Photographing kids is a lot of fun. They are cute, innocent, and you never know just what they’re going to give you!?

Posing kids can be a little trickier however (especially if they are young).

If they are out of that toddler stage though and can follow some simple directions, then you can try to pose them in the cutest ways possible!

Keep reading to learn 8 easy ways to pose children in photographs.

Rather listen? Hear all about ways to pose kids on The Stay Focused Podcast!

Have them Sit

This pose is pretty easy to set up. Just have them sit down! It doesn’t have to be anything fancy either. You could set up chairs, or crates, but using the natural environment works just as well. Find a big rock, steps or just right down on the ground. Make sure to position their legs (if they’ll let you) to it’s most flattering.

Straight On

This is a classic headshot and is often a favorite with parents. The key to shooting a child’s portrait straight on is to get down at their level. Kneel down so your eyes are level with theirs. This will create a very flattering angle.

Have them Kneel

Similar to the classic straight on pose, this is also a classic shot, but from a different angle. How the child squat down, while you get on a higher lever (maybe a step or rock, or step ladder) Shoot vertically and aim down at them while their eyes gaze up at you. This looks great with a serious or happy expression!

Put Hands in Pockets

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do with hands when you are looking at the camera for a photo. This pose eliminates that. Just ask the child to place their hands in their pockets. You can have them put the whole hand in or just the thumbs. Either way it’s super cute!

Hands on Face

This pose works better with girls, but could work on younger boys to. Have them touch their cheeks or chin. This pose usually brings an instant innocent smile to their face which will give you a super sweet shot!

Lay Down

This creates a fun and unusual perspective and is generally well liked by children. Just have the child lie flat on their back while you are above them. Depending on the length of your lens, you might have to stand on a chair , rock or something else to get you up a little higher. Point the camera down and ask them to look right up at you.

Ask Them to be Natural

Let them pose in their own element- unposed. Ask them to run, jump, spin, and dance, whatever they can do to move around and let loose for a minute. This is almost guaranteed to give you a good shot.

Crossed Arms

There is nothing like an arm cross to make a child feel like they are boss. This is a fun pose because the child feels a little empowered this way. You could have them cross their arms leaning against something or standing straight up. Ask them to give you a tough guy smile for added fun in their expression!

Want to know some ways to Pose Large Families too? Check it out here for 9 ways to pose large families!