There are SO MANY different ways you can pose for a photo. You can be standing, sitting, lying, walking or even hugging. You can even be creative and come up with some really awesome poses that are uncommon. Whatever you do, there are still photography posing mistakes you want to make sure you do not make when you are photographing a client - or a group together.
As a photographer, it is your job to help and coach your client along with various poses that will look great and flatter that specific person in particular. Here are 9 photography posing mistakes that you do not want to make that are very important to keep in mind.
1. An Uncomfortable Subject
First and foremost, if someone is uncomfortable while you are photographing them, you will be able to tell and the photos will not be as wonderful as they could be. Talk to your client right before you start snapping shots, and make them comfortable. Also, during the photo process, keep it light and fun, so they can laugh, talk and relax. You may find it keeps them a little more relaxed while you are taking their photo.
Photo credit: Kristen Duke Photography
2. Shooting Shoulders Straight On
Try not to shoot someone standing with their shoulders squared to the camera. Shoulders are the widest part of the body and as a photographer, you want to flatter those "widest" parts of the body to make the subject of the photo looks as best as possible! So make sure your subject angles him or herself to the camera for a more slimmer look.
3. Having Straight Joints
Always try to have the person you are shooting keep their joints bent. If you stand totally straight at the knees and have your arms totally straight by your side, or your neck looking straight ahead, the person could end up looking very stiff in the photos. Bending the knees, elbows, and tilting the head a bit can make such a huge difference!
4. Shooting A Subject From Below
It is best to shoot a person from straight on or even slightly above them rather than shooting them from below their eye level. If you are down lower than the person you are photographing, it is best to only do that during really artistic shots. If you work from above, particularly when you are shooting close up shots, it will get rid of double chins, it slims down the face, and if you happen to be shooting outdoors, it will bring the sunlight nicely into the person's face.
5. Arms Glued To The Body
It is never flattering to have your arms down so they look like they are glued to your body in your photos. Keeping them up on the hips or even holding an object helps with keeping the upper arm look thinner and also gives the subject a nice pose which also keeps the photo interesting and unique.
Photo credit: Edmonds and McKinlay Photography
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6. Awkward Hands
Many people are not exactly sure what they should do with their hands when they are being photographed. Simply slipping a finger into a pocket of their pants helps immensely. If you are photographing a couple, have one put their hand on the other person's leg, or even holding hands makes it less awkward.
7. Visible Clothing Marks
If your subject is going to be changing clothes during the shoot, which many people do, make sure they do not have skin marks from the clothing they were wearing before as they can be eye sores in a photo! For example, if your subject starts off wearing boots and a sweater and then decides to switch to a dress, you want to make sure she does not have any marks on her legs from her boots or socks that would stand out in the next set of photos. Make sure you give your subject time in between if there are marks, or make sure to pose the person so you do not see them.
8. A Group All The Same Height
If you are shooting a group of people and all of their heads are lining up at exactly the same place, the photo may end up looking very boring. Try having some people sit, while others stand to help break it up and add some dimension to the photos!
Photo credit: Kristen Duke Photography
9. An Ugly Background
While you are trying so hard to get the person in the the best pose you can, make sure you also consider what is behind them. The photo background is so very important! Always keep watch for those eye sores like street signs, a random car that may be parked, or even other people walking by that could disrupt the photo. You want to capture a beautiful background to make sure the subject is showcased in the best possible location!
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