4 Easy And Sophisticated Poses For Your Teen Guys Portrait Session

by Mar 17, 2023

Original Posted: May 4, 2021
Updated: March 17, 2023

When it comes to Grad Photography, resistance from teens often comes from not knowing how to pose. But I’m here to tell you that you do not know how to pose! I’ve got you!

“I don’t know how to pose.”

This is a pretty commonly expressed concern. There are very few people in the world who actually know how to pose themselves, and your teen is likely no exception to this. Thinking they have to know how to pose themselves at the session may cause them some level of stress which may also mean they are resistant to doing a photo session at all!

Let me put your mind and your teen’s mind at ease. No one, not even your teen, has to know how to pose themselves during a photo session! I will handle that, providing direction and demonstration to get them posing as if they were made for it.

We are going to create images that you’ll be proud to put on your wall.

Here are some of the poses I like to include in Teen Guys Portrait Sessions.

1) The Standing Power Pose:

The perfect way to show off physique and strength.

Here’s how I direct it:
“Stand with your feet hip-distance apart, shift your weight on to one foot. Turn the other foot out slightly. Stand up straight, shoulders pulled back but not too far.

“If wearing a suit jacket, you can pretend to be adjusting your cuffs, gently grip the jacket lapels (with the jacket closed) and pull your shoulders back a little more, or you can pretend to do up or undo your jacket.

“If wearing a tie, pretend to adjust your tie, like James Bond.

“With or without a jacket, you could also put your hands in your pockets or place your hands on your hips in what we could call a Super Hero pose.”

Grad Photography

Saskatoon Grad Photographer

Graduation Portraits Saskatoon Roses and Scars Photography Male Graduate (5)
Graduation Portraits Saskatoon Roses and Scars Photography Male Graduate

2) The Seated Casual Pose:

A comfortable pose that can give a mix of a casual and approachable vibe.

Here’s how I direct it:
“Sit on the bench, close to edge, feet hip-distance. OR squat down with your feet hip-distance and lean against this structure.

“Now lean forward, place your forearms on your thighs close to the knee but not on the knee.

“Either clasp your hands together in front of you, overlap them under your chin and lean your chin on them, or let one hand hang down and bring the other up and place the palm in the place where you would have been leaning it.”

Grad Photography

Saskatoon Grad Photographer

Graduation Portraits Saskatoon Roses and Scars Photography Male Graduate (9)
Roses and Scars Photography Saskatoon Formal Graduation Photography

3) The Casual Cool Guy Pose:

What fella wouldn’t want to have this shot that makes them look casual, approachable, and maybe even a little shy?

Here’s how I direct it:
First way: “Stand about a half foot in front of this wall or fence, then lean back against the wall or fence. Bend one knee and rest that foot flat on the wall or fence.

“Place your hands in your pockets, or if you’re wearing a suit and tie, place your hands on your jacket lapels, adjust your sleeves, or adjust your tie.

“If it’s a fence you’re leaning on, you could also bend your elbows and rest your arms on the fence, making it that much more casual.”

Second way: “Turn sideways to the wall, lean your shoulder against the wall. Tilt your head toward the wall. Put the hand closest to the wall in your pocket and bring the other up to rest on your neck.” This one creates a sense of shyness.

Grad Photography

Saskatoon Grad Photographer

Graduation Portraits Saskatoon Roses and Scars Photography Male Graduate (8)
Saskatoon Highschool Graduation Male Grad Photographer Roses and Scars Photography

4) *NEW* The Distinguished Lapel Hold

A pose that makes your grad look powerful and distinguished. And it’s so easy!

Here’s how I direct it:

“Turn one shoulder closer to me, now plant your feet hip distance apart. Stand up straight, shoulders pulled back. Hands on your lapels with the fingers tucked inside, thumb out. Relax your elbows. Turn and look at me. Smile.”

There you have it.

Three (four!) easy but sophisticated poses for your teen guy’s high school portrait session!
These poses can be used during formal or casual sessions, too!

Honestly, though, they do translate better in person under my direction. wink

If you’re looking for posing tips meant for senior graduating ladies, check out this blog >>> 4 Beautiful and Easy Poses for Your Teen Ladies Formal Session

Want photos like these for your teen? Then it’s time to book your Grads and Seniors session consultation.

Just check out the Contact Page. You can either send an inquiring message or you can go ahead and book your consultation time using the booking system.

Don’t be afraid to reach out! I don’t bite.

Promise 😉