Poses for high school dance photos
This year was the year my son started going to high school dances. I was thrilled when he asked me to take photos of he and his friends and their dates for HOCO. Since it was the first dance for all of the kids and many of the parents, I wished I’d brushed up on poses and posing beforehand. They quickly gravitated toward one standard pose and then made up some really funny poses.
The second time he asked me to take photos, for Winters, I did a little more prep and had lots of pose ideas, probably too many, and gave the kids a visual menu to choose from. That didn’t really work at all. By the time Prom rolled around, I knew to direct each couple into the same 3 poses, maybe 4, and then ask if there were other poses they were wanting to do.
Here are a few poses that have become a part of my regular rotation:
Standard Pose.
This quickly became the standard pose for our group of kids and seems to be easy and comfortable for most. This one is great for showing off wrist corsages! Guys can have a hand in pocket or let his hand hang loose. The couple can take a couple of steps toward the camera too to add a little movement.
Hand on Chest.
This pose works especially well for couples who are very comfortable with each other and is another great pose for showing off wrist corsages. Guy can have hand hanging loose or in his pocket.
The Twirl.
Give the twirl a whirl. A little movement helps some couples loosen up. The pose works best when the guy uses his back hand so his arm isn’t blocking the camera’s view. Let the couple twirl a bit for fun, gazing at each other, and then slow it down and maybe even pause mid-twirl to look at the camera. This is a great pose for showcasing backs of dresses as well as for capturing movement of hair and dresses.
Shoulder Perch.
This pose has lots of options and the couple will quickly figure out what feels most natural. She can try one or both hands or an elbow perched on her date’s shoulder. He can have one or both hands in pockets, or hands hanging down, or even one behind her back. Direct the couple to look away and then direct them to look right at the camera.
