22 Unique Posing Ideas to Stand Out on Social Media

Whether you are a budding Travel Creator or simply want to level up your next photo dump to show off to your friends and family, you might be looking for some unique posing ideas to make those crazy dreams come true.

Well, if you have stumbled across this post, you definitely are, and lucky for you, you are in the right place!

In good hands with award-winning travel photographer and Queen of Camera Confidence, Dana. (Hello, that’s me Wandering Donut!). The one who has proven success that these unique posing ideas help you stand out on social media, as I celebrate my 10 year wanderingdonut-iversary!

Yep, these poses connected me to hundreds of thousands of people around the world, scored me the big bucks with my dream travel brands and tourism boards AND most of all, they made for some of my favourite travel memories ever.

Enough about me, you may need to start stretching because your personal posing masterclass STARTS NOW!

DISCLAIMER

Your results are bound to vary. After all, we are all very different people with different bodies, gear and abilities.

This is not a step-by-step guide to going viral. Instead, a challenge to get out of your comfort zone and bring the fun back to photography and social media.

I encourage you to make these unique posing ideas your own.

Stop trying so hard to capture the ‘perfect photo’. Focus on the moments, feelings and memories you want to remember. That is how you are really going to stand out, because it is YOU!

Understanding your Gear

As an extension to the disclaimer, you need to know that what camera you use and how you use it will give varied results to your poses and photos.

From iPhone to professional cameras and everything in between and out. Ultimately, it does not matter. Whatever gear you have is the best to use if you take the time to learn it.

And that goes for your body as well!

For reference, I am a petite 5’2″ woman, and I understand that many of the poses are not suitable for everyone (like my 6’6″ boyfriend for example), but they are here as a guideline to get you thinking about how you can make them suitable to your ability, limitations and style.

Beautifully demonstrated by my parents here. Who have also been putting these unique posing ideas to good use as they build their own Travel Blog and Social Media Success.

But enough yapping, let’s get snapping!

1. The Fire Hydrant

When people say “I got that dog in me” this is what I imagine.

The Fire Hydrant Pose take inspiration from the classic dog bathroom break; kicking your leg up and letting it hang out for a minute while you do your business.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A general level of balance and coordination is key for this pose.

In saying that, it is one of the easiest to create variations of. With extended legs, bent knees, assisted leg grabs (beautifully demonstrated by my parents above), or even leaning against objects nearby.

POSING TIPS:

Maybe stretch a little beforehand
Do not try this in large crowds. Be mindful and respectful of those around you and the cultures you are within.
Know your limits. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself for the gram… totally not worth it.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
For best results, I recommend using a wide angle lens and getting low to take the photo. Not only is it fantastic for making short legs look much longer but creates an engaging framing within your image.

2. Your Superhero Cape

Sometimes you don’t feel like posing, so you can let your clothes do all the work for you.

This Superman trick allows you to twist, twirl and swosh your way to social media success. The simple way to create movement within your photos.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A ‘cape’. Coats, robes, and cardigans tucked over your shoulder when it gets too hot and sweaty OR even beach towels, swim coverups and overshirts are a fantastic alternative for when it REALLY is hot and sweaty.

POSING TIPS:

Use the weather to your advantage. If it’s windy, you may already have a natural flow to your cape.
While twirling is my favourite way to get the ultimate swish of my cape, it is not always necessary. The effect can be done with a simple lift up and down of your arms behind you while you stand still, making it easier to adapt to your ability and energy levels.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
The longer your ‘cape’ the more dramatic your photo will be BUT it isn’t always necessary.
To make the most of what you are working with, set your camera as close to your hands or end of the ‘cape’ as possible to create an illusion of extension and interaction.

3. Sloth Mode

If you have been following wanderingdonut on Instagram for a while you would know this has become my signature move and the most commonly recreated by my audience (which I also love to see so don’t be shy and please send them to me haha)

While it looks like the most ridiculous pose of the lot, it is one of the easiest to do since all you need to do is plonk yourself down somewhere and hang on like a sloth.

From big rocks in the South Island of New Zealand to living it up at an all-inclusive resort in the Maldives, I whip this pose out wherever I can.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER POSE, EXPERT LEVELS OF IDGAF

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

The most important thing you need here is enough space and a solid surface to sloth yourself on to.

Followed closely by the lack of embarrassment to commit to it.

POSING TIPS:

Who cares if people stare, let them! After all isn’t that the goal with some of these photos online? Allow yourself to have fun with it and embrace the silliness.
Again, do not try this in large crowds. Be mindful and respectful of those around you and the cultures you are within.
Be safe.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
I find this pose work the best when it isn’t the main focus of the photo, keeping yourself in a smaller part of the frame. Allow yourself to get lost within the beauty of your surroundings with a fun twist. Think of it like a game of Where’s Wally/Waldo.

4. Run (or swim) away from your problems

Oh you wanted movement in your photos AND a workout routine, I got you

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A general level of balance and coordination is key for this pose.

POSING TIPS:

This is more of a slow-mo run/skip combo to give yourself the best chance of capturing that perfect run moment without too much blur and sweaty mess
My personal preference is to add a cheeky look back mid run to engage the audience a little more into the scene.
Check your path before you run through. Make sure it is clear and safe to do so.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
Set your camera to burst mode or interval shooting to best capture the movement and small moments within.

5. The Tree Hugger

A unique posing idea that comes from one of the most common sayings.

The variations of the Tree Hugger are exactly what the name suggest, where you grab a tree and give it a big hug.

This is a favourite of mine in terms of storytelling, especially when it comes to travel photography. Think about the emotions of falling in love with paradise and never wanting to leave or the dreaded last day of your trip has arrived and you need to say your goodbyes.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A tree

POSING TIPS:

Please check if the tree is safe before touching it and do not harm it in any way. Everything comes back to respect.
To take this to EXPERT level, you can climb the trees but I am not coordinated enough to even attempt that. Again, trust your limits.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
Honestly just have fun with this one. There is no magic trick or tip. Every tree is different so you need to adapt to whatever you are working with.

6. The Flamingo

Like a flamingo, I am commonly seen standing and resting on one leg, with the other leg tucked next to my body.

Unlike flamingos, this behavior is not an adaptation for conserving body heat and potentially reducing muscle fatigue, instead an easy trick to look less awkward in photos and make your booty look darn good while you do it.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Legs

POSING TIPS:

I find this one looks the most natural when you are leaning against or away from some kind of railing. Any chance to interact with the space is always a great chance to elevate your photos and feel more natural when taking them.

7. Hand it over

Similar to the insta-famous follow me to series, this sweet and simple hand over technique is the key to scroll-stopping content because it invites the audience in right away.

The best part about it is that you can do the same pose over and over again but if you mix up your prop, it’ll make for a completely different photo. The possibilities are endless!

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A prop to hand over

POSING TIPS:

Everything comes back to respect and especially this one. If you are taking photos in shops and markets please talk to the staff, pay for what you want to use and even pay extra in some cases.
For an added layer of interest in the image, get your photographer friend to reach into the frame to grab whatever your prop is off you.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
For the photographer: take the photo from front on.
For the poser: The closer you can hold the prop away from you and closer to the camera, the easier it will be to play with the depth of field for more options and outcomes.

8. Jump for Joy

Similar to the Insta-famous follow me to series, this sweet and simple hand over technique is the key to scroll-stopping content because it invites the audience in right away.

The best part about it is that you can do the same pose over and over again but if you mix up your prop, it’ll make for a completely different photo. The possibilities are endless!

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A decent level of coordination and a safe space to jump from/to.

POSING TIPS:

Rather than a direct jump, try leaping with one leg at a time. This helps give more definition to your body.
Make sure to count down before your jump so that your photographer and you are both ready
I want to reiterate how important it is to have a safe space that you can jump onto. Don’t be stupid and look after yourself.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
Set your camera to burst mode or interval shooting to best capture the movement and small moments within. Trust me there are some not so pretty parts of the jump, you will want the options to pick out the best.

9. Hoisting the Flag

The Flag is a hybrid of my unique posing ideas. Gathering the best and easiest techniques from a bunch of my favourites together for a new, dynamic and stupidly easy option to level up your photos.

Ease to adapt to varied props and locations. Just think of yourself and the poll and that tree, swing, rope or whatever else is your flag pole.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A flag pole (Not literally unless you want it to be)

POSING TIPS:

Hold on, lean back.
Double check that your ‘pole’ is sterdy and will not fling you back if you lean/pull on it.
AGAIN, please be mindful of your surroundings and respectful of the people, landscapes and cultures.

10. Sip and Slurp

If you are a major foodie like me, this one is for you!

And for my fellow theme-park fanatics, you will want to pay close attention because it is the easiest trick to level up your post-park day photo dump. Take it from my Disneyland and/or Universal Studios Japan Guides.

IMO it’s a better opinion than the Hand It Over, since you get to enjoy the treats instead of the camera. And works for so many scenarios!

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Food and/or drinks, plus and appetite.

POSING TIPS:

While there is an element of posing, don’t overlook your real reactions and emotions to what you are trying (good, bad and ugly).
This is perfect if you are someone who often overthinks what to do with your hands and facial expressions when posing.
Where you look when you splurp can change the entire image. Whether you are drooling as you eye off your food, staring down the camera to make the viewer jealous or going extra fancy looking up and off into the distance. Play around and give yourself more options to choose from.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
Don’t be scared to experiment with flash photography. I love the way it makes food pop and brings a cool girl moody tone to cocktail nights.

11. Hands in the air like you just don’t care

I really think this one speaks for itself so I will give you a brief break from my ramblings.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Hands to put in the air like you just don’t care.

POSING TIPS:

Ideal for a range of scenarios to bring their story to life. The joy, the excitement and/or the nerves like you are riding a rollercoaster can make an image.
Play with props in your hands. Like the wine photo, it can add a whole new layer and story behind your image.
If you don’t want your neck lost in the pose, drop your shoulders once you raise your arms.

12. The Chiropractor

Depending on the variation you do, you could also call this on the exorcist, but I don’t want to claim that energy so we will leave it as is.

The Chiropractor is here is crack your back as you bend back to the camera with a big grin.

If you really want to get someone’s attention on Instagram, this one will do it because they will have to spend a few minutes figuring out how, where and what is going on.

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE TO EXPERT

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Flexibility and potentially, a real chiropractor after this.

POSING TIPS:

Think about whipping your hair towards the camera. It’ll keep you aiming in the right direction and the hair movement is a nice bonus
Know your limits. Maybe even do a quick stretch beforehand.
It can help to grab onto something in front of you, ideally a railing to help you lean back from and reveal the incredible background.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
Not necessarily in burst mode like the other poses, but taking multiple photos across different variations of your bend is recommended. It is not always the prettiest pose and you need to keep an eye out for accidental flashing (this time I am not talking about the camera).

13. Face Palm

The Face Palm, hate hold, salut, sunvisor, head scratch. All it comes down to is a simple hand near your face.

Not only can this be fantastic to keep the sun out of your eyes in your photos, it also creates a nice shape with your body. Many refer to this as the Triangle Trick.

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE TO EXPERT

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A Face and a Palm

POSING TIPS:

To elaborate on the “triangle posing trick”, this is a technique using triangle shapes in your body and arms to create more natural and photogenic poses.
Experiment with props and your surroundings. For example, if you have a hat on your can hold it, or if you are sitting on the ground, you can rest your elbow on your propped-up knee to feel more relaxed.
While you may think this highlight the face more, I actually love this one on the days I don’t necessarily feel like showing up on camera and want the rest of my body and surroundings to feel more natural to take away from it.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
This is best taken at eye level to make sure the face palm isn’t completely blocking the face. It helps better show off those triangles too, helping you look and feel your best in the photo.

14. Cartwheel

Was the running and jumping not enough for you? You want a real workout? Let’s get into some gymnastics!

If you were following me around 2018-2019, you would know this is a CLASSIC wandering donut move that I would whip out at any safe chance I got.

Where a few muscles pulled, and a couple of face plants had? maybe.
But did I always have fun, and are these some of my favourite travel photos ever? YES

DIFFICULTY: EXPERT

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

To know how to cartwheel without hurting yourself.

And space to cartwheel without hurting anyone else.

POSING TIPS:

I recommend doing this with your back facing away from the camera, as it is not the kindest pose for your facial expressions and potential to flash.
Do a quick walk-through of where you want to cartwheel so you know where to set the focus on your camera. This one will also require a countdown.
Please stretch.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
Set your camera to burst mode or interval shooting to best capture the movement and small moments within. Yep, burst is going to be your best friend.

15. Clockhands and legs?

Tick Tock, what’s the time? You get to decide with this Clock pose!

A fun way to kick your legs and hands anywhere you want to mix and match all sorts of shapes and poses.

What I love about this one is that you can do the same pose type but get a completely different pose and look every time.

This one can be as simple or extravagant as you want it to be.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER TO EXPERT

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Do not be afraid to feel a bit silly and try something new. Pretty much he goal of this entire guide!

POSING TIPS:

This will not work everytime, you need to experiment and find an angle that works best for you. However, take as many photos as you can while you figure out the pose that feels best for you, you never know what you may have captured, especially when it feels the weirdest.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
Especially when focusing on the Clockhands version of this pose, use a wide angle lens/setting and take the photo from a low angle. This allows you to lean into the photo more and really swing those arms around for the full effect!

16. The Simple Lookback

Subtle but effective.

A great one for travel that gives you the chance to show off the views while also bringing your personal touch.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Yourself.

POSING TIPS:

It doesn’t matter if you are seated, standing or grabbing onto a fence for dear life, looking back to the camera is a staple in my posing handbook and neck stretching.
This pose works no matter if you are close up or far away. Mix and match!

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
Look back directly to the camera, wherever it is. It makes for the most engaging and genuine photos, in turn some of my favourite memories remember this way as you get to share the moment directly.

17. Play catch

Play catch… or at least try.

My biggest tip for those struggling to figure out what to do with their hands, face and body is photos is to stop thinking about it altogether. Focus on a prop and do something with it, and this game of fetch is the best example of that!

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Something to catch.

POSING TIPS:

While it is easier to get someone to throw something at you to catch, you can do it yourself. Think of it more like a juggle instead.
You don’t actually have to catch anything. It is the simple art of focusing on something else that can put your body at ease and bring the fun back into photos.
It may take a few attempts to get this to look how you want. Be patient and play around with different angles.
Be careful what and how hard you throw. Again, don’t be stupid.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
I will let you take a guess on what I am going to say here…

WOOHOO BURST MODE IS BACK!
I told you it would be your best friend.

18. The Hungry Caterpillar

This is the complete food crawl package of the previous ‘Sip and Slurp’

Getting to go above and beyond the foods and drinks you can slurp, instead, gobbling up anything and everything you want. Even the orangutans can get behind this one!

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Food and/or drinks, plus and appetite.

POSING TIPS:

Again, while there is an element of posing, don’t overlook your real reactions and emotions to what you are trying (good, bad and ugly).
This is perfect if you are someone who often overthinks what to do with your hands and facial expressions when posing. Be in the moment, no matter how messy.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
You don’t always have to do close us to show off food photos. Sometimes the best food photos are simple moments of you enjoying it within the landscape and scenes you find yourself.
Like enjoying juicy fuji apples in front of Mt Fuji.

19. Manspread (varied levels)

Sometimes its okay to take up a little space.

It doesn’t matter if it is only enough to stop your legs from chaffing or if you want a full split, there is room to play around here.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER TO EXPERT

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Legs to spread.
Not that way! Get your mind out of the gutter.

POSING TIPS:

You can make this is easy or painful for yourself as you would like.
I tend to keep my hands placed between my legs to avoid any unnecessary flashing (a common theme) and make the pose a little more natural and relaxed.
If you attempt the splits on the ground variation, I highly recommend leaning forward towards the camera, it is a fantastic stretch and makes for a fun, eye-catching photo.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
I like to have the photo taken at my eye level to make it seem like the viewer is sitting down with me. So if I am in the splits on the floor, I want them to be too!

20. The Royal Wave

Don’t worry you won’t need a crown for this one. I just didn’t want you getting confused with the Mexican Wave if I left out the royal part.

This simple gesture is recognised around the world.

I feel like we have all had that moment without our lives where we see someone waving and we think it is towards us so we wave back but it probably wasn’t for us. Anyway, I like to think of this pose as the social media version of that.

I may not have been waving to you in the moment but I want you to feel like I am now. Hello!

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

One arm.

POSING TIPS:

This is one of the best and easiest poses to do in busy crowds and tourist hot spots to not only stand out on social media but in real life.
The secret is not to actually do the full wave motion, at least not fast and more of a smile hand raise to get attention. It helps you avoid your hands blurring in the photos, unless that’s the look you are going for, then go for it!

21. Crunch Time

Wow I am really putting you to work today, this is like a full workout routine!

In reality, this pose requires the least amount of movement and effort. Since all you need to do is bend your knees up towards your chest.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Enough space to sit with your legs up.

POSING TIPS:

I think this works so well because of that Triangle theory again that everyone raves about. However, I do it because it is the most comfortable and makes me feel the most natural. Ultimately, that is the goal I want you to be able to reach for yourself.
This pose can easily vary with alternating leg extensions. If you want your legs to look longer, I recommend extending the leg closest to the camera and pointing your toes. It will give your leg nice definition and length.
This is an easy one to do with friends or your partner, sitting back to back/side to side with the legs extended out in opposite directions.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
You need to set the goals of how you want to look/feel just as much as what you want the image to look/feel. The angle you take the photo at and the position on the legs to match with completely change the results of the image. Take the above example of extended the front leg out.

22. Emotional Baggage

Last but not least, in fact, it is probably the MOST…

Emotional Baggage! Given the name by the array of real, raw, reliable emotions you come across on your travels and how to capture those moments forever.

THESE are the images I love that take me right back to the moment and my audience along with me for the wild ride.

DIFFICULTY: BEGINNER

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Yourself

POSING TIPS:

Don’t. No really. Let yourself be in the moment and be captured candidly, even in the cases you set up a shot to take.

FINAL PHOTOGRAPHY TIP:
I can not tell you enough to stop stressing about trying to capture the perfect photo. It probably doesn’t exist, or at least it is very different for all of us and impossible to set a standard to. Let yourself capture the moment snad memories instead, they just happen to be in photo format. Its the images that make you feel something that are perfect IMO.

Now as much as these photos can and will help you stand out on social media, I don’t want you to take on the pressure of that being the only things they should do.

You should take photos for yourself and have fun doing it. The best poses are the ones that bring out the best in you, making you look and feel your best.

That’s all I ask.
Well that and if you could tag/send any photos you post with the poses you try!

I’ll be waiting over at wanderingdonut Instagram where you can also keep updated to date on what new and improved poses I come up with next!