When creatively directing a photo shoot, you have to think about the location, outfit, lighting, mood, and posing. We all have our go-to poses but as creatives we must strive to keep things fresh and fun on our feeds. So if you’re looking to add a bit of flare to your pics here are seven creative poses for Instagram photos.

P.S. Be sure to bookmark this post to reference later!

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The Whip

Incorporating action into your style can really make a photo feel more alive. So next time you rock a long coat, kimono, dress or really anything that can flow, try twirling or whipping it into motion.

Face Framing

When shooting photos up close and personal, add a feminine touch by framing your face delicately. This can mean softly placing your hands under your chin, by your lips and/or near your hairline.

Pose Gallery

The gallery edit is a creative way to showcase multiple poses in one photo. I chose to add symmetry to my picture by adding in some of the same photos twice. However, if you did nine amazing poses and want to show them all off, then definitely do it! I used the Unfold App‘s “Nine” collection to create this look.

Arms Up

If you are short like me (5’2) and want to add length, I recommend arms up. Plus if you ate a big meal before shooting, it helps to skinny up your waist a bit. Bonus tip: The photographer I worked with on my first professional shoot told me to always point your toes. In my opinion it looks more elegant and artistic, so why not give it go.

Get Low

When you want to switch it up from the normal standing poses, get low. This shoot was for my brand partnership with ShoeDazzle so I wanted showcase their trainers in a creative way. I decided to get down and dirty (keep that hand sanitizer on deck) and positioned my body in a way that would place myself and the shoes on the same level. So next time you’re out shooting, drop that booty low and play around with some creative poses for your Instagram photos.

Michael Jackson

I had been wanting to do this pose for awhile because it looked so fun and freeing. I recommend wearing a pair of sturdy sneakers to pull off this balancing act. Also, use this pose idea as an opportunity to try out different arm placements. As you learned above I’m all about arms up, but you can get creative and try arms on hips or one arm out in front and one out in back. Bonus Tip: Before you shoot, practice in the mirror first. If you think you’ll forget what you did at home, take photos of your poses on your phone to reference while out.

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Crazy Legs

During quarantine, I had to take my creativity to the next level in order to compensate for the not-so “wow” factor of being indoors. Take this photo for example, I’m working with a picture, sofa and a couple of pillows, so I made sure my outfit and posing were A1. Tip: If you’re lacking in one area, whether outfit, background, etc. make up for it by getting more creative in another area.

Let me know in the comments below, which pose was your favorite!

Want to know which props are best for creative photos? Read my “7 Simple Props For Next Level Photos.”