Pose & style reference · Poses
Lying on stomach pose reference
Also called: lying on stomach reference, prone pose, lying on belly pose, feet up pose
In short
A lying on stomach pose, also called a prone pose, rests the front of the body on the ground, usually with the chest lifted on the elbows. The head is propped on the hands or held up, and the lower legs often kick up behind, which gives the pose a relaxed, chatty and playful feel.
Reference photos
Photos are shown from mfan8.com with credit to the photographers and models. Tap a photo to open the full set.
Why the prone pose is so popular
Propped on the elbows with the chin in the hands, a person looks like they are listening or chatting on a sleepover. Seen from the front, the face sits low and close to the camera while the legs rise behind it, a compact composition that works well for square crops and character portraits.
It is a staple for scenes in bed, on a picnic blanket, on the floor with a book or a phone, and in idol-style photo sets.
Prone pose variations
| Variation | Arms | Legs |
|---|---|---|
| Chin in hands | Elbows down, face cupped in both palms | Lower legs up, ankles crossed |
| Reading pose | Forearms flat holding a book or phone | Legs down or swinging |
| Arms folded | Forearms stacked, chin on top | Legs flat, relaxed |
| Head on arm | One arm as a pillow, head turned | Legs straight; sleepy |
| Side angle | Elbow propped toward the camera | Feet kicked up behind |
How to draw someone lying on their stomach
From the front, this is one of the most foreshortened poses there is: the head and hands are large and close, the shoulders sit right behind them, and the back and legs recede quickly. Block it in with a box for the ribcage on the elbows and a smaller box for the pelvis farther back, both resting on the ground plane.
The line of action is a long arch from the raised head down through the lower back to the lifted feet; arching the lower back lifts the chest, and the weight balances on the elbows and hips; the shoulders rise toward the ears as the elbows take weight. If the feet are up, draw the shins at different angles and let them overlap the hips or the background. From the side, keep the hips and thighs flat on the surface.
How to pose and photograph a prone pose
Put the camera on the ground or just above it, in front of the subject, so you look straight into the face. A 50–85 mm lens from a little farther back keeps the hands from looking oversized.
- Place the elbows slightly apart and under the shoulders to avoid hunching.
- Cross the ankles or alternate the feet for a casual, playful line.
- Rest the fingertips on the cheeks lightly instead of pushing the face up.
- Lay a blanket or rug down; elbows tire quickly on hard ground.
FAQ
What is the lying on stomach pose called?
It is called a prone pose. Lying on the back is called supine.
Where should the camera be for a prone portrait?
Low and in front, close to the ground at the subject's eye level, so you look straight at the face.
Why does my prone drawing look flat?
The foreshortening is too weak. Make the head and hands larger, overlap the shoulders behind them and shorten the visible length of the back.