the back of the chair and rest your hands or arms on it for a cool, casual, and confident look.
  17. 17
    Touching your face Use your hands to draw attention to specific parts of your face. For example, you could clasp your hand over your eyes to highlight your smile underneath, or rest your cheek in your palm to add a softer, more intimate feeling to your photo. Experiment with hiding and revealing different parts of your face. Some poses may look vulnerable or introspective, while others can look bold and strong.[16]
    • Touching your face can help you relax into more candid or natural facial expressions that are harder to fake.
  18. 18
    Hands-on-chin Holding or touching your chin also brings attention to the face, and can make you look more pensive or thoughtful than putting your hands on other parts of your face. This pose can be especially fun and interesting to play with if you have facial hair that you can stroke.
    • Unlike the “thinker” pose, this one doesn’t have to be seated. You could stand and hold your chin while cupping your elbow with your other hand, for example, or experiment with posing the rest of your body however you like.
  19. 19
    Clasped hands Another way to avoid awkward hands or arms is to join or clasp your hands together while you’re seated or leaning against something like a wall or railing. If you’re sitting, lean forward a bit and rest your elbows on your knees or thighs, then touch your hands together. If you’re leaning against something, try using one elbow or side to support yourself and then turn toward the camera with your hands clasped for a cool, calm, and collected look.
    • This pose will also draw attention to any watches, tattoos, or jewelry you’re wearing on your hands and wrists.
  20. 20
    Leaning back Want to look more relaxed and spontaneous? Get down on the ground and lean back on one or both hands (or your elbows) to look extra comfortable and authentic. You can cross your legs, bend one leg and extend the other, or arrange them however you like. Experiment and see what works!
  21. 21
    Holding one arm Let one arm fall naturally at your side, then reach across your body with your other arm to grab it. This is a relaxed, subtle, and natural-looking pose that highlights your physique and adds character to full-body shots. Experiment with different facial expressions to change the mood of the photo—anything from brooding and edgy to cheery and peppy is possible with this pose.
    • Halvorson recommends “trying to work with your arms one at a time” if you’re new to posing. Later, you can try out “a one-arm pose, a two-arm pose, and a no-arm pose” as you get more comfortable and used to what your limbs look like in certain positions.[17]
  22. 22
    Looking over your shoulder Turn slightly away from the camera and look back over your shoulder to draw attention to your facial expression and upper body. This pose adds an air of mystery and enigma to your photo, especially if you pair it with a hand on the chin or face.
    • If you’re not happy with how the shots are turning out, try doing the same poses again, but looking over your other shoulder for more options.
  23. 23
    Candid “in between” poses Who says a pose has to be planned to take a great photo? Sometimes, the small motions you make between poses (like adjusting your clothes, turning to talk to someone, or just taking a short moment to yourself when you think no one’s looking) can look natural, fun, interesting, and off-the-cuff. Don’t delete the “filler” candid photos in your camera roll when you’re picking out your next dating app picture or Instagram post. Your best, most unique-to-you poses might be in there!
  24. 24
    Selfies Trying to take better selfies? “In addition to taking selfies with different facial expressions, try adding your hand, shoulder, or arm to make the image look more casual,” explains professional photographer Annie Tao. “You can also make the selfie more fun by adding a fun accessory, like a hat. Or, you can experiment with an artsy selfie by playing with different lights or using shadows to hide parts of your face or body.”[18]
  25. 25
    Group photos To look good in a group photo, think about where you’re positioned in the group. If you’re on the end, for example, find something to do with your outside arm or hand to avoid looking awkward (a hand in the pocket is always a good go-to). If you’re in the middle, you could cross your arms or place them around the shoulders or waists of the people next to you (if you’re all comfortable with each other), then focus on delivering a natural smile with your chin forward.
    • Of course, you’ll have to go with the flow if the group decides to go with a certain pose or theme. As long as you’re relaxed, look comfortable, and are having fun, the photo will turn out great!
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Section 2 of 2:

How to Look Your Best in Photos

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  1. 1
    Wear something you feel confident in and touch up your grooming beforehand. When it comes to looking good in a photo, grooming is not optional! Check that your hair and beard (if you have one) are neat and styled, wash and moisturize your face for clean and healthy-looking skin, and smear on some lip balm so you don’t have to edit out flaky lips later.[19]
    • And, make sure you enjoy and feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. You don’t have to look the trendiest and most fashionable, but wear something that makes you feel confident and that looks clean and well-fitted to shine in every shot.
  2. 2
    Flash a comfortable, natural-looking smile. Think of something that makes you laugh and try to stay as relaxed as possible to show your most authentic-looking smile. If you need a little more guidance, try mouthing the word “soda” to raise the corners of your lips without stretching your mouth really wide (like when you say “cheese”).[20]
  3. 3
    Stand with your feet apart and your toes pointing out. If you’re standing for your photo, keep your feet about shoulder-width apart and make sure that your toes aren’t pointing inward to give yourself a sturdy, “manly” foundation to stand on. It helps to picture the letter “A” when you’re getting ready.[21]
    • A narrower stance with your toes more inward can make your posture appear curvier or more feminine (which is not inherently a bad thing—do whatever makes you feel confident and happy!).
  4. 4
    Stand tall. Use tall, open posture to keep your back, neck, and head in alignment to project confidence and self-assuredness. Keeping your shoulders slightly down and relaxed can help you look more natural, too. “We always tell beginner models to stand up straight,” Halvorson adds. “Look at the camera, have confidence in doing this, and be present.”[22]
  5. 5
    Keep your chin forward (but not up). Extend your neck forward just slightly to help your chin jut outward a bit more (it’ll feel a bit weird, but remember, it’s for the shot). It helps extend your neck, get you more comfortable trying out different face angles, and shape your jawline. Just remember not to let your chin go up. This will just highlight the underside of your jaw and the inside of your nostrils (especially if you’re tall or the photographer is shooting from a lower height).[23]
  6. 6
    Feature your “good side.” Most times, posing at a slight angle looks better than looking head-on into the camera.[24] But which side should you showcase? According to scientific research, your left side is probably your best bet. Studies have shown that photos featuring the left side of the face are rated as more pleasant than photos of the right side for both men and women. It’s thought that the left side shows more emotional intensity than the right, making it more appealing.[25]
    • Of course, if you prefer your right side, go for it!
  7. 7
    Be conscious of what your hands are doing. Stiff or unnatural hands can make the whole photo feel uncomfortable. If you’re unsure what to do, try putting them in your pockets or resting one hand on a railing or piece of furniture for a relaxed, natural appearance.[26]
    • One hand pose to avoid is the “groomsman” pose, where your hands are clasped and held down in front of the crotch. This tends to look more vulnerable or defensive than cool and in control.
  8. 8
    Look up poses and practice mimicking them ahead of time. “Research the poses that you want to do or that you gravitate toward and then mimic those poses,” suggests professional photographer Jessica McKnight. “Then, give that body of work or that picture your twist on it because you don’t want to copy anybody. That can help you learn to pose…and how to put together a picture in and of itself.”[27]
  9. 9
    Be yourself and have fun! “Don’t force a pose,” Halvorson advises. “Just let it come naturally in the beginning.”[28] Professional photographer Victoria Sprung agrees, adding, “[You] want it to look natural and like [yourself]. It’s not so much about posing, but getting relaxed and feeling happy so that it shows in the photo.”[29]
    • That doesn’t mean you never have to think about your pose, though. “It depends on what you want,” Sprung continues. “For headshots, for instance, you need to have a little bit more control over how you’re standing, how your shoulders appear, how your face appears,” etc.[30]
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References

  1. ↑ Traci Halvorson. Modeling Agent. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Traci Halvorson. Modeling Agent. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://redoctoberfirm.com/male-model-poses/
  4. ↑ Traci Halvorson. Modeling Agent. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://redoctoberfirm.com/male-model-poses/
  6. ↑ https://redoctoberfirm.com/male-model-poses/
  7. ↑ https://redoctoberfirm.com/male-model-poses/
  8. ↑ https://www.brandonandrephoto.com/blog/male-model-posing-guide
  9. ↑ https://www.brandonandrephoto.com/blog/male-model-posing-guide
  1. ↑ https://www.brandonandrephoto.com/blog/male-model-posing-guide
  2. ↑ https://redoctoberfirm.com/male-model-poses/
  3. ↑ https://www.brandonandrephoto.com/blog/male-model-posing-guide
  4. ↑ https://www.brandonandrephoto.com/blog/male-model-posing-guide
  5. ↑ https://www.brandonandrephoto.com/blog/male-model-posing-guide
  6. ↑ https://www.brandonandrephoto.com/blog/male-model-posing-guide
  7. ↑ https://redoctoberfirm.com/male-model-poses/
  8. ↑ Traci Halvorson. Modeling Agent. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Annie Tao. Professional Photographer. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ https://manofmany.com/culture/advice/look-good-photos
  11. ↑ https://manofmany.com/culture/advice/look-good-photos
  12. ↑ https://www.belindaphilleo.com/tips-and-tricks/posing-tips-men/
  13. ↑ Traci Halvorson. Modeling Agent. Expert Interview
  14. ↑ https://www.belindaphilleo.com/tips-and-tricks/posing-tips-men/
  15. ↑ https://manofmany.com/culture/advice/look-good-photos
  16. ↑ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420123847.htm
  17. ↑ https://www.belindaphilleo.com/tips-and-tricks/posing-tips-men/
  18. ↑ Jessica McKnight. Photographer. Expert Interview
  19. ↑ Traci Halvorson. Modeling Agent. Expert Interview
  20. ↑ Victoria Sprung. Professional Photographer. Expert Interview
  21. ↑ Victoria Sprung. Professional Photographer. Expert Interview

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time.
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Updated: October 1, 2025
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Categories: Self Portrait Photographs | Modeling Careers

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