It isn't unusual for me to begin a session and hear "I don't know how to pose". Sometimes there's fidgeting or some chit chat to settle things down. But posing doesn't have to be complicated. I work with both models and first timers alike, and there are always those moments when someone gets into their own head and starts overthinking what to do with their hands, or how to stand. Posing can be as simple as standing (or sitting) without making any special effort to reposition the body from its comfortable resting position. Posing can also be pushed to the point of creating unique body positions that you would see in a fashion magazine.
Full disclosure: Amber and I had previously worked together for her modeling portfolio (so she already had some posing experience). When we began at this spot, we kept it simple. We used a hallway wall and a studio light, and that's it. For a bit of perspective, it was between 2 doors, and there were sconces and some background distractions, Amber and I had almost no room to move the camera position. We had to rely on Amber's posing to make the location work for us.
Now, before you say "But I'm not a model", keep in mind that Amber did not move from her spot. She stayed in the same place the entire time. Even a first-timer can stand in one spot.
So here are some tips to create a knockout standing pose without moving.
1. Shift your weight. Shifting your weight from one leg to the other helps push the hip out and creates shape in the body.
2. Adjust the placement of your hands. Moving the placement of your hands between shots helps to create a series of moving images. Place your hands at diagonals (one higher than the other) for a more dynamic pose.
3. Turn your head. This is especially important when the main light is coming from one side of the frame. Don't be afraid to look away from the camera. This adds a bit of mystery to the final results.
4. Work the shoulder. This is a phrase that I often use while refining a pose. Just like with the hands, this can mean the shoulders are at diagonals, or one shoulder is closer to the camera than the other.
Bonus Tip
Practice a pose that you like. It can be something that you see in a magazine, or on social. Try the pose in front of a mirror. Often the pose doesn't feel natural or might even be a bit uncomfortable, but looks great in front of the camera.
My job as your photographer is to collaborate with you in order to create the best images from your session. So relax, and just have a good time.
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