Swimsuit Photoshoot Ideas: 13 Instagram Bikini Poses
Swimsuit photoshoots can be fun and freeing, but they can also make people nervous. Many think you need a “perfect body” to look good in a bikini, but that’s not true. What matters most is feeling confident, being creative, and knowing good poses for swimsuit photos.
Whether you’re a photographer planning a beach shoot, an influencer getting pictures for Instagram, or just someone who wants nice vacation photos, learning some swimsuit photo ideas will help you look and feel great.
How to Choose the Right Swimsuit
Choosing the right swimsuit is just as important as knowing how to pose in a bikini. The style, fabric, and color of the swimsuit can change how confident you feel and how flattering your photos look. Here are some tips for different body types:
Pear Shape
If your hips are wider than your shoulders, try to make your top half stand out more. Swimsuits with details like ruffles, bright colors, or special straps on the top can draw attention upward. Tops like bandeau or halter styles make your shoulders and collarbones look nice. Pick bottoms that are darker and simple, so your body looks balanced. For bikini photos, this style works well because the sunlight adds a glow to your upper body and your skin.
Apple Shape
If your tummy area is fuller, look for swimsuits that make your body look longer and show a bit of waist shape. High-waist bikini bottoms are great because they smooth your middle and make you feel supported. Try pairing them with V-neck or wrap-style tops to make your torso look longer. Swimsuits with ruching or diagonal designs also look good in pictures, especially in sunlight.
Hourglass Shape
If your bust and hips are proportional, you can wear many swimsuit styles that show off your curves. Side-tie bikinis, wrap swimsuits, and one-pieces with cutouts at the waist are great choices. These designs look amazing in photos, especially when you do bikini poses like turning slightly to the side (three-quarter turn), which makes your waist stand out more. Avoid swimsuits that are too loose or that cover your shape too much.
Athletic / Rectangle Shape
If your body is straight with fewer curves, choose swimsuits that add shape and make your body look more defined. Go for bright prints, cutouts, belts, or textured fabrics. Tops with padding or ruffles can make your chest look fuller, and high-cut bottoms can make your legs look longer. For bikini photos, try poses like popping one hip or kneeling to create more curves in your body shape.
Petite Frame
If you’re shorter, aim to make your body look longer and balanced. High-leg swimsuits make your legs appear taller, while small triangle tops keep the look light and not too covered. Solid colors or small prints work best because they don’t overpower your frame. For photos, try standing tall or going on your tiptoes to look taller in pictures.
Tall Frame
If you’re tall, it helps to choose swimsuits that break up your height with lines and interesting details. Monokinis with side cutouts, one-pieces with bold belts, or bikinis that mix colors are great choices because they add shape and balance. Try to avoid very plain styles, since they can make you look even taller in beach photos. For photoshoots, sitting or kneeling poses are usually the best for taller people because they make the body look softer and highlight the curves.
Even if you find the perfect swimsuit and practice your poses, small things can still happen during your swimsuit photoshoot: your bikini might move a bit, the straps could twist, or the fabric might not sit perfectly. These little situations are normal, so there’s no need to worry.
If you notice something later, you can always get your photos retouched by WeEdit.Photos specialists who can fix small swimsuit details, smooth lines, and make your pictures look polished and professional.
1. The Lookback Photo Idea
Best Time: 17:00–18:00 or sunset
Best Location: boardwalk, rocks, beach
The easiest swimsuit photoshoot idea: turn your back to the camera and then look back over your shoulder with a soft smile or a playful expression. This pose shows off your swimsuit details from behind (like ties, cutouts, or bold prints) and the twist in your body makes your waistline stand out. It’s a flattering and fun pose for almost any body type.
Sometimes, bright sunlight can cause dark shadows under your eyes in photos. You can fix this later using the best eyebags remover app before you share your picture online.
2. Lying on the Side
Best Time: 12:00 in shade or sunset
Best Location: shoreline, sunbed
Another timeless pose is lying on your side. Cross one leg over the other to create a gentle “S” shape. Rest your head on one hand and point your toes to make your body look longer. It’s a simple pose that elongates the body and looks elegant when done at the right angle. If you notice that close-up photos make your facial features look a bit different, a good retouching app like the nose editing app can help adjust those small details before posting.
3. Pop the Hip
Best Time: sunrise / 18:00
Best Location: shallow water, poolside
Stand with your feet a little apart, shift your weight to one leg, and push your other hip out to form natural curves. This pose works for any body type since it highlights your waist and makes your legs look longer. To change it up, you can place one hand on your hip or hold something like sunglasses or a hat to make the swimsuit photos feel more candid and fun.
4. Sitting Front-On Pose
Best Time: sunrise / sunset
Best Location: towel, stone steps
For a calm look, try sitting with your knees close to your chest and your arms resting loosely around them. This bikini photoshoot pose makes you look confident while keeping attention away from your stomach area.
If you’re worried you might look stiff, just lean back slightly on one hand and stretch your torso a bit. You can look away from the camera or smile softly to make the photo feel more genuine.
Adding small movements can also make your pictures feel full of life. You can brush your hair back, let sand run through your fingers, or adjust your sunglasses. These little actions make the photo look like a real moment instead of a posed shot. It’s a nice way to get natural, beachy pictures that still show your swimsuit in a flattering way.
5. Hair Touch
Best Time: 18:00 / golden hour
Best Location: windy beach, cliff
This pose gives the picture motion and flirty energy, as if the wind is blowing through your hair.
Turn your body slightly toward the camera, keep one arm loose, and use the other to move your hair back. This pose looks natural and stylish. For close-up shots, you can use apps, like the best apps to add eyelashes to a photo, that help add or enhance small details. You can also toss your head a bit to let your hair catch the light, which gives the photo a bright, dynamic look.
6. Lying on the Back
Best Time: 19:00 / sunset
Best Location: dunes, pool float
This pose looks soft and dreamy, and it works well with both bikinis and one-piece swimsuits. Lie down with your knees bent a little and arch your back just enough to create curves. You can rest your arms at your sides or raise them above your head for a slightly more dramatic look.
Tilting your head back toward the light shows confidence and relaxation, making it great for lifestyle-style bikini photoshoot.
7. Kneeling Poses
Best Time: 10:00–11:00
Best Location: wet sand, pool tiles
Kneeling is another pose that adds energy and movement to swimsuit photos. Instead of sitting back on your heels, lift your hips a little so your thighs look longer and your posture stays tall. You can place your hands on your hips, touch your hair, or lean forward a little to change the look.
This kneeling swimsuit photoshoot pose is great for showing toned legs and strong body lines. Changing the angle of your body can completely change how the photo feels. Facing the camera straight on makes the pose bold and strong, while turning slightly to the side makes it softer. You can also move your hands for variety, like resting one hand on your thigh, holding sunglasses, or lifting your arms a bit to add motion.
8. Stretch Up
Best Time: 16:00–17:00
Best Location: rocks, pool ladder
Stretching your torso is one of the best swimsuit beach poses tricks. Lift your arms above your head, either holding them together or touching your hair, and let your body stretch naturally. This makes your waist look smaller, your stomach longer, and gives a model-like look.
Small details like nail color also matter. If you don’t have a manicure or a pedicure, the best apps to add nail polish to photo can help enhance the photo. You can also try having you picture taken from a lower angle to make you look taller.
9. The Lookaway Photo Pose
Best Time: 19:00 / sunset
Best Location: horizon view, pool edge
Looking away from the camera adds a feeling of secrecy to photos. Stand tall, put one leg a little forward, and look toward the horizon instead of the camera. This pose works well for relaxed, natural-style photos. You can add props like sunglasses, a sunhat, or a drink to make the picture feel like a vacation moment.
To make the shot look candid, shift your weight slightly from one leg to the other, or let your arms move a little bit (like adjusting your bikini strap, brushing hair back, or holding something). These little movements make the photo look like it was caught in a real moment, not posed.
Looking away is also good if you feel shy about looking straight at the camera because it draws attention to your profile and body lines. With the right background, like a sunset or pool edge, this pose can make any photo a beautiful vacation memory.
10. The Sexy Hip Pose
Best Time: 12:00
Best Location: cabana, yacht
If you want a confident bikini shoot idea, stand with one hand on your hip, put your weight on one leg, and let your other arm hang naturally. Keep your posture straight and your stomach tight to show clean, strong lines. This pose is great for Instagram because it shows energy and confidence.
11. Head Over the Hands
Best Time: 06:00 / sunrise
Best Location: white sand, studio
Framing your face with your arms adds a glamorous look. Put both hands behind your head with elbows wide, lean forward slightly, and let your body curve naturally. This pose focuses on your face, so many models use the best blemish remover app to make their skin look smooth in close-up photos.
This pose shows your face while still highlighting the swimsuit. You can change the mood by tilting your chin up toward the light for a bright look or down for a more mysterious feel.
12. Stand on Tippy Toes
Best Time: 11:00–12:00
Best Location: pier, infinity pool
This pose is great if you want your legs to look longer while making your body look lighter. Stand on your toes as if you are stepping into water, keeping your arms relaxed and natural. This movement makes your whole body look taller and elegant, but still playful. It looks best if the photo is taken from a lower angle because it makes you appear taller.
To change it up, you can put one foot slightly in front of the other or gently arch your back to make more curves. You can also hold a sunhat, sunglasses, or a beach towel to make the picture look more casual instead of a posed shot.
This bikini photoshoot pose is great for showing off high-cut bikini bottoms or one-piece swimsuits because it makes your legs the main focus. If you take the photo during bright daylight, reflections from water, like a pool or the sea, can highlight your body lines, giving the picture a fresh, summer look.
13. Sitting Bikini Pose (Side Angle)
Best Time: 17:00
Best Location: beach towel, pool chairs
Instead of standing, you can also sit with your legs stretched slightly to one side and lean back on your hands. This opens up your body, shows curves, and looks relaxed but stylish. Keep your neck long and shoulders loose so it doesn’t look stiff.
This sitting pose works well for laughing or natural expressions, giving the photo a vacation feeling. Many boudoir photographers often suggest this kind of pose to mix elegance with a relaxed, personal vibe.
