I. For the Person BEING Photographed (The Subject):
A. Relaxation and Authenticity are Key:
* The Goal: To look like yourself at your best. Forced poses rarely look natural.
* Breathe: Deep breaths help release tension in your shoulders, neck, and face.
* Loosen Up: Before the shoot, do some gentle stretching or shaking out. A little movement can prevent stiffness.
* Connect with the Photographer: Chat with them, understand their vision, and build rapport. A comfortable subject makes for a better portrait.
* Be Yourself: Try to forget you're being photographed for moments at a time. Engage with a prop, look at something outside the frame, or simply take a moment.
B. Understanding Your Body:
* Identify Your Best Side: Most people have a side they prefer. Discuss this with the photographer. It often comes down to slight asymmetries in the face.
* Chin and Jawline:
* The "Turtle": Gently push your forehead *slightly* forward and down. This subtly elongates your neck, tightens the jawline, and minimizes the appearance of a double chin. *Don't overdo it or it looks unnatural!*
* Avoid Tilting Your Head Back: This can accentuate a double chin and make your nostrils more prominent.
* Shoulders:
* Angling: Never face the camera straight on. Angling your body even slightly (think 45 degrees) is almost always more flattering.
* Dropping a Shoulder: Slightly dropping one shoulder creates a more relaxed and less rigid look.
* Posture: Stand (or sit) tall but relaxed. Avoid slouching. Imagine a string pulling you up from the crown of your head.
* Arms and Hands:
* Avoid Flat Pressing Against Your Body: This makes your arms look larger. A small gap between your arm and torso is more flattering.
* Bend Your Limbs: Straight arms and legs look stiff. A slight bend at the elbow or knee makes the pose more natural.
* Hand Placement: Be mindful of your hands. Avoid clenching them. Some options:
* Rest them gently in your lap.
* Place them in your pockets (thumbs out).
* Use a prop (holding a book, leaning on something).
* Rest a hand on your cheek or chin (but avoid pushing into your face).
* Cross your arms (can look confident, but be mindful of posture and tension).
* Legs:
* Weight Distribution: If standing, shift your weight to one leg. This creates a more relaxed and dynamic pose.
* Crossing Legs: If sitting, crossing your legs at the ankles or knees can be elegant.
C. Facial Expressions:
* The "Squinch": Slightly squinting your eyes (not a full squint, but a subtle tightening of the lower eyelid) makes you look more confident and engaged. It prevents the "deer in headlights" look.
* Smiling:
* Genuine Smiles: Think of something that makes you happy. A genuine smile reaches your eyes.
* Practice: Practice different types of smiles in a mirror. A closed-mouth smile can be elegant; an open-mouth smile can be joyful.
* Don't Overdo It: A forced, wide grin can look unnatural.
* Eyes:
* Look into the Lens: Direct eye contact creates a connection with the viewer.
* Shift Your Gaze: Don't stare unblinkingly. Subtly shift your gaze occasionally for a more natural look.
* "Smize": (Tyra Banks' term) Smiling with your eyes.
* Lips: Keep them relaxed. Avoid pursing or tightening them.
D. Clothing and Accessories:
* Choose Clothes That Fit Well: Avoid anything too baggy or too tight.
* Consider the Background: Think about how your clothing will contrast with the background. Avoid patterns that clash or blend in too much.
* Accessorize (Sparingly): A few well-chosen accessories can add personality, but avoid overwhelming the portrait.
* Be Comfortable: Wear something you feel confident and comfortable in.
II. For the Photographer:
A. Communication is Paramount:
* Direct and Clear Instructions: Provide specific and easy-to-understand posing cues. Avoid jargon.
* Positive Reinforcement: Encourage the subject and let them know what they're doing well.
* Collaboration: Involve the subject in the process. Ask for their input and preferences.
* Observe and Adjust: Pay close attention to the subject's body language and adjust the pose as needed.
B. Understanding Lighting and Composition:
* Light is Key: Master the use of natural and artificial light. Understand how light shapes the face and body.
* Angles and Perspective: Experiment with different angles to flatter the subject. Shoot from slightly above to slim the face.
* Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds to create visually appealing compositions.
* Background: Choose a background that complements the subject and doesn't distract from them. Consider depth of field to blur the background.
C. Classic Posing Techniques (Guidelines, Not Rules):
* The S-Curve: Creating an S-shape with the body is often flattering, especially for women. This can be achieved by shifting weight, bending limbs, and tilting the torso.
* Triangles: Triangles are visually interesting and can add dynamism to a pose. Look for ways to create triangles with the arms, legs, and torso.
* The Lean: Leaning against something can create a relaxed and natural pose.
* Hands in Pockets (Thumbs Out): A classic pose for men, conveying a casual confidence.
* Crossing Arms (With Caution): Can look confident, but be careful of tension and posture. Ensure the subject isn't hunching over or looking defensive.
* The Head Tilt: A slight head tilt can make the subject look more approachable and engaging.
* Avoid Direct Frontal Poses: Angling the body is almost always more flattering.
* Full Length vs. Headshots: Consider what you want to emphasize and choose the appropriate framing.
D. Posing for Different Body Types:
* Plus-Size Subjects:
* Avoid poses that compress the body.
* Use clothing that fits well and defines the waist.
* Focus on flattering angles and lighting.
* Encourage confidence and self-acceptance.
* Men:
* Strong lines and angles.
* Use props to convey masculinity and strength.
* Emphasize the jawline and shoulders.
* Children:
* Keep it fun and natural.
* Capture their personality and energy.
* Be patient and adaptable.
E. Continuous Refinement:
* Review Your Work: Analyze your photos and identify areas for improvement.
* Study Other Photographers: Learn from the work of successful portrait photographers.
* Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become at posing.
III. Important Considerations for Everyone:
* Purpose of the Portrait: What is the portrait for? (Professional headshot, family photo, artistic expression?) The purpose will influence the posing choices.
* Target Audience: Who will be viewing the portrait? Consider their expectations and preferences.
* Ethical Considerations: Be respectful of the subject's boundaries and comfort level. Avoid poses that are suggestive or exploitative. Always obtain consent before taking and using someone's portrait.
* Post-Processing: Understand how post-processing can enhance a portrait, but avoid excessive editing that makes the subject look unnatural.
By understanding these principles, both the photographer and the subject can work together to create stunning and meaningful portraits. Good luck!