Photography Tips: Posing for Portrait Photography
Posing clients for a portrait is an art. I have studied posing for many years, yet I feel as though I always have more to learn. While I have studied the classic posing methods I have found that classic posing methods many times do not work today. For example, years ago, it was popular to pose women so they appeared passive and submissive. Of course, that would not appeal to women today.
Photography Tips- It is important to be abreast of what is popular in portrait photography.
I always remind myself who the client is- I am not trying to create a portrait that I like. I am creating a portrait that my client likes.
Photography Tips- YOU are not the client- create a portrait that your client likes!
Photography Tips- Interview the client in advance.
One of the most important things a photographer can do is to speak with their clients prior to the session to determine what his/her vision is for the final portrait. A successful photographer must make their clients happy with the final portrait.
Photography Tips- LISTEN to the clients concerns
Once you have a clear understanding of what the client wants you should then talk to the client about his/her concerns. Listen. I will repeat-listen to what they are saying. You may be surprised at what they tell you. For example. your client may have concern about a specific part of his/her body or face. Perhaps they only want to be photographed from the left. Maybe they only want their head and shoulders visible in the final image. Most people are concerned about their weight and looking older in their final images. However, I had a client not long ago tell me that she was concerned because she looked too skinny in photographs. Resorting to making changes to the final portrait in photoshop is not the best way to address these concerns. All of these concerns can be addressed “in camera” by posing a client correctly.
Photograph Tips- Examine your clients face.
Examine your clients face and watch it carefully as you see a variety of facial expressions during your conversation with him/her. Does she have a lopsided smile. Does he squint when he smiles. What does his natural smile look like? Some people have a “bad” smile and look best when they do not show their teeth. If a client squints when they smile I change my camera angle so I can get his/her eyes open in the final image.
I believe that I have given you a good primer regarding what you need to do before you pick up your camera to create a successful portrait. You can then pose your client in manner that will ensure they look their best. I have attached a video below that is quite lengthy but I believe you will find it extremely helpful in learning how to pose a client for a portrait. I have this book and at the beginning of my career used it a great deal. I still refer to it on occasion.
