ele STYLED

From runway pros to your camera roll, here’s how to strike a pose that works every time.

Looking great in photos isn’t just about lighting or filters—it’s about knowing how to own your angles, use your body, and radiate confidence. Supermodels may make it look effortless, but behind every killer shot is a toolkit of tried-and-true posing tricks.

Whether you’re prepping for a shoot, taking vacation photos, or just want your next Instagram carousel to hit different, these 10 expert-approved posing tips (with a little wisdom from the likes of Gisele, Naomi, and Bella) will help you level up your camera presence instantly.

1. Find Your Best Side (and Stick With It)

It’s no myth most people have a side that photographs better. Spend a few minutes in the mirror or camera roll and figure out which angle you naturally favor. Supermodel Tyra Banks once said, “Know your angles like you know your lighting,”—and we agree.

Pro tip: Turn your head slightly to your best side, tilt your chin slightly down, and relax your shoulders.

2. Think Curves, Not Lines

Straight-on photos can flatten your shape. Instead, create gentle curves by shifting your weight, bending a knee, or placing a hand on your hip.

Gisele Bündchen is famous for her effortless “S-curve” pose – hips tilted, torso slightly twisted, one leg bent – which elongates the body and adds natural flow.

3. Chin Out, Not Up or Down

One of the oldest model tricks: push your chin slightly forward (like a turtle), not up or down. This creates definition along the jawline and avoids that dreaded double-chin shadow.

Naomi Campbell swears by this. She also softens her expression with a slight squint or “smize” (thanks Tyra).

4. Relax Your Hands

Claw hands or stiff fingers can ruin a great shot. Keep your hands relaxed and fluid either gently grazing your face, tucked into pockets, or lightly resting on your waist.

Bella Hadid often plays with her hands mid-pose, brushing back hair or holding sunglasses for a casual yet dynamic shot.

5. Create Space Between Limbs

This is a runway-to-photo crossover trick: keep your arms slightly away from your body to avoid flattening them and to give the body more shape. Even a subtle elbow bend can make a difference.

Kendall Jenner uses this in red carpet shots—never letting her arms fall stiffly by her sides.

6. Tilt Your Hips and Shift Your Weight

Standing straight-on can look awkward. Instead, tilt your hips slightly and shift your weight to one leg. This makes your pose more natural and flattering.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley often poses with one leg crossed over the other or one toe pointed slightly forward for subtle, sculptural curves.

7. Look Away—Not Always at the Camera

Not every shot needs eye contact. Looking off to the side, down at your feet, or over your shoulder can make a shot feel candid and cinematic.

Adut Akech often turns her gaze away or down to create mood and storytelling within a frame.

8. Use Props or Movement

A bag, jacket, or wind-blown hair adds natural movement and gives your hands something to do. Movement also helps break stiffness—try twirling, walking, or flipping your hair.

Kaia Gerber and Elsa Hosk are pros at walking mid-shot, which creates natural energy and elongation.

9. Breathe. Seriously.

Holding your breath makes you look tense. Take a deep breath in, exhale, and shoot mid-outbreath for a relaxed and authentic look. You’ll see the difference in your shoulders, mouth, and overall vibe.

Coco Rocha, the queen of posing, often reminds models to breathe into their pose so the energy flows through the body.

10. Practice in the Mirror or Self-Timer

Yes, even supermodels practice. Find a full-length mirror or your phone’s self-timer and experiment. Get to know what your body does naturally, and what small adjustments bring out your best.

Tyra Banks called the mirror her “original modeling coach”—and for good reason. The more you practice, the less you’ll overthink in front of the lens.

Confidence Is Your Best Angle

The best photos don’t come from perfect posture or poses—they come from confidence, ease, and energy. Supermodels don’t pose perfectly—they pose with intention and authenticity.

So whether you’re shooting solo, posing with friends, or trying to elevate your style content, remember: a good pose isn’t just how you stand, it’s how you own it.