Setting up the perfect pose for a great photograph can be intimidating at first. With a little practice and some practical tips anyone can soon be taking portraits worthy of a professional. All one needs is a decent camera and some good light to begin.
The first pose for better photos is the 3/4th pose. This is probably the simplest for most people to try. Instead of taking a photo of a person standing face and shoulders facing forward try to turn the body of the person one-quarter turn to the side. Have them face the camera and give their best smile. Take your photo with the camera held vertically. According to Jenn Shreve Photography, “The combination of a taller photo and a slightly sideways body will give your subject a thinner more pleasing appearance.”
Not everyone will want a full body photograph. Sometimes all you want is a lovely head shot. The best head shots have a few things in common. Well-placed hair and a nose that doesn’t break the line of the face are two of the biggest touches. All of these little touches add that bit of professionalism. Have long-haired subjects smooth their hair and tuck it off their shoulders. Hair simply sitting on both shoulders never looks neat. The nose is only of interest if the photo is taken with the subject’s face turned. If the nose tip protrudes past the cheek the face looks unbalanced and the nose far bigger than it actually is.
Fixing a double chin for a close up is another simple but great posing trick. Have the person ‘turtle’ their head. It may feel silly asking them to do it. They will definitely feel a little silly the first time too. First have them stretch their neck up and out. The head should be out over their chest. Next have them point their chin somewhat downwards. This prevents the dreaded “up the nose” shot.
The next pose to consider uses a lower angle and its altered view to create interest. A lower angle is particularly effective for athletic people and adult men. Others who might appreciate this pose are those with strong personalities or who have jobs with authority. This is the stance that creates a feeling of strength and authority. The lower position of the camera makes the subject appear larger than life and completely in control. Have them stand comfortably and get as low as possible. Point the camera up slightly and focus on the face. Crossed arms or a hand on the hip with their weight on the back foot will make nearly anyone seem large and in charge.
Making a person beautiful is another good posing skill to have. One of the easiest ways to do this is to shoot slightly downwards. This pose softens facial lines and opens up the eyes. Because of this many women prefer this pose. Traditionally children and the elderly are often shot from this pose too. Have your subject seat themselves. Have them look upwards into a soft light. Hands folded in the lap or crossed below the chest are preferred. Stand before them with the camera held vertically and pointed slightly down focus on the face.
