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Step 1
Remember these moves when positioning a model: sitting, standing, leaning and laying. During most photo shoot you probably want to pose your model in at least three of those positions. It is simple, but effective for getting good poses.
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Step 2
Remember the Rule of Thirds. Make sure to pose your subject so that the interest of the photo is in one of the cross lines when you divide the viewfinder into thirds horizontally and vertically.
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Step 3
Fall back on the three quarter face shot (just the shoulders and head turned a little to the side), the hand-on-chin shot where the subject is leaning over just slightly to rest his chin on his hand when the arm is propped on his knee and the prim shot where she is sitting in a chair with her legs crossed at the ankle and her body is turned slightly away from the camera. These three poses can be modified into several variations, according to the situation.
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Step 4
Make sure you can always see eyes in the viewfinder. No matter how good a pose is, it's not going to look good if you can't see at least one of the subject's eyes. So, position your model's head in profile, full frontal, three quarter, looking over the shoulder and looking down. Try to do at least three of these head poses in every shoot.
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Step 5
Props are always a lifesaver when you need a pose idea. Let the model hold the prop or have them use it to get natural poses that look fresh.
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Step 1
Brainstorm your angle before the shoot starts. If you are selling something then the product needs to be in the forefront, out shining the model. Write down or sketch every position you can think of that includes that product. Let your mind go crazy.
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Step 2
Then, narrow the list down to poses that are strong compositions. You will want your model to try these poses with different facial expressions and slightly different movements until you get a variety of fantastic shots.
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Step 3
If you are taking beauty shots, then think about the subject's personality. Select props that go with the person's personality and interests. If you don't know anything about the subject take the time to ask some questions to get a feel for what they are like. Pose them in ways that are comfortable so that you can get a beautiful shot.
Comments
JasneJ said
on 5/6/2008 We use a model for our website & we try to make sure she is realaxed & stays relaxed as we shoot.Holding long poses is hard! She is a joy to work with & we are always happy withthe results!
imagery said
on 5/6/2008 Good article! I think one of the most important things is to get the model to relax. Your idea of brainstorming before the shoot is a great way to get the model to relax and also to learn what they feel is their best side, best look, best angle,etc. If the model is professional, they know how to pose so as a photographer you need to focus on lighting,props,make up, costumes, etc.