How to pose senior high school boys for memorable photos.
I think back to when Tony graduated high school and we went to Shank Park to capture a few photos. Those were his exact words, "only a few photos." We look back and laugh about that day because, to his surprise, we captured more than a few photos by gently guiding him through poses that felt natural. They showcase his smile, and sense of humor, and most importantly they catch his personality.
Capturing the essence of a high-school senior is a special task because these photos mark a significant milestone in their lives. Senior portraits are an opportunity to showcase their personality, interests, and journey ahead.
We offer a pre-planning consultation and comprehensive senior welcome guide that assists with planning the session, props, location, outfits, and thinking through the small details in preparation for the session.
Below are a few of our favorite high-school and college senior boy poses.
Squatting down with arms resting on legs
This pose works great in many locations. They can look at the camera, look down, or look to the side.
Sports photo using a prop resting on their shoulders
This is a favorite with baseball bats, hockey sticks, and lacrosse sticks.
You can pose them to look at the camera or have them turn to the side and look over their shoulder and prop.
Resting arms and leaning forward on a bridge or wall
Have them face the camera and lean on a wall or bridge with their arms resting on the top of the bridge or wall. You can take the photo from the front and move to the side and have them look over their shoulder.
They can look at the camera, look down, and look to the side.
Sitting on a bench with arms resting on top of legs
When taking the photo, you can take it from the front or side.
For this photo, I was standing to the left and they looked over their shoulder.
Standing with hands in pockets
This can be with hands in pockets or with just the thumbs in the pockets. Have them look at the camera, look down, look to their side. They can smile or be serious when looking in different directions.
Have fun which always brings out their "true" smile and even a laugh.
Hands in pockets, walking away, and looking back at the camera
This is a fun pose and one that I usually start a session with. Walking to and from the camera. When walking away from the camera with their hands in their pockets and every few steps to pause and look back over their shoulder.
Leaning against a wall or tree with one leg bend
This is another favorite and having them place their thumbs in their pockets as they lean back against the tree or wall.
Have them look at the camera, look down, and over their shoulder.
Sitting down with one leg bend
This is another favorite and one that is easy and released. Have them sit down leaning against a wall or tree and bend one leg up. Rest one arm on the bent leg and the other on the leg that is extended. You can move your position when taking the photo and capture different angles while having them look at the camera, down, and over their shoulder.
Standing and leaning against an object
For this picture, the railing is used as the object to lean on but it could be a wall or tree. Having one or both hands with thumb in pocket or cross arms in front.
Leaning on a wall with arms crossed in front
Same as the above post but the arms are crossed in the front and the photo is from waist up instead of full length.
Photo with pets
Our furry friends are an important part of our families and when we can include them in a photo, especially senior photos, it marks this special time.
When posing high-school or college senior boys for portraits, keep in mind that it requires a blend of creativity, understanding of your client's personality, and technical skills. Working with them to choose the location, outfits, props, and use of natural poses will assist with capturing those genuine emotions that create those photos that are personal and timeless. Graduating high school or college is a milestone moment and it's a gift to capture these forever memories.