Posing Guide for Better Portrait Photography

OK everyone, say "cheese"! Did you see all those fake grins and stiff poses appear? Posing for a portrait or even a snapshot is something few of us do naturally. Whether you are photographing children, teens, or adults as individuals or groups, you are likely to run into challenges when posing a photograph.

When it comes down to it, most of us are pretty self-conscious about our appearance. Society tells us that we are not as slim or flawless as the media role models. We are the wrong height, weight, skin tone, age... well you get the idea.

A great pose can bring out the best in your subject (or of course in yourself, if you are the one in front of the camera, and every photographer ends up staring back at a lens sooner or later). The trouble is, most of us associate posing with an artificial stance. Those of us who learned a few "tricks" are the worst of all. I still cringe at photos where I'm holding my "slimming pose"!

Posing people is a challenge because you have to coax them to drop those bad habits as well as making them feel relaxed about the way they look. When it comes to getting those flattering shots, it makes sense to take some professional advice rather than both photographer and subject ending up tense and frustrated with poses that don't feel natural.

Copyright: Article copyright ©WordCustard on Wizzley, May 2011. Article preview image courtesy of morgueFile. All other photos copyright of the photographers credited. 

The challenge of full-length body poses lies in dealing with the all the added body issues that worry so many of us when caught on camera. Group photography only multiplies these concerns and also requires a photographer to create balance and harmony so that each subject is neither too prominent nor too hidden.

Professional photographers' tips on full-length poses:

• Use furniture and props to minimise a sense of exposure (Julia Greer)
• Props (or other people) can also be used to block part of the body if needed (Carolyn Wright)
• Shadows can be used in a similar way to slim subjects (Elizabeth Etienne)
• Be careful with body language: avoid having both hands in pockets, folded or clasped in front; instead lean against a prop, have one hand only in a pocket, or hold something (Elizabeth Etienne)
• Try posing an overweight client on the edge of a seat, leaning forward (Ron Jacobson)
• Avoid straight up and down, square on portraits for women, instead create curves with the body's posture (Chris Nelson)
• Show hands in profile (side on) to keep them from looking too large and ensure one heel of the foot is always visible instead of phtographing both feet and legs straight on (Billy Pegram)
• Ensure legs have some separation between them and, in sitting poses, that one foot always touches the ground (Jeff Smith)

If you need some inspiration, take a look at fashion photography, but take care to ignore the body proportions and to focus on the poses themselves. Yes, these women and men are gorgeous, but they are usually posed to their best advantage too!

Photos below shared on flickr.com under Creative Commons licences.

Tiff explains all: KaiChanVong;  Friends Back Friends: makelessnoise

All of the tips shared here and much, much more can be found in the books below. 

Many different professional portrait photographers contributed to the second two of the three books, including those quote above. They include specialists in portraits for seniors, family photography, boudoir photo shoots, advertising, engagement and bridal photography, pregnancy and baby photos, and of course studios catering to portrait photography in general.

Remember, happy and natural people look much better in photos than stiff and uncomfortable people do.

If you are the photographer, encourage your subjects to relax. Lighten the mood by chatting with them and maybe telling a joke. Even if you don't want big smiles, creating an easy-going atmosphere will help the person or people you are photographing to stop worrying and start trying better poses.

If you are the subject, try to get comfortable and enjoy having your photo taken! A good photographer will ensure you look your best. And with digital photography there's always an opportunity to take another shot.

Top Tips on Taking a Self Portrait
Getting a flattering shot when you are taking your own photo

Beginning Digital SLR Photography
Tips and book reviews to help you get up and running with your DSLR.

Jeff Smith Photography
Discover the website of photographer Jeff Smith who was featured here.

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