Arms-Crossed Pose
Why We (Almost Always) Advise Against it.
And When, Very Occasionally, It Still Works
For years, the arms-crossed pose was everywhere in corporate headshots. Strong stance. Chin lifted. Gaze set. It was the go-to gesture for confidence and credibility.
These days , the arms-crossed pose is mostly out, and for good reason.
At Headshots Adelaide, we advise against it in 99% of sessions. And when we do allow it? It’s done strategically, with purpose, and never by default.
So What’s the Problem?
Crossing your arms can send the exact opposite message you think it does.
What was once seen as “strong” can now come across as:
- Defensive
- Rigid
- Unapproachable
- Outdated
And in a world where visual connection happens in milliseconds, that matters.
Body language experts, global business etiquette guides, and modern hiring teams agree: Closed-off postures = closed-off impressions.
Our Position Is Clear
We don’t lead with it. We don’t default to it. And we don’t suggest it unless there’s a very good reason.
Here’s how that looks for our clients:
Trusted Experts
Lawyers, directors, senior consultants
You’ve earned your authority — but it doesn’t have to look closed.
Unless you’re in a very traditional industry (e.g. litigation, risk, boardrooms), we’ll recommend open posture, direct eye contact, and calm strength through expression — not stance.
✅ Possible Exception:
We might offer a softened, modernised arms-crossed version — gently stacked arms, open body, warm smile — if you specifically ask and your platform demands it.
Emerging Professionals
Early-career, first LinkedIn photo, new business launch
Absolutely not.
This pose increases nerves, hides personality, and can undermine the very confidence you’re trying to project.
You don’t need to look powerful. You need to look real, ready, and relatable.
Corporate Coordinators
HR/Marketing/Admins managing team headshots
We strongly discourage arms-crossed as a company-wide pose, even if “that’s what we’ve always done.”
It creates inconsistency, stiffness, and emotional distance across team pages.
Instead, we guide your people into:
- Open postures
- Confident, unforced expressions
- Cohesive but relaxed positioning
Your brand should feel welcoming — not walled off.
Life Chapter Professional
Coming back, starting fresh, doing it for yourself
We’re here to capture openness, not armour.
An arms crossed pose completely contradicts what you’re here to reclaim:
Presence. Visibility. Self-trust.
Arms-crossed puts a wall between you and the world — even if you don’t mean to.
And you’ve had enough walls already.
So… Is It Ever OK?
Yes but only when:
- It’s requested intentionally
- The client understands the risks
- It’s done with expert coaching, soft energy, and emotional alignment
- The final expression neutralises the barrier
Even then, we’ll always photograph multiple alternatives — because 9 times out of 10, the open posture wins.
How We Shoot Instead
We guide you into headshots that feel like you on your best day:
- Hands in pockets
- Gentle lean
- Relaxed shoulders, open chest, calm eyes
These are the poses that make people stop scrolling, not because they’re flashy, but because they feel true.
It’s Not About Power. It’s About Presence.
The strongest image isn’t the one that looks tough.
It’s the one that feels aligned.
At Headshots Adelaide, we don’t follow pose trends. We follow emotional clarity, industry context, and what makes you trust yourself in the image.
And for most people, that means: arms open, not crossed.
