Selfposed

Selfposed is a term used in contemporary photography and digital media to describe a practice in which an individual designs and executes their own pose in a still image, rather than being posed by another person. As a compound of self and posed, it is related to, but distinct from, self-portraiture and selfies. The term is informal, and its exact usage varies; it can function as an adjective (selfposed portrait) or a noun (a selfposed).

Origins and usage are not standardized, and selfposed often appears in discussions of how images are created in modern media. In practice, selfposed works typically involve planning, rhythm and composition decisions made by the subject, and may rely on tools such as a timer, wireless remote, tripod, or on-camera features that allow self-direction. Lighting, wardrobe, makeup, and background choices are commonly orchestrated by the photographer-performer.

Context and reception. Selfposed imagery emphasizes authorial control and intentional self-representation, and it features in fashion shoots, art photography, and social media content where individuals present a curated image of themselves. Critics may frame it as a form of performative self-presentation or as a continuation of the long tradition of self-portraiture, now facilitated by accessible technology. Proponents note the autonomy and creative agency it affords individuals in image-making.

See also: self-portrait, selfie, portrait photography, portraiture, performativity.