Hey friends!! I’m super excited about today’s post because a) it was fun to write b) I love sharing advice with you guys and c) this is my most highly-requested post EVER! Since starting Instagram about a year and a half ago, I’ve learned a lot. From how to scout locations to the best ways to get engagement, a lot of trial-and-error has gotten me pretty far. So… today I’m writing to you about How to Pose for Instagram Photos! This will be a 2-part series (stay tuned for part 2 next Sunday), and I will be sharing 4 tips for posing with examples in each. You’ll be posing like a fashion blogger in minutes 😉 Let’s get into it!
Related blog posts:
Instagram 101: Getting Engagement
Instagram 101: Getting Connected + New Photo Series!
Instagram 101: Answering YOUR Questions (Q&A)
use what’s around you
The key to posing lies in your surroundings. It’s in the stairs, the bike racks, the walls, the abandoned cars, the random chairs, and the trees! Whenever I’m in my location to shoot, I always look around and think about what’s around me that I could use to make my photos and poses a little more interesting. Go stand on top of the wall, sit on the stair railing or squat underneath it, climb in the tree, peer through a fence, or use an object already there as a prop and pose, pose, POSE! For me, doing something as simple as using what’s around me, makes it easier to pose in different, unique ways.
This chair was off to the side on this tennis court, so I took it and used it for the shot!
movement is everything!
Captured movement can be the most captivating photos to look at. I love scrolling through my feed and seeing a perfectly timed twirl or jump that conveys emotion and is exciting to look at. One thing I always do when shooting is to consciously change my pose every few shots. This gives you many options to choose from when picking the one you want on the ‘gram and easily gives a sense of movement to the viewer, making the photo seem more real-time. If you’re feeling it, take some action shots as well! Run, leap, spin around, jump, and dance are all ways to make your poses more intriguing and editorial. When doing action shots, make sure to repeat the action multiple times so you can have different photos to choose from.
think outside of the box
To really take your poses to the next-level, you have to think outside of the box. One of the guidelines I go by is: if it feels weird, it looks good. How can you move your legs to show off your outfit without just standing there? How can I show off the rings on my hand in a cool way? How can I make sure my make sure my shoes are noticed? Ask these questions and then get creative with the answer. Sometimes it all comes down to trial-and-error (which is why fashion bloggers take hundreds of photos to get the perfect one), but a pose that felt strange when you did it might just end up being the one you post!
My sister thought I was crazy to plop myself down in this hole, but the photos turned out great!
how does the outfit make you feel?
This might sound strange, but whenever I’m posing I always try to channel the mood of the outfit. If it’s a fun, summer-y look, I’ll laugh or twirl or jump, but if it’s a darker fall look I’ll be a bit more moody or take the photos from a lower angle. Think about how the outfit makes you feel and the vibe it is portraying then pose it out! Also, make sure to choose the location that goes with your outfit as well, this can help create a mood for your poses 😉
This outfit made me feel very Vogue, so I tried to channel that.
Felt carefree and spunky in this look!
It was the first day of school and my outfit made me happy!
Woohoo, I hope you all enjoyed this post and learned some new, unique, and exciting ways to post. I can’t wait to share Part 2 with ya very soon 🙂 Leave a comment below with any questions or blog post ideas you may have, I love getting feedback form you all. Thanks so much for reading!!
💜Love, Olivia
INSTAGRAM // PINTEREST // FACEBOOK
the platform sandals are KILLING ME, girl!! so are the tips, I’m definitely heading out to take some instagram worthy pics soon. 💘
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Omg the platform sandals are my fav!! And yay!!
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i loved this post! you look absolutely gorgeous by the way :)! x
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Thank you thank you!!
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Oh my God I LOVE these tips! You’re literally an Instagram queen like help?! Problem is I’d practise posing or whatever and then when someone flips a camera in my direction I smile and pose AWKWARDLY 😂😂 And no one likes taking photos in my family so that’s great. I’ll def keep this in mind when my friends and I go for a photoshoot though. P.S. your outfits are BOM 💀💓💓
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Honestly, it just comes down to being in front of the camera a lot. I used to be super awkward too, but eventually got over it haha! And photoshoot with friends are so the way to go!! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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so helpful! definitely going to put these tips in motion the next time me and my sis shoot 🙂
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Ooo yes, girl!! Do it!!
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Obssesed with your Insta! Thanks for the tips!
https://marioness.wordpress.com/
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This was so helpful!! Thank you for sharing hun xx
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yay!! glad you found it helpful!
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This was so helpful (and much-needed for me hahah)💙 I always love your Insta photos, and no two posts are the same; your poses are always different and unique!! I love that one down the hole, looks so cool💗
Lexie x
http://www.whatlexieloves.com
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Thanks so much, Lexie!!
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Yessss! I really need to work on posing and these are great tips!!
Nabila | Hot Town Cool Girl
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Ooo thank you!!
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Great post, I love these tips!!! Especially as a fashion blogger starting out 🙂
xoxo Kristen
http://sehnsationalstyle.com
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Aw yay, thank ya!!
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Pingback: How to Pose for Instagram Photos (part 2!) | Absolutely Olivia
Loved reading this and looking at all your cute poses!! I feel like I always have fun ideas for poses or the perfect shot, but then I never end up executing them because they take too long and I don’t want to bother my “photographer” (aka an unsuspecting family member) any more than I have to…haha. But this post got me feeling so inspired and excited to create content! Thanks for all the tips.
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
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Omg I’m excited to see where you take these tips! If you practice and determine what poses you want beforehand it could help cut down the time it takes to get the right shot. this is what I always do, and I’ve been able to cut my shoot time for one outfit down by a lot!! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your thoughts girly 🙂
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Pingback: How to Pose for Instagram Photos!! (part 3): My Go-To Poses | Absolutely Olivia
Great tips, enjoyed reading from you.
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Love this! Your blog is always so inspiring and I admire your dedication and persistence!
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Thank you so much!
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I loved these tips! Just discovered your blog and I am SO excited about it. and your insta is goals! I can’t wait to see how this blog evolves over the years. Only wishing I started my blog when I was in high school. Sending my blog love ❤
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Ahh this comment made my day!! Thank you girl!
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