Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots. See more headshots in the gallery. Contact me to book your professional headshot today!
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I might be dating myself here… but I always tell my clients, “that looks very GQ.”
If you don’t know, GQ stands for Gentlemen’s Quarterly—a men’s fashion magazine known for clean, confident, classic style.
And honestly? It’s still one of the best references for how men should look in a headshot.
Not stiff.
Not over-posed.
Just confident and natural.
Why Posing Feels So Awkward (and How to Fix It)
Most men walk into a headshot session thinking:
“What do I do with my hands?”
“Do I stand straight?”
“Do I smile?”
That’s where things start to feel forced.
The truth is, posing isn’t about memorizing positions—it’s about small adjustments that make you look confident and comfortable on camera.
The “GQ” Pose: My Go-To for Men
If I had to pick one pose that works almost every time, it’s this:
Both hands in your pockets.
Why it works:
- Relaxes your posture instantly
- Eliminates awkward hand placement
- Creates a natural, confident stance
- Feels effortless (not forced)
This is what I mean when I say “GQ.” Clean, simple, and polished.
Other Go-To Headshot Poses for Men
You don’t need a dozen poses—just a few solid options that work.
1. One Hand in Pocket, One Relaxed
A slightly more casual variation of the GQ pose.
- Adds natural movement
- Feels less symmetrical (more organic)
- Great for approachable, modern branding
2. Arms Crossed
A classic for a reason.
- Strong and confident
- Ideal for leadership roles
- Clean and structured
Key tip: Keep it relaxed—not tight or stiff.
3. Slight Lean (Forward or Against a Surface)
Adding a subtle lean changes everything.
- Breaks stiffness
- Adds dimension
- Feels more natural and candid
4. Seated Pose (Great for Branding Sessions)
If you want something more relaxed:
- Feels approachable
- Great for personal branding
- Still professional without feeling rigid
The Details That Matter More Than the Pose
Here’s what most people don’t realize:
The pose itself matters less than the small adjustments.
Focus on:
- Turning your body slightly (don’t face the camera straight on)
- Relaxing your shoulders
- Keeping a natural chin position
- Adding a subtle lean toward the camera
These are the details that make a headshot look polished instead of posed.
What Most Men Get Wrong
- Standing stiff and straight
- Overthinking hand placement
- Forcing expressions
- Trying too hard to “pose”
The best photos don’t look posed at all—they look natural.
Ready for a Headshot That Actually Feels Like You?
The best headshot poses don’t feel posed.
They feel natural, confident, and effortless—like the best version of you on your best day.
And the truth is, you don’t need to memorize poses or figure it all out on your own. Small adjustments—how you stand, where your hands go, the angle of your body—make all the difference.
That’s exactly what I guide you through during your session. From the moment you step in front of the camera, I’m directing you every step of the way so you feel comfortable, confident, and never unsure of what to do next.
If you’re ready for a headshot that actually feels like you, click HERE to book your session and let’s create something you’re proud to use.
Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots. See more headshots in the gallery. Contact me to book your professional headshot today!
