High school prom season can be a time that’s equal parts excitement and trepidation. After all, when it comes to prom, there can be a lot to stress about – from the promposal to finding the perfect party dresses and matching tuxedos. But one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is getting the best prom pictures. That’s why we’ve compiled this helpful guide to the best prom pose ideas.
Your prom should be one of the most memorable nights of your high school life, and you’re going to want to document that as best you can. This is more than just a school dance, after all. You’re going to look back on those fun prom pictures for the rest of your life. The perfect prom and prom pictures aren’t guaranteed, but if you get your prom pose ideas right you’ll look back on these shots with pride. Below you’ll learn about the best prom poses for individual shots, group shots, and prom poses for couples. All you have to worry about is… well, everything else.
How to to take the best prom photos
You don’t have to be a professional portrait photographer to take great prom pictures or have creative prom picture poses. Here are some useful tips for taking the best prom (or homecoming!) photos:
- Plan enough time to capture all the photos you need. You don’t want to be late for the dance because you were stuck at home taking photos. To be safe, set aside at least an hour and a half for your photo session. If you’re taking large group photos then be sure to add in a little more time – perhaps an extra half hour – to make sure everyone gets their chance to shine.
- Be creative with your location. Your parents’ backyard might be picturesque, but don’t feel obligated to take all of your prom pictures at home. Consider a location that captures you and your friends’ personalities. Wherever your setting, you’ll want plenty of space, without any clutter in the background. If you don’t have a lot of location options, you can always use the Background Remove tool to easily change the backdrop of a prom photo to something more fun.
- Use natural light and avoid flash. To take the best prom pictures, try to complete a prom photoshoot before nightfall. Use natural light to capture your outfit and all of the intricate details. Using flash photography can create harsh images, so try to avoid it where possible.
- Make sure your photographer knows the basics. Unless you’re hiring a professional portrait photographer, chances are your camera person for the day is a friend or parent. Make sure they understand the basics of photography and the camera they are using ahead of the shoot, so that there isn’t any time wasted on the setup.
- Be prepared. The key to great prom pictures is going into your photoshoot feeling fully prepared. Consider making a full shot list for prom. Determine who will be taking photos first, when couples shots will take place, and when you plan to capture the whole group. If you want props or specific prom pose ideas to be involved, make sure you give the group a heads up so everyone can be ready. Planning these little details will help your shoot go smoothly.
15 poses to shine in prom photos
Now that you’re familiar with the basics of taking the best prom pictures, it’s time to lock in cool prom pose ideas. When it comes to the best prom poses, you want to make sure your whole group is on board with the direction you are going in. After all, this should be a fun moment for everyone.
We’ll break down different prom pose ideas for each situation you’ll run into. This will include the best prom poses for singles, couples, and groups.
Single pictures
- Look over your shoulder
This is a classic prom picture pose. The portrait setup makes it perfect for prom pictures. Not only is it a flattering, timeless shot, but you’ll get to show off the back of your dress, too.
- Make your dress the star
Speaking of prom dresses, you are definitely going to want to show yours off. So, capture a shot with your dress fluffed out or showing off an a-line cut in all of its glory.
- Blow a kiss to the camera
This is an adorable pose that doubles as a creative self portrait idea. Lean slightly forward and adopt the pose of blowing a kiss so that the end result is fun and natural-looking. This is also a subtle way to show off your corsage.
- Take a walk down a staircase
Whether you’re inside or outside, descending down a staircase is a classic prom pose idea shows off your outfit and creates a dramatic entrance. This is also a good option for group prom photos.
- Give the camera a twirl
Adding a bit of movement to your prom poses will help the final image look more candid and fun. Twirl slowly so that your cameraperson has time to capture the action. Just don’t forget to keep your expression natural. You can even laugh to be sure you have a perfect smile.
Couples pictures
- Start with the classic prom pose
To achieve this one, have your date stand behind you and angle both of your bodies away from the camera to the side. Have your date put their hands around your waist and place your hands on top. This is a great prom pose for couples, but it works well for group shots, too.
- Bust a move
Prom is all about dancing and having a good time, so why not bring that energy to your prom photoshoot? Have your date twirl or dip you. You can also coordinate a TikTok trendy dance clip. Play music and have fun with it.
- Pop your leg up
This is a cute prom pose for a couple. Face each other hugging, and look up at each other adoringly. Bend your knee and kick back the leg that is closest to the camera. This is an adorable pose that will give everyone rom-com feels.
- Take a stroll
Hold hands with your date and take a short, slow walk towards the camera. Now, capture this pose idea while walking away from the camera to capture the back of your prom dress. To keep everything looking natural, look at each other and have a conversation. This will help create movement without awkward facial expressions.
- Be candid
The best prom poses are the unstaged ones where you feel most comfortable. So be sure that whoever is snapping pictures for the day is capturing candids as well as planned pose ideas. Chances are, these are the photos you’ll cherish the most.
Group pictures
- Use a staircase
Lining couples up on a staircase is a classic prom picture pose. You can have everyone standing next to their dates, or you can get creative and sit everyone on different levels.
- Linking arms
This is a great pose to show off everyone’s dresses. Line up with your friends and link arms. To keep it looking natural, be sure to talk, laugh, and look at each other rather than the camera.
- Pose like a teen drama show
This one is super fun and theatrical, especially with everyone in their dresses and tuxedos. Have some chairs and props like balloons and signs available and shoot where there is an opportunity for everyone to be on slightly different levels. You can take multiple variations of this shot so that every couple gets a chance to be the star of the show.
- Do something silly
The most important part of a prom photoshoot is that you have fun. These prom pics are memories you’re making with friends that will last you a lifetime. Take a photo doing something funny, whether it’s a goofy pose or something related to an inside joke.
- Jump around
This is such a fun group shot and the results are always great. On the count of three, have everyone in the group jump in the air with their hands up. The results of these shots, even outtakes, always make for priceless memories.
How to beautifully edit prom photos using Picsart
Now that you have some of the best prom picture ideas and prom poses, it’s time to edit your photos before sharing them on social media or printing them out.
With Picsart, you can easily edit prom photos in seconds. Make some edits in the limo on the way to dinner using the Picsart mobile app, or use the web editor to edit them on your computer when you’re home.
On the web:
1) Open the Picsart web editor in your browser and click Upload to select an image from your computer.
2) Click on the Effects icon in the above menu to open a selection of photo filters and pick one for your image.
3) Make further edits by clicking on Adjust above your image. Here you can change the Opacity, Saturation, Brightness, and Contrast.
4) When you are happy with how your prom picture looks, click on Export in the top right corner and download your image. Here you can also change the file format, name your image, and upscale for printing.
On the Picsart mobile app:
1) Open the Picsart app and tap on the pink plus sign (+) at the bottom of your screen to start a new project and upload your image.
2) Click on Tools in the bottom Editor toolbar. Tap Adjust and play around with the brightness, opacity, saturation, and so much more. Once you’re done with the Adjust tools, tap Apply in the top right of your screen.
Pro tip: If you need to upscale your image for printing or you have a grainy image, tap on Tools then Enhance and scale accordingly.
3) You can also add a filter to your image by tapping on Effects and selecting a filter you like. Tap on Apply to save the filter.
5) You can also add prom stickers, text, masks, and more. Once you’re done editing your image tap Next, then Save to your phone or Post to share your image with the Picsart community.
Now that you know how to capture and edit the perfect prom pictures, it’s time to tear up the dance floor!
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