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Preparing the Perfect Poses: 5 Quick Tips

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You could be a master of your gear and a wizard with light but in portrait photography if you’re missing the basics of posing, you could be sunk. Here are  5 Quick Tips on how to prepare to pose people in your shots.

1)  Do your research! Study magazines, buy books and look around the interweb or worldwide net to find the poses that appeal to you and begin to incorporate them into your sittings. Don’t feel embarrassed or awkward by emulating something you’ve seen. Throughout the hundreds of years of artists painting and photographing people, NO POSE IS ORIGINAL, it’s all been done before. If you borrow from another image’s approach, it’s not stealing – it’s finding inspiration in the art of another. Personally, i find it flattering when somebody adopts a style similar to mine. And I have to admit, my style is inspired by what I like from others! So always be looking. Surround yourself with imagery.

2) Use technology as an assistant. In my experience, it is impossible for me to remember all the ideas I came up with before the shoot, while I’m shooting. I become distracted by the lighting, by my gear, by the weather and by all the other elements of shooting on location. Enter technology . . . I use an iPad and an iPhone to help keep me focused. Before that I used a simple notepad in which I jotted notes about my ideas. With this new technology, however, it’s easier to convey my ideas to the talent (model). I keep on my phone example photos of some of my favorite poses, so if I’m having difficulty explaining how I would like her to hold her arm, I just whip out the phone and show her a picture. I can see where Pinterest could become a useful tool to keep your influences together and pull up while on location. Just recently, I stumbled upon a few pretty cool basic posing Apps that offer drawings and tips on how to pose. One of which is simply named “Posing App.”

 

Posing App (the one I use) for IOS and Android

 

3) Keep it Simple, keep it moving. Avoid beginning a shoot with a complicated pose. Start out really simply and allow a little time for your talent to get comfortable with you, but always keep them moving. From one pose to another, go go go . . . shooting all the time. Sure a handful of those shots will go right to the trash, but it builds the confidence of your model when they hear the shutter continuing to click away. They’ll get into it, trust me! I’ve seen beautiful, talented models stiffen up quickly in front of photographers constantly chimping between every shot. When you look like you’re getting what you want (when you exude confidence in your ability) they’ll get comfortable and put on a show!

Recently we had the pleasure of co-sponsoring a workshop with Clay Blackmore as part of the Canon Explorer’s of Light series here in town. Clay is an absolute whiz at keeping it moving and getting the shot. I was simply in awe watching him move and interact so effortlessly with his talent in the studio. Here is a quick video of his brilliance:

4) Keep talking ‘em up. The relationship between photographer and model relies on communication. For a model to find the zone and for you to find the shot, there needs to be constant dialogue. I’ve found that many models respond better to explanations of the mood I’m looking for instead of barking straight directions. Sure you’ll hear me say, “Okay, that’s great, but let’s try moving your chin just a little more down and to your right” but right before that you may hear this, “Tell me again about your first puppy?” Whamo, there is a sincere, innocent, authentic smile. Remember, they’re acting for you, help them find the character. This is a process, it requires both of you to be on the same page.

5) Keep it Fun. Laugh a little, smile a lot. If everybody is having a good time, everybody wins! Just like “the journey IS the destination”, I believe “the process IS as much of the ART as the final print” :)

June 12th is the Better Portraits Class in Cedar Rapids, for more details click here!

For books and video tutorials from our shop, click here!

cheers,

Paul

 

What’s Your (Focal) Point?

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We are often advised to just wander around searching for inspiration and to shoot what moves us. This is sage advice, but once you discover that source of inspiration, how do we best showcase it?

When it comes to creating an image that resonates, it’s important to understand what your focal point, or topic of interest, is and how to best highlight it in the image. We want what captured your eye to capture others’ attention, too. Here are a few tricks to try:

Employ the Rule of Thirds: The rule of thirds is a basic photography composition concept that states one should view the image in a grid with three horizontal and three vertical lines. You will have nine equal boxes and your subject should fall in one of the four areas where the two lines intersect. This allows you to create a visually interesting image with the viewer’s eye naturally drawn to your primary subject.


Contrast Colors: A using strong color contrast in an image is a powerful way to highlight your focal point. Color can be used in a number of ways; for example, choosing one uniquely colored flower in a soft background or in reverse with a bold background and a muted subject. Either strategy can create stunning results.

Try Textures: Using a background of texture, such as a repeating pattern of stone or brick, can elevate your subject to a new level. Consider scouting a local park or travel downtown where buildings and sidewalks can provide rich texture for your focal point.

Use Depth of Field: Learning how to manipulate depth of field takes a bit of practice but is a very common and extremely effective method of highlighting your subject. Being able to blur the background while keeping the subject sharp immediately draws the eye.

Keep It Clean: Make sure that the background you’ve chosen isn’t busy with numerous secondary subjects that can distract the eye. Test your vision by checking how often your eye is drawn to other items outside of your primary subject. The background should complement, not compete with, your primary focal point.

As you continue to experiment with this process, your style will evolve and your technique will improve. You’ll soon begin showcasing your own unique perspective.