The Three C’s to Posing
A photographer usually finds it easy to compare their workflow to another artist’s. Your eye is trained to take in details and analyze what is working in the image and what is not. In portrait photography, it comes down to the posing. As a commercial studio photographer, the approach to posing can make or break a session. It is not an easy task to work with strangers, hence why many photographers begin their careers by taking images of their friends and family because they are easily accessible and easy to be around, as well as direct. What happens when you start photographing models?
Here are some key tips to remember when working with other professionals.
1. Being comfortable
Why it’s important: This is two-fold. As the photographer you should be comfortable with your subject, but more importantly you should be able to make your subject comfortable. In this new age, it is extremely important to recognize the creator/subject relationship. No one wants their individual space invaded. There should always be a sense of respect between subject and photographer. When both parties are comfortable you are able to open the airways for communication in order to achieve the goal.
How to: In order to achieve this, meeting for coffee prior to the shoot is a good way to break the ice if you are meeting your subject for the first time. Taking the time to talk about interests and the project allows both you and your subject to become familiar with each other’s work flow before delving into a project. If you are unable to meet in person, taking some time prior to starting to fully introduce yourselves and pick each other’s brain a bit. If you, like many photographers, are a little more introverted, pick some topics prior to the shoot to talk about. Be warned, not everyone will want to do this. If your subject comes across as stand-offish, you may have a different dynamic, but the main goal of creating the image is the same. Let that goal help you manage how you communicate with your subject.
*Top Tip: if your subject feels uncomfortable in a pose- it will look uncomfortable in the image
2. Being confident
Why it’s important: Confidence is attractive. A confident individual naturally has others gravitate towards them. If you believe that things are going well, so will your subject. It is important to be sure of yourself because it allows you as a photographer to explore, test and discover new techniques in your craft. It will be extremely rewarding to walk away from a shoot knowing that your subject had fun and felt at ease because of your direction and control without being overbearing.
How to: Your posture and demeanor sets the stage for how the session will unfold. If your body language is not reflecting assurance that the session is going well, this could turn the tide of the entire event. Try standing tall and giving strong clear words when directing your subject into a pose. If they are struggling, try a different pose or a modified approach; such as demonstrating the pose.
*Top Tip: Confidence and cocky are very different.
3. Being considerate
Why it’s important: The most important is saved for last. Consideration for others and your subject is vital in achieving success. If you do not show respect to those helping you craft the image, you will not find that same help again. It’s easy to be confident and comfortable during a shoot, but making sure your subject knows that you recognize and value them will only breed good results. Everyone likes to feel appreciated!
How to: No matter your style of shooting, whether it is in silence or constant calling out to the subject, taking a moment to ask how everything is will help move the shooting along. You can check in between frames casually or in between set changes, dress changes, etc. Treating your subject as more than just someone posing for you will strengthen your relationship and could potentially lead to more collaborations. Always thank your subject and maybe send a follow up thank you letter or a proof to show your gratitude.
*Top Tip: Keep a cool head if things aren’t working out – everyone’s time is valuable and if you can take anything away from a bad session, it is experience.
Can’t find a subject to photograph or having trouble asking someone to be a part of your project?
See the following helpful article from fstoppers on how to find and approach models:
https://fstoppers.com/education/where-find-models-shoot-and-how-approach-them-107377
