Keep in mind that you need to talk to your subjects, in advance, to make clothing suggestions. They will appreciate this, believe me! You can see what we tell our clients by going to: What to Wear
The suggestions below are only guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules, to be considered when you want a more formally posed portrait. Don't get too caught up on every suggestion. Try to implement one or two with each portrait session. Above all, have fun and allow your subjects to enjoy this time with you.
1) NEVER have your subjects standing or sitting directly towards the camera. This will add extra pounds and look like a snapshot, not a portrait. Instead, have your subjects turn towards the camera, preferably at an angle of 45 degrees. When standing, have them put one foot back and one foot slightly forward. Have the ladies put all of their weight on the back leg. The foot closest to the photographer can point towards the camera. Ladies will look more elegant by lifting that heel off the ground. That will cause the knee to bend slightly. If you have a subject who is sitting, start by putting the chair at a slight angle to the camera. Have your subject sit only at the very front of the chair. Photographers have a clever way of shifting a person's position. Put a cushion under the buttocks closest to the camera. Arm-chairs make good posing props because they allow the subject to lean, thus shifting the body even more. But whether standing or sitting, posture is still important. Just give a quick reminder before you click the shutter....no slouching.
2) Masculine and Feminine head tilts: This is a very old concept that stlll has validity. It is suggested that men only tilt their heads towards their lower shoulder. This is the masculine position. Tipping your subject's head towards their higher shoulder makes the subject look more feminine. Women can lean their heads in either direction.
3) Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes: If it bends, bend it! (Never mind about the toes) Bend the knees slightly, bend the elbows, bend the wrists. Tip the head, shift the shoulders. And do it in a way that looks different on each side of the body. Try different things. If you think it looks unflattering or silly, just change the pose.
4) Fingers, Arms and Hands: This is where you will really shine. First, the fingers...normally we spread our fingers apart. This may be comfortable, but when viewing the photo, fingers spread that way can look like claws. Have the fingers closer together. The posing of hands can be a problem. You want the subject to look relaxed. Try placing their hands on their hips, partially draping them in pockets, or even having their arms crossed. You should try to have the hands at different levels. This puts the elbows at different levels. The greater the difference between one side of the body to the other, the less stiff your subject will appear. Look for natural posing props such as trees, fences, staircases, furniture, etc. You can make your subjects look thinner by not allowing them to have their arms just dangling down and touching their body (aka hips). If you have them standing/sitting correctly, just gently move the elbows out so you can see background in between the arms and the body.
5) Chins. Some of us have several, and we just don't like to look at them in a photo. One internationally known photographer calls out "Chicken Neck" before taking photos. This reminds everyone to sit/stand tall, elongating the neck and to "push" their chins out slightly.
6) Camera Angle: Try different angles. Keep in mind that we have a delete button for a reason. Don't show the images until you have had a good look at them. Show only the strongest portaits. It is far better that your subjects see a dozen exceptional images than 30 mediocre ones.
7) Group Shots: Have the heads at different heights. A very pleasing portrait is made when you pose a large group in a triangle shape. Don't have anyone just standing square to the camera with their arms hanging down. Each person should be in a pose that looks good by itself. After you take the more formal shots, try fun things like having everyone put their heads as close together as possible. Focus as tightly as possible on the smiling faces. Often, these are the images that everyone will want, so do a variety.
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