When it comes to school portraits, the right pose can make all the difference. Whether you’re working with energetic elementary school kids or teenagers aiming for that effortlessly cool look, a few simple strategies can take your results to the next level. Here’s a quick guide to go-to poses that are easy, flattering, and suited for different age groups.

The Basic Sit

Sitting is the secret to keeping the littles in place while still looking effortlessly cute. Use a chair or bench, and let their feet dangle for a playful vibe. For the older kids, a simple leg cross adds just the right amount of maturity and structure to their posture.

The Classic Stand

Standing works for any age and it doesn’t have to be boring. Encourage kids to stand with their hands by their sides, on their hips, or clasped in front. Have them shift their weight onto one leg or use one hand to hold a prop, like a book, for a more casual feel.

The Head Tilt

A little tilt goes a long way. Ask for a slight head tilt to one side to soften their expression and bring some personality into the shot, making it perfect for close-up portraits.

Group Poses

When it comes to group shots, don’t just line them up! Stagger the kids at different heights or angles to keep things interesting. Make sure that every face can see the camera and encourage natural interaction between them through a shared laugh to capture their candid expressions.

Pro-Tips:

Shooting with a green screen? We’ve got some helpful tips and tricks for you - just click here to learn more. Once the photos are done, use Skylab Studio’s Extraction tool to place your subjects onto the background of your choice.

To make your back-to-school season a breeze, check out your new and improved workflow here. Plus, we’ve made photo day easy for parents and teachers with our handy guide to photo day.

Wrapping It Up

Don’t forget the most important part - keeping things light, fun, and natural. The goal is to keep the kids comfortable so their personalities shine through in every shot. Focus on capturing the right poses, and Skylab Studio will handle the rest.