The seated pose isn't ideal for portraits, but you can make it work.

Posing for portraits is always a touchy subject. There are many variables to consider, including many defined by the look of your subject and even more defined by the environment you're shooting in. The more we do it, the better we get. But oftentimes, the subjects portrayed are standing, and there are a million examples of standing portraits around that we can learn from and attempt to emulate.

With seated subjects, however, it can often become even more difficult. It's not the ideal pose in portraits and because of that there aren't that many good examples of portraits sitting around, and it's very easy to screw them up, by shooting unflattering poses. In this article, I'm going to give you some tips for shooting seated portraits.

Different types of seated poses

Seated poses for portraits cover a wide range of possibilities. We're not talking about selfies at the table. What we're talking about is when you're asked to do a sitting portrait of someone, perhaps for their resume or blog post.

Our subjects can range from individuals, young and old, to couples and groups.

No one wants to risk looking awkward in a photo. If you have been asked to shoot a portrait, I have prepared some inspirational sitting poses for you for your portraits. Let's start with the best seated poses for an individual.

Seated poses for a subject

Websites, business cards, high school graduation announcements – there are many reasons why someone might want to have their picture taken while sitting. These are my top tips for seated portraits of single subjects.

1. Lean forward, pose with chin on hands

This seated pose is beautiful and simple to achieve. Have the subject sit with fingers interlocked creating a nice chin rest. This can help make him look slimmer when sitting and gives an open and simple portrait.

If the model is leaning forward, the overall effect is one of interest and attention. Works with any type of chair or stool. In fact, it works with almost any surface other than the floor.

©Michael Zhang

2. Sitting sideways, arm position on chair

Another relaxed seated pose, sees the subject pose with one arm on the chair and the body turned slightly towards the camera.

This creates an open, relaxed and informal atmosphere. You can cross your legs if you want. And the other arm creates a visual flow through the body.

© Depositedhar

3. Facing the camera position

You can get another casual vibe with this seated pose. Here, the tailgate of the car serves as a substitute for the chair. The model sits upright, looking over her shoulder, with her face turned away and smiling into the distance.

This is quite a narrow shot, but works best with a wider view that includes the subject's legs.

© Erik Reia

4. Sitting position on the stairs

Ladders and steps offer great options for seated poses. Their linear, horizontal shape offers an interesting contrast to the people sitting on them.

In addition to the relaxed atmosphere of this photo, we add interest by positioning the subject seated to the side of the frame. And if you like the rule of thirds in photos, notice how the vertical and horizontal lines intersect the model's left eye.

Ladders and steps offer plenty of flexibility for seated group portraits.

© Monkey Business

5. Lean against a tree pose

Legs can be a real problem in seated poses for photos. You may not know where to place your knees or if you should cross your legs.

Sitting on the ground can help and a good way around this is to sit on your side. Encourages good posture with relaxed shoulders. And the model can look at the camera. The legs can be straight, crossed or bent.

Sometimes you'll see this pose called an L-shape, with your legs pointing to the side.

© Sumetee Theesungnern

6. The Pretzel Pose

If you search "How should I pose while sitting?" on the Internet you will find the "pretzel pose". In truth, it looks nothing like a pretzel, but you can see where it gets its name from.

The basic elements are to look at the camera, sitting on the floor with legs crossed and arms usually inside the knees.

You can vary by placing your elbows on your knees. You can also combine it with the first pose and have your elbows resting on your knees and your chin on your hands.

It is very flexible unless, like me, you are very flexible. I actually can't sit comfortably with my legs crossed like that, so make sure your subject doesn't split in two before choosing this pose!

© Naypong

7. Sitting position with strong backlight

I could have called it the “just sitting” pose, but the key is lighting . The soft chair, elegant clothing, and mobile phone add a formal tone to the pose. But it's the striking backlight and glow that sets it apart.

If you're concerned about how to pose in a chair, it can be easy to forget about the other elements that make up a great photo.

Notice how the rule of thirds line follows the horizontal tap. The subject's eyes are just above this line.

© Depositedhar

8. Sitting position for tea drinking

Well, it could be the coffee . Giving your subject something to do with their hands while posing can take a lot of the pressure off you and them.

Here, the straight back, warm smile, and resting teacup poise help the model sit with purpose. This pose reduces any discomfort they may feel as you ask them to pose.

© Racorn

9. Sitting looking in a mirror pose

They say we should learn to see ourselves as others see us. Well, this sitting position makes others see us as we see ourselves.

It can be a nice change of focus to use a mirror in our poses. It opens up a lot of framing possibilities and can seem less intimidating to the subject. Sitting with the photographer behind you can be somewhat more reassuring.

© Trevor Marshall

10. The "Z" sitting position.

I call this position a "Z" pose because the line from the arm down through the legs roughly forms a "Z" shape.

Sit on the ground with your back straight, one arm connecting your knee and chin, then cross your legs.

Make sure your subject does not point their feet directly at the camera, as this can often produce a 'big foot' effect.

© Sanneberg

11. Sitting on your hobby pose (e.g. a horse).

It could be a real horse , or it could be a motorcycle or an antique car . Maybe even a basketball .

If you pose your subject sitting on something they love, those poses will likely look more natural and captivating.

The actual object he sits on will determine how he will position his legs and how he will pose. And if it's a horse, you might need to lend a hand to your subject!

© Pamliveria

12. Sitting position leaning against a desk

One advantage of this pose is that it's usually easy to hide the subject's legs. Also, if she wants to look slimmer, a desk can block the view of the model's torso.

©Michael Jung

13. Raised knee position

These seated poses can be wonderfully relaxed and alluring. They can be taken from the front or from the side.

Sitting on the floor with one leg raised helps you have good posture and allows your hands to rest neatly on one foot. But make sure the model looks good with the feet in the photo.

© Zest Photography

14. Pose while hugging your knee

Relaxed shoulders make photos like these look natural and attractive. Works well sitting on the floor, with one or both legs elevated.

©Michael Jung

15. Pose Seated on a table

This helps put seated poses in context, especially for corporate websites or blogs. On wider shots, be careful that your toes point to the side to avoid sprains.

© Diego Cervo

16. Be creative!

When you photograph a musician , for example, you might be tempted to show them in action. But being creative in our pose and having them pose thoughtfully while sitting really makes a difference.

In this photo the legs follow the flow of the violin.

© Trevor Marshall

Seated poses for filming two or more subjects

Often people will want to pose seated with their friends , family or spouse. So how should two people pose while sitting?

17. Sitting sideways on the floor position

In these seated poses, subjects sit on the ground with one leg bent, one arm casually resting on their knees, looking to the side.

Make sure you can see both of their faces. The toes should point forward and the subjects can mirror each other with one hand on one knee.

Remember, you'll need a large enough depth of field to bring them both into focus in poses like these.

© Aletia

18. Sitting back to back

The couple sit on the ground with their legs bent and their arms resting on their knees, leaning against each other. Different body sizes aren't a problem, and this seated pose shows friendship and support.

The posture is relaxed and these seated poses can be taken from either side.

© Khakimullin Aleksandr

19. The Double Pretzel Pose

Legs and arms are the same as in the regular pretzel pose. But there's some humor here as the friends pose with their heads on top of each other.

© Vadimphoto

20. The butt pose

This is the perfect pose for a couple. Seated poses that show togetherness are perfect if, like these two, they just got engaged .

These are photos to keep. Have the subjects sit behind each other, looking straight into the camera.

Maybe your next photo shoot could be their wedding !

© Trevor Marshall

21. The heads of families pose together

Families love to pose together. Seated poses offer a chance to smooth out differences in size. And putting heads together shows closeness.

Posing them in a familiar place, like the kitchen, can be better than sitting in an unfamiliar studio.

And seating them behind the table means you don't have to worry about their legs.

©Rommel Alomia

22. Sitting backwards on a chair position

Babies can be adorable in all kinds of poses. Posing them sitting in a chair might get boring, but they'll appreciate a pose on their knees, looking over the back of the sofa or chair.

Keeping them at eye level is also an important tip. It also works with the chair in front of them.

© Lopolo

23. Seated on a log position

It doesn't have to be a log, but this composition is a pose that keeps the legs from being an issue. It feels natural and since everyone can sit at the same level, the kids don't block us from seeing Dad sitting in the back.

Make sure your aperture offers enough depth of field to keep everyone in focus.

© Monkey Business

24. "It's not all about you" pose.

Sometimes a broader view is the answer to the best seated poses. If you are in a city , use it as a background .

In the photo below, the woman's leg helps connect the two friends.

Many of the seated poses we've seen already work well with an interesting building, bridge, or river behind your subjects.

©Monkey Business Images

25. Intensely simple and simply intense

After all that has been said, sometimes simplicity is best. Staring straight into the camera without distraction is a classic portrait pose.

© S Kichigin

Conclusion

The joy of photographing people is capturing the moment and the essence of the subjects. While some of these poses may seem awkward, they will deliver great results time after time.

Knowing which sitting positions to use could keep people coming back to you for more shots. And who knows, it might even provide some cash. Then, stand up and seat your subjects!