Posing for Portraits

When it comes to taking portraits, it can be one of the most rewarding and at the same time one of the most frustrating things you may ever encounter. A good portrait speaks volumes and at times, it seems that attaining that one picture can be so far out of reach. Besides knowing your camera inside and out, there are a few different ways to make taking a portrait easier for your subject, but most importantly, for you as well.

Believe it or not, posing is one of the most crucial components to a good portrait. If your subject is uncomfortable, it will show in the picture. If the pose is unnatural, you’ll be able to see it in his or her eyes. If you feel silly giving direction, your subject will feel just as ridiculous! Before you get yourself worked up and just decide to give up, here are a few posing tips that are guaranteed to make it a successful day behind the camera:

• Allow your subject to sit comfortably on the stool, chair, or floor that you have them on. Portraits don’t have to look formal. Allow them to clasp their hands around their knees or to rest them on the back of the chair. Tip: If you don’t want the portrait to have that laid-back feel, simply move in closer with your zoom lens to crop that part out. They’ll never know you’re only focusing on their face.



• When shooting more than one person allow them to sit or stand how they normally would and then make slight adjustments to their pose. This will make them feel more relaxed in what can be an embarrassing situation.



• Don’t feel stressed out when you can’t get the shot that you had envisioned in your head all day -- go with the flow. If you’re stressed out, your subjects might start to think it is their fault. Besides, some of the best portraits are complete accidents.



• When shooting families, allow them to interact and joke with each other. Keep your eye looking through that view-finder and snap the shot when they’re being candid together. In my opinion, there is no greater shot than the one that captures true laughter.



• If you are shooting a person or a couple with a dog, tell them to stay focused on you and not to worry about the dog. Animals are unpredictable and may only give you a couple seconds of “that look.” If the owners are too busy looking at the dog during that time, the moment is lost. You make the noises to get the dog’s attention and you’re sure to get a great portrait.



• Babies can also be tough. You never know if they’re going to laugh or cry from one moment to the next. Just roll with the baby’s emotions. If he starts to cry, take a picture. Parents will appreciate this shot because it’s real. Tip: Make sure you’re ready with your shutter when the baby stops crying, because the light will reflect off the tears in his eyes for a beautiful effect.



• When shooting friends, ask one questions about the other. Make them tell you stories about the things they’ve done together. When they start thinking about the memory, they stop thinking about you. This is a sure-fire way to capture a true moment between friends.



• Kids can be crazy; they’ll want you to take all silly shots of them with their hands in their mouths! Whatever you do, don’t tell them no -- you’ll lose them forever. Instead, tell them that if they will do two serious poses, you’ll take a funny one too. I think you’ll find that it’s the funny ones you like the best anyway.



• Don’t be afraid to give direction. At first you might feel silly, but once you get into your groove, you’ll get the hang of it! Describe to them what you want and let them try to put themselves in that position. All you have to do from there is make small changes.



• Finally, do some research! There are an endless amount of great portrait poses at your disposal on the internet. Do searches for them, look through your favorite photography site’s gallery, or better yet, look through the Scrapjazz photo forum -- you’ll be amazed by the talent you’ll see! Print them out or do a sketch to bring to your next shoot for quick ideas if nothing is coming to you.

If you are well prepared for a photo shoot, you’ll be able to fly through it like a real professional. Nobody has to know that you’re an amateur! Just be ready for the unexpected and roll with the punches.

Shop at the Scrapbook.com Superstore for all your Scrapbooking Supplies!
Enjoy 5-Star service, HUGE selection and LOW prices!
Click here to start shopping!