Pose Like a Pro in Iconic Halloween Costume Styles: Top Tricks and Tips

If you’re scheduling a Halloween photo session – whether sexy, spooky or something in between – we’re going to guide you through striking those sultry-yet-bone-chilling poses that perfectly match the vibe you’re going for.

We’re also going to reveal the top three posing mistakes to avoid during Halloween photo shoots, so whether you’re in a classic Snow White dress, rocking a fierce Cruella de Vil fur or embracing the Clash of the Titans vibe of Medusa, you’re going to come away with all the confidence and creativity you need to nail your Halloween photos.

Let’s take a look at what you should be shooting for when it comes to posing in the most iconic outfits and utilizing the best props.

Harley Quinn

Though she’s been popular since the live action version of Suicide Squad hit theaters, the character of the Joker’s villainous-yet-sexy sidekick Harley Quinn has really exploded on the Halloween dress-up scene after the recent release of Joker: Folie a Deux – a follow-up to the 2019 original film that attempted to tell the origin story of the great Batman adversary.

Personality and Expression

When it comes to a costume such as the sinfully sultry Harley Quinn of comic book lore, the personalities of chaos, playfulness, confidence and unpredictable allure should be expressed through your poses. Because Ms. Quinn is chaotic, playful and confident, the poses you strike should reflect her somewhat unpredictable characteristic – so don’t be afraid to show some attitude and get sassy.

Poses

• Bat Over the Shoulder – For a classic Harley look, go for the baseball bat over the shoulder while cracking a wicked smirk – you can even try jutting your hip out to one side.
• Jumping Kick – In this pose, you attempt a mid-air jump with your bat raised while laughing wildly; this will definitely capture Ms. Quinn’s chaotic energy in the photo shoot.
• Lean on the Bat – Standing with one foot in front of the other, lean on the bat in the likeness of a cane, all while flashing a mischievous grin.

Props Tip

A baseball bat is the quintessential prop for Harley Quinn, and it’s an extension of her character; as such, you should use one to emphasize the rebellious punk-esque vibe exuded by the Joker’s significant other.

Wonder Woman

Ever since Gal Gadot put on the cape, boots and magical tiara to slip into the iconic role of Wonder Woman in the super-successful feature film, the Amazon warrior princess has been a staple during Halloween costume season.

Personality and Expression

Diana Prince, as she’s known when she’s not flying about and rescuing damsels-in-distress alongside the rest of the Justice League, is fierce, strong and powerful, embodying leadership and bravery – so your poses for this character should reflect strength and confidence.

Poses

• Power Pose – Standing with legs apart, hands on your hips, chest out and chin up, you can create the ultimate iconic superhero stance.
• Arms Crossed – Crossing your arms in front of your chest – as Diana does before she uses her super-powered bracelets in battle – exudes strength and determination.
• Action Pose – In capturing Wonder Woman’s warrior side, you can lunge forward with your shield raised.

Props Tip

A shield and lasso are essential props for a Wonder Woman photo shoot, as they reinforce the power in her personality – as such, we wholeheartedly recommend them for action poses.

Clown

Personality and Expression

When it comes to the classic clown costume, the approach could be creepy, funny or possibly even playful – it all depends on what kind of clown you’re going for in your shoot. Of course, thanks to the popularity of the horror hit It, focused on a killer clown-demon, the red balloon accompanying clown costumes has become all the rage on the Halloween scene.

Poses

• Balloon in Hand – Hold that red balloon in front of your face while peeking around it, all while cracking a playful or eerie smile.
• Wide Legged Stance – Standing with your legs apart and arms wide, you can emulate the proverbial playful circus performer.
• Creepy Stare – In this pose, you can stand still while holding your balloon, staring directly into the camera flashing a haunting expression.

Props Tip

As we mentioned above, balloons are a perfect prop for a clown costume, whether cute or creepy, and a red one adds character and context to your pose.

Cruella de Vil

Becoming infamous for her carnal desires to take the fur from a pack of spotted dogs in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians in order to make a coat, the Cruella de Vil character lived up to her name in a myriad of ways. Yet despite the protests of canine lovers everywhere, Cruella has gone on to become quite the popular Halloween costume.

Personality and Expression

With this character, it’s all about dramatics, boldness and confidence. But, it’s also about luxury and attitude, and as such, poses need to be elegant but fierce.

Poses

• Fur Over the Shoulder – Holding a spotted fur coat over one shoulder, tilt your chin up while cracking a smirk.
• Looking Down – Keeping a cigarette holder (or prop) in hand, look down your nose at the camera; this will exude an aura of superiority.
• Strut – In this pose, you’ll mimic walking with the fur flying behind you, with your chin up alongside a powerful gaze.

Props Tip

A fur coat – preferably one with spots to suggest the Dalmatian connection – and cigarette holder adds that extra touch of drama to Ms. de Vil’s look; these props are essential to selling her high-fashion, villainous personality.

Snow White

Personality and Expression

The iconic Disney princess exudes pure, sweet and graceful overtones, and as such, her poses should embody innocence and elegance – all through soft expressions and graceful hand movements.

Poses

• Holding an Apple – Gripping an apple in one hand near your face while exuding a soft, dream-like expression highlights Snow White’s fairytale-esque grace.
• Hand on Chest – Placing one hand gently on your chest, tilt your head slightly while flashing a serene smile.
• Looking Over the Shoulder – In this final pose, you can try standing slightly turned away from the camera, looking over your shoulder with an apple in hand.

Props Tip

You’ve probably figured this out by now, but the apple is the key with a Snow White photo shoot – it’s a symbol of her entire story, and as such, you should use it to add a magical, fairytale-esque feel to your poses.

Pumpkin/Scarecrow

Personality and Expression

The classic pumpkin costume can be fun and lighthearted, so the goal is to bring out a playful and quirky vibe through your poses; similarly, a scarecrow can be quirky and stiff, but can also exhibit a touch of spooky charm – thus, your poses should exude playful overtones but with a sense of “silly awkwardness.”

Poses

• Arms Out Wide – In the likeness of giving someone a hug, stand with your arms wide open while cracking an ear-to-ear smile.
• Twirl – By spinning with your pumpkin skirt twirling, you can capture a playful and carefree moment.
• Cute Shrug – A cute, somewhat exaggerated shrug with hands up near your face can create another playful and sweet moment.
• Arms Out – Stand with your arms straight out on your sides, like a scarecrow on a pole.
• Tilting Head – For an injection of character, lean your head to one side while keeping your body in a rigid state.
• Touching Hat – While looking off into the distance, pose as if you’re adjusting your hat with one hand.

Props Tip

When it comes to a pumpkin and/or scarecrow costume, adding a small pumpkin as a prop – or holding a pumpkin basket – allows the costume to exude even more festive and fun overtones; additionally, using a straw hat or even holding some straw takes the scarecrow vibe to the next authentic and fun level.

Wednesday Addams

Personality and Expression

In the haunted world of the Addams Family, Wednesday remains an emotionless, dark and serious character, known for her deadpan expression – as such, it’s important to keep your poses with this character minimal and straightforward.

Poses

• Arms Crossed – The perfect pose for Wednesday’s no-nonsense vibe is to keep a stiff posture with arms crossed, all while cracking a blank expression.
• Book in Hand – Exuding a serious look, hold a dark book close to your chest, head tilted down slightly.
• Hands by Your Side – Staring as blankly as possible into the camera, stand rigidly with hands by your side.

Props Tip

When it comes to the mysteriously emotionless Wednesday Addams, a book or doll works perfectly to inject a gothic, eerie overtone to the pose.

Sporty Barbie

Personality and Expression

Accompanied by funky, bright, neon-esque clothing, Sporty Barbie can be described as a bubbly, energetic and full-of-life character; as such, it’s important to capture her fun, active spirit through poses that suggest movement and enthusiasm.

Poses

• Mid-Action Swing – While smiling brightly, mimic a mid-swing with a tennis racket.
• Jumping Pose – To exhibit a full-of-energy vibe, capture a mid-jump pose with both hands in the air.
• One Foot Forward – Standing with one foot forward, hold the racket while flashing a big, confident smile.

Props Tip

Use a tennis racket or jump rope to bring the blonde icon’s active side to life, while showing her fun and sporty nature.

Medusa

The slithery serpent-like creature made iconic in the Clash of the Titans films is a powerful, mysterious and slightly dangerous character.

Personality and Expression

When posing in a Medusa costume, your actions should reflect strength and elegance – with just a smattering of venom.

Poses

• Gaze Over Shoulder – Gazing over your shoulder with a piercing stare, stand turned slightly away from the camera.
• Snake Hand Gesture – For a seductive but dangerous pose, stand with your hand curled in front of your face – as if beckoning your next victim to come closer.
• Arms Raised – To mimic Medusa’s serpentine shape with your body, raise both arms above your head.

Props Tip

Create a powerful and mesmerizing look for your Medusa photo shoot by wrapping a crown slithering with (fake) snakes around your head, or adding similar-looking bracelets around your arms/neck.

Three Mistakes to Avoid When Posing in Halloween Costumes

• Overthinking Poses – Trying too hard to create the perfect pose can make your shots come across as unnatural; relax and embrace the character’s personality as best as possible.
• Ignoring Your Costume’s Personality – Each costume emits its own “energy” – for example, fierceness with Wonder Woman and playfulness with Harley Quinn – so avoid generic poses that don’t match the character.
• Forgetting About Props – Because props enhance your costume and poses, the decision not to use them will yield poses that feel incomplete.

Want to capture Halloween different than before? These posing tips will help you show each character’s vibe, from Harley’s fun to Snow White’s calm. Now that you feel inspired, let’s make your Halloween photos great! Reach out to book your session and bring your costume to life with poses that tell a tale and make a mark.

Written by Daria Koso – Fashion Photographer