As I work at FixThePhoto, I often need to analyze photography trends, which has made me think a lot about the composition principles, lighting, and poses. However, when I need to take candid photos with my friend, I often discover that I do not have any idea where to start. This is why I decided to create a list of Instagram best friend poses for 2. I included a lot of ideas we used when taking photos with my friend and tried to see what makes them work.
I explored my camera roll, the images I saved on Instagram and Pinterest, and created a list of the funniest pose ideas that will generate a lot of buzz. Here, you will find many tips that will help you look natural in the frame and take wonderful photos.
Whether you prefer to have fun or enjoy taking photos with a strong aesthetic appeal, you will find plenty of ideas that will help you recreate the right effect. There is no need to blindly copy photos taken by influencers, as you can capture some stunning pictures if you just remain yourself and behave as you always do.
It’s one of the funniest bedroom photoshoot ideas I have ever tried to implement. We used it to take some nice shots during a cabin weekend. I could not stop laughing for 20 minutes. I decided to take photos in burst mode to capture pillows and feathers flying everywhere. While you will create a lot of mess, your photo will turn out great.
👔 Wear oversized pajama shirts or pastel-colored tank tops. You can also add high socks to the mix to emphasize that you are having a sleepover.
📍 Rent a brightly lit Airbnb with white bedding or take photos at home with a ring light switched to daylight mode.
My best friend and I captured some excellent pics while watching Gilmore Girls. We were lying on one big blanket and took selfie photos in relaxed poses. You can use all sorts of props, including sleep masks. It’s one of the best friend poses for 2 for Instagram, as it’s extremely simple. Experiment with different facial expressions and pretend to be falling asleep.
👔 Messy buns will look great. Be sure to capture two mugs of hot chocolate.
📍 Put your bed next to a big window to capture photos in natural morning light.
I came across this idea on TikTok and decided to give it a try. We pretended to mix some products, sang Taylor Swift’s songs using whisks as mics, and played with flour. Even though we had to clean the kitchen afterward, it was worth it. It’s a great idea for indoor rainy-day vibes.
📷 Use an iPhone tripod and set a delay timer to capture the flour while it’s still in the air.
👔 Wear kitchen aprons over crop tops and jeans or pastel-colored sweatsuits.
💡 Take pictures in the morning to use natural light.
I enjoy taking these bestie shots when we visit each other and do self-care. We wear matching face masks, style our hair similarly, and wear fluffy robes. Take a candid photo when applying under-eye patches or cucumbers on the couch.
👔 Experiment with pastel colors, wear pink or mint robes, fluffy socks, and matching hairbands.
📷 Capture an overhead flat lay or a mirror selfie to show how you apply skincare together.
We often use this Instagram pose for 2 best friends. If you have a sleepover, wear oversized sweatshirts, use string lights, and add soda cans to the mix, and you will take some great shots. We often take photos when eating pizza and toasting our drinks. Even when we took a selfie mid-bite, it still looked great.
I like the situations when we become playful and competitive. Whether you decide to play PS5, Switch, or Mario Kart, you can capture some lovely shots in the process. One of you could be laughing, and the other pretends to be upset by a lost game. Put some snacks on the coffee table. For instance, Boom Chicka Pop or sour candy will look quite attention-grabbing and add a bright accent to the shot.
This 2 best friend pose for Instagram does not require a lot of effort. The less you try, the more natural the result might be. Once we sat on the floor and started laughing at a simple joke. You can film a short video and use a dedicated app to make a Reel for Instagram. It will allow you to capture genuine emotions perfectly and get some nice photos.
In winter, wear matching Christmas jumpsuits, experiment with cute sitting poses, or take a jump photo in front of a lit Christmas tree. Do not wear matching socks. If you want to capture action shots, play holiday tunes, and use burst mode on your iPhone.
👔 Red or green plaid onesies.
📍 Take photos indoors with a fireplace or a Christmas light backdrop. Alternatively, you may sit in front of a decorated camper if you are on a road trip.
We discovered a lovely playground at an elementary school and took wonderful photos while swinging. The most difficult thing is to choose the right timing for snapping a picture. Your feet should be up, and your hair should be flying. You can also experiment with different facial expressions. One of you may look terrified while the other looks happy or excited. Take photos at sunset to benefit from golden light.
📷 Use iPhone camera settings to capture a live photo or burst, then choose the moment when both of you are airborne.
👔 Stylish tees with slogans that describe what keeps you together.
I once saw a beautiful photo of a girl who implemented this idea on the Santa Monica Pier. I bookmarked the picture and decided to use this Instagram 2 best friend pose later. You can sit on opposite sides of the Ferris wheel. One person should pretend she is spying, while the other should overreact to achieve a cinematic effect.
My best friend and I implemented this idea at a friend’s pool party. We decided to shoot pics with a giant flamingo and pink donut-shaped floats. We sipped iced lemonades with umbrellas while floating together and holding hands. You can experiment with all sorts of bikini poses and wear stylish sunglasses and big floppy hats. If there is a balcony over the swimming pool, ask one of your friends to take some aerial shots.
📍 You can rent a house on Airbnb with a backyard pool or pose at the hotel rooftop pool if you book a room in the LINE Hotel in Austin.
💡 Buy some waterproof phone cases beforehand if you want to take photos from the water level and experiment with unusual angles.
👔 Wear matching bikinis in different shades and oversized sunnies.
This fall photoshoot idea is easy to implement. I took my friend to a park and we started tossing orange leaves in the air. Create a variation of this Instagram best friend pose for 2. One person may throw leaves, while the other may spin in place with their arms open. Make the most out of cinnamon-latte glow and capture photos in soft light.
📍 Visit Central Park (NYC) or Forest Park (St. Louis) in the middle of October.
👔 Wear Earth-tone sweaters, knit beanies, and ankle boots. If you want to create an authentic autumn effect, wear oversized plaid scarves.
💡 Be sure to put a portable hand warmer in your pockets if you decide to take photos early in the morning.
Last weekend, we went on a roadtrip and stopped at an old gas station in Arizona. At locations like this, you can pose with an old Coke machine or some picturesque trees in the background. We posed while sitting on the hood of the car, drank frozen carbonated beverages, and acted like people from Lana Del Rey’s music video. It helped us take iconic photos with a distinct retro feel.
🕓 Take pics during golden hour to capture long shadows and use a grainy filter like VSCO’s A4.
👔 Wear graphic tees with jean shorts and cowboy boots. You may also wear aviator sunglasses.
📍 Visit Roy’s Motel & Café in Amboy, CA, as this location is extremely popular on Instagram.
💡 Ask vendors for ripe fruit that they are unlikely to sell, as it will look nice in the frame.
👔 Wear cute linen sundresses, straw tote bags, and fruit-shaped sunglasses. You can do messy buns or style your hair in any other way.
📍 Santa Monica Farmers Market or Union Square Greenmarket (NYC) are great locations with large crowds.
On the Fourth of July last year, I put my phone on a tripod during fireworks and asked my friend to dance together outside. This 4th of July picture idea will allow you to capture magical pictures. In our photos, I like the perfect balance between the moving shapes and light streaks in the sky.
📷 Use a phone tripod and a slow shutter app like “Slow Shutter Cam” to capture fireworks.
👔 Wear denim overalls, glitter tops, and star-shaped accessories.
This idea occurred to us during our trip to The Strand in NYC on a rainy day. We chose two books with dramatic covers and pretended to read them while peeking over the top. This iconic bookstore has nice lighting, and the rows of books serve as the perfect backdrop. You may wear glasses and oversized clothes to look like a character in a romantic comedy.
💡 Choose books with unusual covers or fun titles. You may also choose books from the same series or written by the same author.
👔 Wear turtlenecks, plaid skirts, and berets if you want to look like a student.
One time, we woke up early, at about 6 AM, and went to the beach to have a picnic. We took some croissants, berries, and cold drinks in mason jars. You can spread out a blanket or take a walk down the beach barefoot. Experiment with all sorts of Instagram best friend poses for 2. Feed each other, clink jars, and have fun. Use popular female poses to achieve the right result.
👔 Wear white linen button-downs over bikinis and find matching woven sun hats.
📍 Visit Coronado Beach (San Diego) or Folly Beach (Charleston). These locations are known for their picturesque shorelines.
We took some wonderful pics at Dylan’s Candy Bar in LA. This location has beautiful rainbow shelves and oversized lollipops that will look great in any photo. We experimented with various props, including cotton candy bins, to add unusual elements to our photos.
We wore stylish pink crop tops and pigtails to create outfits in the Y2K style. You can stand behind the bin and capture a photo through it to achieve a dream-like effect.
📍Visit Dylan’s Candy Bar in NYC or Lolli and Pops in US malls to find colorful interiors that will look stunning in your photos.
👔 Wear outfits in contrasting pastel colors. You may combine lavender and mint colors to stand out against the bright tones of the backdrop.
There is no need to find the perfect location, as you can take excellent friendship pics spontaneously. We captured some great shots outside a Target at golden hour. My friend jumped into the cart and assumed a fun male pose, while I pushed the cart and took a photo of us laughing. You can do anything you want, including tossing a bag of chips in the air.
🕓 It’s better to take photos at sunset to benefit from golden hour lighting. Switch to portrait mode to make the background blurry.
👔 Wear hoodies, bike shorts, and platform sneakers to recreate an urban style.
Have you been enjoying eating ice cream together since your childhood? One of you can pretend to take the perfect ice cream photo Guide, while the other can try taking a lick or make a fun face.
📍 Find a bright ice cream location like Salt & Straw or Van Leeuwen.
💡 Ask for two differently colored scoops to add some color to your photo.
👔 Wear stylish summer dresses, mini backpacks, and vintage hair clips.
If you have your own ritual of drinking iced oat lattes or any other type of coffee drink, you can capture great photos to show how you are enjoying your drinks. Whether you decide to walk side-by-side while holding your drinks or clink your paper cups as if you were drinking champagne, such Instagram poses for 2 best friends will allow you to take some great shots.
We often take selfies when we walk down the block. You can use a variety of hiking poses and experiment with different backdrops. For instance, the photos taken in front of brick walls will look especially stylish.
💡 When buying coffee, ask for custom stickers or have your name written on the cups, as it will allow you to take nice pics.
👔 Wear stylish trench coats and sneakers in fall and opt for tennis skirts and crop tops in summer. Find matching phone charms to achieve a cute effect.
📍 You can find plenty of cafés with custom cups like Alfred Coffee (LA) or Blue Bottle (Brooklyn). They serve coffee in cups of neutral tones with eye-pleasing logo designs.
If you want to enjoy yourselves and have fun, take close-up selfie photos. Make peace signs and duck faces or use dramatic portrait photography poses. I often pose like this in the car, at the mall, or in a grocery store.
📷 Take photos from a high angle, tilt your head in opposite directions, and make fun facial expressions.
👔 Wear matching trucker hats and vintage shades. You may also wear stylish Y2K sunglasses to exaggerate the effect.
📍 When looking for photo locations, consider laundromats, gas stations, and convenience store snack aisles. It’s better to choose a location with a lot of overhead lighting and rich colors.
We posed in white tank tops while standing in front of a baby blue wall. Each of us was trying to blow a bubble to see which one would be the biggest. My friend’s bubble popped unexpectedly, which allowed us to take an excellent photo.
Make sure you have enough bubble gum. It took us three attempts to achieve the right result. If you fail to blow a bubble as planned, you can still take plenty of fun photos.
👔 Y2K nostalgia: wear cute mini skirts, cropped zip hoodies, and lovely butterfly clips.
📍 Use pastel backdrops. For instance, the Paul Smith pink wall in LA is a great background that will help you achieve the right effect with ease.
My friend and I consider it the “day and night” pose. I decided to wear my softcore maxi dress and complement my outfit with pearl clips. She opted for cargo pants and a neon crop top. As a prop, she used her skateboard, while I took a poetry book. We looked like exact opposites, but this 2 best friend pose for Instagram emphasized the strength of our connection. Even if your personalities are different, just be yourself, and it will allow you to get better photos.
📍 Stand side-by-side against a split-color background. You can take photos in mural alleys like the RiNo Art District in Denver. Alternatively, you can utilize a room divider to emphasize the contrast.
💡 Cross your arms and smile confidently, or lean into each other’s shoulders to show that you complement each other perfectly.
👔 Wear StyleLinker Colorblock Streetwear pieces to make your look more modern and combine them with vintage clothes to achieve a more subtle effect.
You can sit in a vintage car while watching a drive-in movie. We borrowed a vintage Mustang from my cousin, found a plaid blanket, and took some popcorn. We watched a 70s movie. If you use Polaroids, it will allow you to capture photos with a romantic retro effect. Your pics will look grainy, so you won’t need to edit Instagram photos afterward.
📷 Use a low aperture lens (or switch to Portrait Mode) to ensure that the screen glows behind you. It will allow you to avoid blur when capturing faces.
📍 Try Starlight Drive-In in Atlanta or Mission Tiki Drive-In in California.
👔 Wear denim jackets, mini skirts, and Converse. It will allow you to create an outfit in the style of a 90s teen movie.
You will rarely find two friends who look exactly the same, which will make the interaction between you so engaging when it is captured with a camera. I have many photos of myself with my best friend, and here are the most important things we have discovered that make our pictures more authentic and unique:
Height difference. My best friend is five inches taller, so it was difficult at first to decide from which angles our photos would be taken. We even tried using some popular family portrait poses to create the right composition. Then, we embraced our height difference and learned how to use it for maximum benefit.
She would crouch down a bit or pose while sitting, while I would stand below. When we posed for standing shots, I would put my leg forward or tilt my head a bit to create a nice composition. You may also use a prop like a shopping cart or sit to ensure that both of you look the same height, without making your poses look staged.
Use the bloopers. Some of our favorite photos weren’t planned or staged. We captured photos of us laughing between the shots, with our hair flying, and my friend sneezing. Instead of getting rid of these shots immediately, check the other photos to see whether they are better. I remember when I dropped my drink during the shoot, and this picture was more natural and likable than all the other pics we took that day.
Clashing outfits. If your styles are different, there is no need to despair, as you can use this contrast to make your photos more attention-grabbing. In case one of you wears clothes of neutral colors, the other one should wear bright colors.
Alternatively, you can choose complementary tones to make them pop. When getting ready for a photoshoot, we once decided to wear outfits in grunge and cottagecore styles, which helped us to get visually appealing pics.
Crowded location. If your favorite photo location looks busy, ask your photographer to take close-up pics. They can capture you from the waist up, focus on the faces, or show you holding hands. Instagram best friend poses for 2 will allow you to capture more intimate and attention-grabbing pics.
We once captured a series of photos of us holding iced coffees, with our nail polish matching the straws. While the idea is so simple, the result was excellent.
Don't forget the hands. If you find yourself at a loss trying to decide where to put your hands, try interacting with your friend and various objects in the frame. Use popular hand posing tips. For instance, you can touch your friend’s shoulder, fix their sunglasses, hold hands with them, or pretend to give a high five. When you interact with your friend, it makes photos more dynamic and gives them a warm feel.