How to Pose People for Portrait Photography

The formality of any studio portrait is such that there is always some deliberation in the pose. As most people have not been trained in acting, they often feel self-conscious about having to perform actions that normally require no thought, and unless the photographer eases the way, the simple issue of how to sit or stand in front of the camera can be an unnecessary source of tension at the beginning of the session.

Even if the sitter is not particularly concerned about how to pose, there are other more positive reasons for the photographer to take an active part. The setting and props that are provided for the sitter have a direct influence on the way in which the photography continues on – whether the sitter feels comfortable, tense, talkative, elegant, awkward, and so on. In most ways, the photographer has some control over the sitter, and encouraging a particular pose is one of the less obvious – and so often one of the most effective – methods.

There are two ways of influencing the pose: by direct suggestion and by providing a setting that allows only certain ways of sitting or standing. A certain amount of commonsense psychology is involved, and the photographer must at least consider the entire possibilities even if, in the event he chooses not to exert any strong influence. Ultimately this all stems from the personal approach of the particular photographer.

Many people need encouragement to relax, and can be helped by natural, easy positions that give the subjects something to do with their hands and feet. With a head and shoulders portrait, the appearance of the sitters’ figure is less important than the muscular affect it has on the position of the head and whether it encourages relaxation, alertness or concentration. The best way of judging the subtle influences that different types of seating have is to try them out in front of the mirror. A low deep chair tends to encourage slouching, and is usually awkward for the camera as it pushes the sitter back; a high stool, on the other hand, particularly if it keeps the feet off the ground, encourages attentiveness (arm rests make this more comfortable). A small range of chairs and stools kept in stock in the studio provides a useful choice for different occasions and sitters. It is an advantage to have at least one chair of adjustable height.

Standing positions generally call more self confidence in the subject, and a prop for one hand or arm, such as the edge of a table, or something o hold, may be helpful. Moving poses are usually better left for professional models, when the photographer can provide encouragement and direction.

Sources:

http://www.photographytips.com/page.cfm/371

http://www.ehow.com/how_4431963_pose-portrait-photography.html