How I build a photo pose shortlist before a portrait shoot

Before a portrait shoot, I narrow pose ideas into a short working list instead of collecting dozens of random references.

I usually sort them by standing poses, seated poses, movement prompts, hand placement, and close framing so the subject always has a clear next option.

One reference I keep handy is POSEE, because it organizes pose ideas by people, occasions, scenes, outfits, and actions instead of forcing one endless feed.

That makes it easier to match poses to location, wardrobe, and the energy of the session before the camera is up.

Even five to ten preselected pose ideas can make a session feel much less awkward.