Episode 2: – Posing Like a Pro: The Simple Steps to Bringing Out the Best in Seniors
Senior Photography Blog: Posing Like a Pro
E:2 – Posing Like a Pro: The Simple Steps to Bringing Out the Best in Seniors
Picture this: You’re halfway through a session, your senior is standing there frozen like a deer in headlights and says, “What do I do with my hands?!” Sound familiar? If you just nodded, you’re in the right place. This senior photography blog episode is your behind-the-scenes pass to posing high school seniors with confidence, ease, and that yes, this is mevibe.
Let’s Get Real: Posing Doesn’t Have to Be Awkward
We’ve all felt that first-ten-minutes energy. It’s a little stiff, a little unsure, and totally normal. That’s why step one in every senior session is connection. We’re not just capturing faces; we’re capturing humans with stories, quirks, nerves, and big dreams. So talk to them. Ask about sports, travel, school, that part-time job they low-key hate—anything to break the ice and get them out of their heads.
Because here’s the secret: posing is just guided comfort. If it feels weird, it often looks amazing. Assure them you’ve got their back, you’ll guide them the whole way, and there’s no wrong move they can make that you won’t help tweak.
Senior Photography Blog Gold: The Foundational Five
This right here is your posing Bible. The five foundational poses every destination senior photographer should have on lock:
- Stand
- Sit
- Lean
- Lay
- Move
No matter where you are—an epic travel location or a field down the road in Williston, ND—these five give you endless posing options. You walk into a spot and instantly scan: where can they sit, stand, lean, lay down, or move? Boom. Built-in gallery magic.
Each base pose has layers. Standing? Try weight shift, crossed ankles, hands in pockets, or the classic flamingo pose. Sitting? Think stairs, one knee up, hugging knees. Leaning? Against railings, brick walls, even a friend’s shoulder. You can shoot wide, go in for closeups, or get those in-between three-quarter shots.
Want Natural? Start with Movement
Here’s where things go from posed to powerful. Movement brings energy. It loosens seniors up fast. Whether it’s a bold, Beyonce-style strut or a simple shoulder drop and look-back, it creates that magic in-between moment that feels real.
Some favorite prompts from this senior photography blog episode?
- For girls: Walk toward me like you own the place. Then turn and look back with your shoulder dropped. Yes, queen.
- For guys: Rub your neck like it’s sore, pretend you’re washing your hands, or try a grapevine. Yep, it works—and they always laugh.
The key? Give their hands something to do, their body something to follow, and hype them up like they’re modeling for GQ or Vogue.
Posing Tips for Every Photographer’s Toolkit
- Save the favorite outfit for last—they’ll be most confident by then.
- Expect the first 10 minutes to be a warm-up—don’t force the magic.
- Vary your angles. Shoot from above, below, through stair railings. Frame intentionally.
- Mix in wide, mid, and tight crops for every pose.
- Layer movement into static poses once they’re comfy.
Want more posing inspo? Check out this post on how I build confidence with my senior clients ⮆️
➡️ Insert link to: How to Prep Your Senior for a Travel Session once published
And if you’re ready to elevate your sessions beyond awkward hands and frozen smiles, you can always visit KellieRochelle.com for mentorship info, senior travel sessions, or just some bold inspiration.
Let’s Make Posing Fun Again
Whether you shoot seniors full-time or are just dipping into the niche, this senior photography blog is your reminder that posing doesn’t have to feel like choreography. It can be natural. Playful. Bold. Real.
So go make some magic, hype your seniors like you mean it, and let those raw, unscripted moments lead the way.
Want More Posing Tips?
📸 Download Kellie’s FREE Senior Posing Guide: Download now
📍 Book a 1:1 Mentorship with Sarah: smonsonphotography.com
🎧 Hit play and let’s get RAW.
Subscribe & download the episode to your device: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
About Raw Edit
Hosted by Kellie Rochelle and Sarah Monson, two photographers who have been through all the highs and lows, this podcast is your safe space for honest conversations about what it actually takes to thrive in this industry.
Each week, we’re bringing you behind-the-scenes stories, industry insights, and hard-earned lessons—so you can skip the mistakes and fast-track your success!
🌐 Connect with Us:
Kellie Rochelle Photography
- Website: https://kellierochelle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellierochellephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellierochellephotography/
Sarah Monson Photography
- Website: https://smonsonphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmonsonphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMonsonPhotography
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