Posing portraits shouldn't be complicated, yet it's an area many find challenging. Getting poses right transforms your images from ordinary to powerful.
Coming to you from Karl Taylor with Visual Education, this straightforward video tackles some common posing mistakes, especially for seated business portraits, where awkward hand positions or overly square stances can easily ruin a good shot. Taylor explains the subtle art of angling subjects to avoid stiffness, providing simple solutions like using props that give hands a natural resting place. He also breaks down the dynamics of leaning slightly forward, a minor adjustment that significantly boosts confidence and authority. Understanding these basics can mean the difference between a tense portrait and a relaxed, natural image.
The video also covers full-length portraits, particularly male subjects, where Taylor advises simple yet effective methods such as placing one hand in the pocket to reduce awkwardness. He emphasizes the value of slight rotation rather than standing square-on, a small adjustment that helps subjects appear comfortable and assured. Taylor further shares an effective rocking technique for simulating movement, making shots appear dynamic without the unpredictability of actual walking poses. This advice is especially valuable for capturing convincing corporate or catalog-style images.
Another strong point Taylor makes involves positioning shoulders and heads separately to create depth and dimension. Angling shoulders away from the camera while turning the head back toward it creates a more engaging and flattering composition. This simple strategy makes upper-body portraits noticeably stronger, helping avoid overly stiff or confrontational appearances. Taylor’s attention to subtle shifts in posture demonstrates how minor changes can significantly improve portrait quality.
Further along, Taylor discusses practical tools like studio blocks and stools, essential for adjusting posture and comfort. He stresses avoiding overly symmetrical positions, advising subtle leans and varied limb placements to enhance visual interest. Taylor demonstrates how something as basic as adjusting the height of knees using blocks can significantly improve a pose. This section is useful because it translates directly into immediate improvements photographers can implement in their studios.
Taylor also shares advanced techniques, such as capturing jumping or skipping poses in fashion photography. He offers practical tips like marking the floor for models to hit exact points, ensuring lighting and focus remain consistent. This controlled approach simplifies what can otherwise become a technically challenging shoot.
Perhaps most valuable is Taylor’s advice on reading the strengths of each subject, whether a professional model or someone less comfortable in front of the camera. He describes different personalities and explains how tailoring your direction to match their comfort and strengths produces better outcomes. Understanding this dynamic between photographer and subject can genuinely elevate your results, making your portraits appear authentic rather than forced. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Taylor.
Karl, as usual, nails it. All great tips, and nice reminders.