poses

Pose is a term used to describe a position of the body that is held, assumed, or depicted. It applies across disciplines such as photography, modeling, art, dance, sport, and performance. A pose may be static, held for a moment, or dynamic, expressed through movement and change of position.

In art and photography, posing involves arranging the body's stance, limbs, head, and gaze to communicate mood, narrative, or character, while accommodating lighting, composition, and garment behavior. Models and subjects respond to cues from photographers or directors to achieve the intended effect, with variations to suit body type and expressive goals. Posing can range from formal, classical stances to informal, contemporary gestures.

In yoga and fitness, the term pose is commonly used alongside the term asana, a prescribed posture with defined alignment, breath, and usually measurable benefits. Each asana has a name and a specific focus, such as balance, flexibility, or strength, and practice emphasizes safety and progressive loading.

In dance and performance, poses create visual shapes, lines, and rhythms within a choreography. Static poses may mark transitions, while dynamic posing supports storytelling through gesture and expression.

In sports and martial arts, stances or poses emphasize stability, readiness, and technique. While not oriented to appearance, these positions are held or adopted for function, balance, and power generation.

Safety and etiquette: warm-up, consent, and clear communication improve outcomes and reduce risk.

See also: asana, posture, stance, modeling, figure drawing.