Pose & style reference · Poses
Squatting pose reference
Also called: squat pose, crouching pose, crouch reference, しゃがみ
In short
A squatting pose lowers the body by bending the knees and hips deeply while the weight stays on the feet, not the knees. Heels down reads relaxed and grounded; heels up on the toes reads quick and ready to move. Crouching usually means a lower, more forward-leaning version.
Reference photos
Photos are shown from mfan8.com with credit to the photographers and models. Tap a photo to open the full set.
Why squatting poses are popular
A squat compresses the whole figure into a compact shape, which suits small frames, icons and close-up photos. It also brings the face down to a child's or pet's height, so it is a natural pose for scenes with animals, flowers, puddles or anything on the ground.
In street-fashion photography a low squat with forearms on the knees looks cool and unbothered, while in character art a squat with hands on cheeks or on the knees tends to read as curious and cute.
Squat and crouch variations
- Flat-foot deep squat: heels down, knees apart, forearms resting on knees.
- Tiptoe squat: heels lifted, knees together, very compact; common in cute poses.
- Side squat: knees both pointing to one side, body turned three-quarter.
- Hero crouch: one knee near the ground, fist or palm on the floor, head up; an action landing.
- Squat and peek: squatting while looking up at the viewer, chin raised.
- Squat with a hug: arms wrapped around the knees, chin on top.
How to draw a squatting figure
Start with the feet and build upward, because they carry all the weight. The centre of gravity has to sit over the feet, so as the hips drop back the torso leans forward to balance. Without that forward lean the figure looks like it is falling backward.
The thighs press against the calves and spread; draw a clear overlap line where they meet. From the front the knees often rise to shoulder height, and the forearms rest on or between them. In a tiptoe squat, keep the ankle flexed and the heel lifted under the buttocks.
How to pose and shoot a squat
Get the camera down to the subject's eye level or lower for a squat; shooting from standing height turns it into a top-down view of the head. A slightly high angle with the subject looking up is a deliberate cute option.
- Turn the knees a little to one side instead of straight at the lens to avoid a wide, boxy shape.
- Keep skirts tucked behind the knees before going down; for short costumes, prefer the side squat.
- Rest elbows or wrists on the knees so the hands sit near the face.
- Hold the squat for only a few frames at a time; it is tiring and the face tenses quickly.
FAQ
What is the difference between squatting and crouching?
Both bend the knees deeply with weight on the feet. Crouching usually means a lower, more forward-leaning position ready to move, while a squat can be upright and restful.
Why does my squatting figure look like it is falling backward?
The torso needs to lean forward so the centre of gravity stays over the feet. Push the head and chest forward until they balance the hips.
How do I make a squat look cute in photos?
Lift the heels, keep the knees together, place the hands near the face and look up at a camera held slightly above you.