9 Photogenic Poses to Show Off Your Manicure

Hold an Object

A coffee mug, a bouquet of flowers, a clutch…pretty much anything works. It gives the nails some context within a photo (which is great because a stand-alone hand can be pretty awkward to look at).

Hold Your Hand Up Slightly

Never (ever) flatten your fingers against a surface as it’s guaranteed to make them look like sausages. You want a little tension in the top of your hand.

Cross Your Arms

Hands in motion make for a much more interesting image. (Always go with a buddy so you can stage solid manigrams afterward.)

Use the Polish Bottles as Props

This one checks all of the boxes: It gives your hands something to do, provides context and doesn’t flatten your fingers against the table.

Rest Your Head in Your Hands

Relaxed. Casual. Only slightly dramatic in the way we’ve all come to expect from Instagram.

Crop Strategically

Have a cool design you really want to show off? Crop in closely so the focus is on the nails themselves (and less about your hands).

Gently Clasp Your Hands

You always want your hands to look relaxed and natural in photos. Not stiff and clawlike.

Or Interlace Your Fingers

This pose works especially well for any designs that are focused on the tips.

Place Them Over Some Fabric

Bonus points if your outfit matches your mani.