01 — Posing Guide
look good.
No stiff yearbook poses here. These are natural, flattering positions that work for real people — not just models. Study them before your shoot and we’ll nail every single one.
Grab your cap at one corner and raise it above your head, making sure the top of the cap faces outward and is visible. As you lift it, add a leg kick so you're not just standing still. This one has a lot of energy and photographs really well as a celebratory moment.
Put your right foot forward and left foot back so you have room to turn. Fold your stole in half and drape it over your left shoulder. Rotate your chest to about the 10 o'clock position, then bring your neck toward the camera without straining. You're giving the look of walking away but glancing back.
Hold your cap at your side with one hand, letting it hang naturally rather than holding it out. Keep your arm relaxed — not stiff. Walk toward the camera with your toes pointed forward, shoulders back, and let the gown flow naturally as you move. Look directly into the lens with a relaxed smile. This works best in a hallway, corridor, or any location with strong leading lines behind you — the perspective draws the eye straight to you.
Hold the bottle with both hands, one on the base and one near the neck. Point the bottle away from you at about a 45-degree angle — slightly outward and upward. When you pop it, keep your arms extended and let the spray go. Add a leg kick as it pops for energy and movement. Look at the camera with a genuine laugh — this shot works best when you're actually reacting to the spray, not posing stiffly through it. Do it in an open outdoor space with a strong background behind you — a landmark, fountain, or open sky makes this shot iconic.
Lower into a squat with your weight evenly distributed, knees out, and stole draped naturally over your lap. Rest your forearms on your knees or let your hands hang loosely in front. Keep your back straight and chin slightly forward — slouching compresses everything. Look directly into the lens with a relaxed, confident expression. This pose works best on steps or a clean flat surface.
Place one hand lightly on top of your cap — don't push it down, just rest it there. With your other hand, grip your stole near the chest and pull it slightly outward so it reads clearly in frame. Turn your body about 30 degrees from the camera and angle your face back toward the lens. This is a relaxed, candid-feeling pose that still looks intentional. Works great in open shade.
Stand with your back fully to the camera. Hold your cap at your side in one hand, and with the other, pull your stole up and drape it over the opposite shoulder so it hangs visibly on both sides. Look slightly down or straight ahead — do not turn back toward the camera. The shot works best with a strong background: palm tree rows, a long walkway, or an arch behind you. This is a cinematic closer shot.
Stand facing the camera directly, feet shoulder-width apart. On the count, toss your cap straight up toward the lens and look up at it with a genuine smile or laugh — open mouth reads best here. The key is committing to the throw. A half-hearted toss looks flat. Give it real height and let your expression follow naturally. Shoot multiple bursts to catch the peak.
Save these poses on your phone so you can reference them day-of.
Feeling camera-shy?
You don't need to know how to pose — I direct every shot. Here's how it felt for someone who was nervous too.
“Chris did my SJSU grad photos and I was absolutely in love with them! He is professional, knowledgeable, and knows how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. He guides you through the entire shoot, has a fast turnaround, and his knowledge of local Bay Area schools is helpful because he knows all the good spots to shoot at. Highly, highly recommend 😇”