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MEN’S

PORTRAIT
& FASHION

Posing Guide
Table of Contents

Click to jump to a section

Stool Chair Standing

Creative/Movement Head/Shoulder Floor

Introduction......................................................................................................... 3
How to Use This Guide....................................................................................... 4
10 Quick Tips for Posing Men............................................................................. 5

Stool Poses ........................................................................................................ 14


Chair Poses......................................................................................................... 21
Standing Poses .................................................................................................. 41
Creative & Movement Poses............................................................................... 51
Head & Shoulder Poses ..................................................................................... 59
Floor Poses......................................................................................................... 73

About The Author................................................................................................ 85


Additional Posing Reference............................................................................... 86

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Introduction

Posing is one of the fundamental elements of a successful portrait or fashion


image. Proper posing can flatter a subject, express emotion, and create engaging
compositions. Unfortunately, many photographers find that directing and posing men
can be a real challenge. Because of this, too many photographers tend to take a
hands-off approach, relying on their subject to pose themselves – however not all men
are confident in front of the camera! It’s important to have confidence when posing
our subjects. Why? Confidence is contagious… but so is insecurity. Your subjects can
sense if you are nervous or ill-prepared.

One of the central goals of this guide is to help tackle the challenge of posing
insecurity and allow you to approach any men’s session with knowledge and a lot of
inspiration. Our subjects look to us for direction and guidance in their sessions, and
male subjects can sometimes be uncertain or insecure during a shoot. It is our job to
be prepared when posing our subjects and not only help them feel confident, but also
help them look their best.

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How to Use This Guide

This guide is your resource for any (and all!) of your sessions with male subjects.
Whether photographing a portrait of a CEO, a men’s fashion editorial, or a high school
senior, there are a wide range of poses to suit your needs. Some poses are subtle and
strong, others are playful and dramatic. It will help you to be inspired and approach
every subject with a range of ideas and references.

Poses have been grouped into sections of similar ‘base poses’, making it easy to
move quickly from one pose to another pose for subtle variation.

A common misconception about posing is that you need to memorize dozens and
dozens of different poses to create variation. Lucky for you, that isn’t true! Each shot
you take of your subject doesn’t have to be a drastically different position, in fact it
shouldn’t be! Find a base pose that speaks to you and then work in subtle variations.

Change the position of the hands, shift the weight on the feet, vary the expression,
change your crop and camera angle. Each of these adjustments will help you create
a range of different results for your subject that allows the shoot to flow smoothly
without constant dramatic changes.

For example, in this series of poses (shown above) the subject has the same base
pose for all shots. He is seated the same way, leaning back, and with the feet in the
exact same position. What changes? His hands and expression. No need to have
him sit, stand, and jump around to get variety. Now imagine adding in different focal
lengths and crop to the equation. Endless variation!

Within this guide you’ll find references for sitting, standing, floor poses, stool poses,
chair poses, and creative/movement shots. Pick a section, find your favorite poses
and work through subtle variations of each before making a big change.

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10 Quick Tips for Posing Men

1. Avoid Flat Feet

Avoid the subject standing with flat feet.


If both feet are on equal levels, flat to the floor,
and pointed toward the camera this tends to
make the pose very boxy, uninteresting, and
even a bit awkward (1a).

Most subjects end up this way if they haven’t


been given enough direction — direct your
subject’s feet into a variety of more interesting
positions.

For example, you can cross one foot over the


other as seen in 1b and 1c. Also, try having the
subject walk or just shift their weight from one
foot to the other to simulate walking.

Even something as subtle as turning one foot


outward or toward the camera helps to get a 1a
little variation in the hips and legs, improving the
pose (1d, 1e).

Feet are the foundation of your pose, so start with something a bit more interesting and
build from the bottom up!

1b 1c 1d 1e

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10 Quick Tips for Posing Men

2. Position Feet on Different Levels

When the subject’s feet are at the exact same height the pose can become static.
By raising one foot onto an apple box, stool, or even crossing one leg over the other,
the result is a pose with more visual interest and flow.

For example, in image 2a the subject is in a relaxed pose with both feet on the floor.
Visually the feet, hands and shoulders are level and therefore the pose is a bit lifeless.
By putting one foot on the rung of the stool (2b), lifting the feet and staggering the
elbows/shoulders, the result is a pose that invites the viewer’s eye to move around the
frame.

As a general rule, if your pose feels lifeless or ‘flat’ try varying the levels of the feet
(and arms/shoulders for that matter!).

2a 2b

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10 Quick Tips for Posing Men

3. Create Structure

Typically when posing male subjects we aim


to avoid curvy, flowing poses and instead
select more structured body positions.

In fact, rather than ‘S’ curves we look for ‘C’


shapes (3a,b) and triangles (3c, 3d).

Triangles are strong, stable and lead to body


poses that have traditionally been considered
more ‘masculine’.

As you look at the poses in this guide, you’ll


see that many of the sitting poses make use
of many triangles to create interesting shapes
with the arms and legs.

Notice how these poses appear strong and


structural (3c, 3d).
3a

3b 3c 3d

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10 Quick Tips for Posing Men

4. Use Shouldrs to Define Width

Use the rotation of the shoulders to make a subject appear broader or narrower.
When a subject is posed square to camera they will look widest but also more dominant
in the frame (4a). As you turn the subject to the side you narrow their shoulders (4b) and
eventually begin to diminish them in the frame (4c).

4a 4b 4c

There is no right or wrong answer for shoulder position, but be aware of how the angle
affects proportionality of the body. For men, having the shoulders be wider than the
lower part of the body creates a desirable “V” shape.

If you want to try this pose “V”


yourself, turn the subject’s feet
and body so they are facing the
side (4d). Next, point the front
foot back toward the camera,
and then rotate just the torso
back toward the camera (4e).

This creates a shape that is


broader at the top and narrower
at the bottom.

4d 4e

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10 Quick Tips for Posing Men

6. Hands: Give them Something to Do!

Hands can be one of the more difficult elements of posing. Most male subjects
(particularly non-models) need a lot of direction. Have your model interact with a prop,
hold on to a chair or adjust a piece of clothing.

Keeping the hands busy helps them to look relaxed and avoids the overused (and
unwelcoming) ‘armed crossed pose’.

So, what can you try? Throughout this guide you’ll see some common ‘hand activities’
repeated over and over again. We get the base pose, then run the subject through a
variety of the same hand actions.

Common poses include:

• Hands rubbing together


• Fixing cuffs/sleeves
• Touching the watch
• Adjusting jacket collar
• Holding jacket over shoulder
• Hand to face
• Hand in pocket

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10 Quick Tips for Posing Men

7. Be Aware of Body Language

Little changes in body language can make all the difference. Consider things like
hands or a subject’s lean as a way to reinforce what you are already trying to convey
with the overall pose, expression, clothing, lighting, and more.

Someone who is a master of posing will really want to pay attention to body
language and what it demonstrates about the subject. While there are many subtle
tools and nuances of body language, here are a couple cues to keep in mind:

• The secrets are often in the hands. Relax and slightly open the hands to show
comfort. Avoid picking fingers or fidgeting hand position. If a subject is nervous,
the hands will often be their ‘tell’. Furthermore, think of hands as a way to soften
strength a pose; a strong closed fist shows aggression whereas a lightly closed
hand/fist can be confident.

• Crossed arms can convey someone being defensive or strong. For a stronger
pose, close the hands into a fist. For more relaxed body language, open hands
against the arms.

• When a subject’s arms, shoulders and hips are square to camera, this can read as
a stance intended to dominate. The subject’s body is meant to be confrontational
— think superhero pose or pro athlete stance. If this is not your intention, try a pose
that has a bit more visual variation to the arms, legs and shoulders.

• A body lean can make all the difference. Learning toward the camera can
communicate strength or desire to get closer to the viewer. Leaning slightly away
can show the subject as very relaxed or slightly pulling away from a situation.
The other cues of expression, head angle and hands help to reinforce the overall
mood of the pose.

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10 Quick Tips for Posing Men

8. Posture

When it comes to non-models, subjects often struggle with their


posture being way too slouchy or way too rigid. You want your
subjects to be comfortable, but also not to slouch. Bad posture
makes someone look diminished, insecure, and also is generally
unflattering for the body.

There are a few tried and true ways to direct your subject.
Try ‘pull up through the top of your head and lean toward the
camera.” This improves the posture, elongates the body, and
connects the subject with the camera. Plus, leaning forward
often conveys confidence and helps reduce a double chin. If this
approach doesn’t work or the subject looks awkward, invite your
subject to get into a comfortable position, and then make tweaks
to improve the overall pose. Give general direction, then a tweak,
while always paying attention to their posture.

9. Use an Anchor

Standing on a background and being asked to pose can feel


pretty vulnerable and awkward.

“Where do I put my feet? What should I be doing with my


hands?”.

A subject begins to feel uncertain and even stranded with nothing


to anchor them. You can change that by giving them something to
interact with. Providing a chair, apple box, stool or other prop will
instantly make a subject feel more at ease.

On location you have a lot more options. Look for a wall they
can lean against, or stairs they can sit on, or a bench. They will
intuitively know some more natural / comfortable poses when
there is an element in the scene for interaction. When shooting a
portrait session, consider relevant props like a musical instrument,
sports equipment, or other prop that symbolizes the individual.
This not only helps create a more meaningful photograph but puts
the subject at ease posing with a familiar element in the frame.
In image 8d you’ll notice how comfortable the subject is when
posing with their cello. 8d

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10 Quick Tips for Posing Men

10. Clothing is Essential

You must have a discussion about clothing


with your subject before the shoot if you
want to create successful images.

This is obvious in a fashion shoot with a


wardrobe stylist, but it’s just as essential for
a successful portrait session.

Ensure that the clothes work with you, not


against you.

When a subject’s clothes are way too baggy


or way too tight, it makes our jobs extremely
difficult. In a men’s photo shoot the clothes
do a lot of the heavy lifting for flattering
our subjects and work in conjunction with
posing.

With a ‘big and tall’ subject or fuller figured


man, a well-fitted suit jacket or sweater can
save the day. 9a

For example, a suit jacket covers bulges on


the side of the body and when buttoned (and the correct size) it helps to create flattering
lines on the mid-section.

Notice in image 9a how the leading lines of the collar help to slenderize and create a
narrowing shape on the body. It also creates smooth contours to the outside of the form.

How about a white button up shirt? One of the worst challenges! It wrinkles instantly
and draws attention to every fold, bulge, or ill-fitted piece of fabric. When possible…
avoid it!

Also, many male subjects are notorious for showing up with wrinkly shirts/pants.
Have a steamer handy to do touch ups to help everything look crisp on the day.

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10 Quick Tips for Posing Men

10a 10b

10. Pose the Head

Posing isn’t just about posing the body, but also the head. Believe it or not, subtle
adjustments in the subject’s head tilt or jawline truly will transform a photo, particularly
in portraiture. Most people prefer a more defined jawline, so be sure to watch this
feature in a pose, particularly if a subject is sitting back in a chair (where they are more
prone to a double chin). Encourage them to stick their chin ‘out and down’ to sharpen
the jawline but make sure they don’t look too strained when trying this technique.

In image 10a you can see a common problem when a subject sit’s back in a chair or
tries to sit up straight and inadvertently pulls in their jawline. In 10b they have been
directed to stick their chin out and down, creating a much more flattering result.

Also pay attention to how a subtle tilt of the head can change the mood of the photo.
Avoid tilting the head toward the camera (10c). Instead, aim for the chin to be straight
(10d) or the head tilted slightly away. This results in a more ‘engaged’ look as if the
subject is listening (10e) and a more standoffish look when the head is tilted away
dramatically.

10c 10d 10e

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Stool Poses

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For fuller figured subjects, pay attention to the midsection
in seated photos. It is easy for this area to be distracting.

In this setup we have used several tools to flatter our


subject. First, darker clothing helps to obscure any
wrinkled/folded areas that would draw too much
attention with light clothing. Avoid white button-up shirts
when possible!

Next, we have used a jacket to create flattering shapes


on the body. Finally, we use the hands to create leading
lines around the frame and to break up the midsection.

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Place the subject’s feet at different levels to create more
dynamic poses. Here one foot is on the floor and the
other is on the first rung of the stool. When feet or knees
are at the same level the pose often appears rigid.

Shifting the weight also makes a different. In the top right


image the subject leans toward the camera, appearing
more slender and confident. In the bottom image the
subject leans his weight onto the back hip, making him
look a bit wider but also relaxed / genuine. Both are
acceptable body positions and you should test both with
your subject.

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For stable and structural poses, position your subject so that the negative space of their arms
create triangles. This results is a base pose that we perceive to be strong / stable and therefore
reliable and confident.

Even in wider shots you should consider what the hands communicate in an image. An
open hand (seen here) communicates relaxed and calm body language. A slightly closed fist
suggestions strength/determination or perhaps being a bit more closed off to others.

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Chair Poses

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You’ll find that many subjects feel more comfortable when they are sitting or anchored to
something, rather than just being asked to stand and pose. Straddling a chair may not be
comfortable for all subject, so don’t force it. That being said, the back of the chair acts like a little
posing table that the subject can lean on, interact with, and create a variety of angles.

Try some images where the subject wraps their arms around the back of the chair, and others
where it is simply used to support their elbows.

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In this unusual angle the subject is turned away from
camera looking back over their shoulder.

The body language gives the impression that you have


caught the subject in a moment, and their eyes are lifting
up to acknowledge the viewer.

This has been used with Presidents and CEOs to convey


they are deep at work, and looking toward camera only
for a brief moment before returning to important goals.

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In the previous examples of the subject looking back over the chair, he seems more closed off
and less welcoming. Here, his body is turned more toward camera and shoulders back toward
our view. This is a much warmer, friendlier body language even with the subject sitting sideways.

Also notice that one leg is out further than the other to create varying heights in the knees.
This is a way to avoid even, flat footing that can create rigid/boring poses.

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A chair doesn’t have to be a prop just to sit on. Consider providing a chair as a prop even when
the subject stands. A chair can be a particularly helpful when working with non-model subjects
because it helps anchor them, allowing them to shift their weight, lean on the chair, hold on to it,
or even put a foot on it. Just be sure that the chair fit’s the stylistic ‘vibe’ of the shoot whether it’s
old and weathered, rustic leather, or modern and chic.

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Having both feet at an equal position (top row) can lead to static results. Shift the subject’s
weight in the chair toward one leg or the other, having them lean on one thigh in order to create
a little visual movement to the shot. Notice how the top left is not as dynamic as the top right
where the subject is leaning forward more dramatically.

To put the subject’s feet at different levels you can introduce an apple box to seated poses.
Have one foot on the apple box and one foot on the floor to create different heights to the
knees/feet.

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Even though this image is cropped, you can tell that the front foot is elevated. It’s been placed on
an apple box to make the knees uneven and the pose more dynamic.

Elevating the front foot is also a bit more flattering in this case because it helps to obscure the
midsection. Furthermore, if the back foot were raised it would draw more attention to the ‘crotch’
area of the shot. With lighter or more wrinkled pants this can become a visual distraction.

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Standing Poses

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When your subject is standing, avoid having them stand flat footed. You don’t want them to
stand with their weight even on both legs. For example, the top center in this series is the
weakest pose because the feet are (almost) even and without motion.

Cross one leg over the other, shift their weight onto one leg, have the subject walk... all are
options to avoid overly rigid or static poses. Also notice that when hands are at different levels
(ie: top left) the pose has more visual flow for the viewer’s eye to follow in the frame. In the
bottom right, both hands in the pockets isn’t ‘wrong’ but our eyes have less to explore in the
frame.

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A bend to the back leg and lift of the foot goes a long
way!

Notice how the negative space between the legs is


flattering and the slight step makes the shot have more
energy because the subject appears in motion.

Try shifting the subject’s weight back and forth from


one leg to the other with a slight bend. Keep the legs
relatively close together (width) so that the subject’s
stance is not too wide or broad. The legs too far apart will
make them look boxy and wider in the hips.

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If you are creating images that emphasize a subject’s
physique, but sure to keep that in mind as you direct
them.

If it is a fitness image, you may want to ask the subject to


briefly do some exercises to get their blood flowing and
make the muscles look enlarged for the images.

Typically we’ll also use a body oil or lotion to help catch


the light on the skin to emphasize musculature.

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Genuine emotion is one of the most important elements of a portrait. Ask yourself, what is the
purpose of this photo? If it is a fashion image, perhaps a more stoic expression and poses
that draw attention to the clothing are more appropriate. If it’s a portrait then personality and
expression are paramount! Don’t let posing rules hold you back from capturing candid poses
with the subject’s true personality showing through.

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A suit jacket can be a useful prop to have your subject
interact with. They can throw it over their shoulders
loosely, or hook it over a finger and sling it over their
back.

A correctly fitted jacket can slenderize and create a


flattering shape when buttoned. Before doing a portrait
session, consider asking your subjects to send a current
shot or two of themselves in their proposed looks to
make sure they fit and flatter appropriately. It will be very
hard to fix clothing issues after the fact!

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Creative & Movement Poses

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Consider setting the mood with music. The right music can help your subject to embody the
character they are meant to play or feel the emotion of the moment, particularly when you are
trying to achieve poses with a lot of movement.

Music can also be helpful when a subject poses because it gives them a beat to pose to.
Many models like to hit new poses on a beat, giving them pacing and momentum.

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A simple way to introduce movement into a shot is the
‘step and repeat’. Have the subject make a small step
back and forth (only stepping once or even bouncing
from one foot to the other).

Direct them to do small, repeatable steps rather than


dramatically walking across the frame. A small step
or two will allow you to make changes to perfect the
movement rather than dramatic/erratic poses. Here,
the long coat is perfect for creating dramatic lines. We
repeated the step and throw of the coat approx 10 times
for the perfect shot.

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When you are on location, use whatever elements are in
the scene. Lean the subject against a wall, sit them on
stairs, have them engage with their environment. This not
only helps you to make more interesting photographs,
but it also gives the subject more creative ideas for
posing.

Here we went for more ‘editorial’ poses that you may


see in a creative fashion magazines rather than typical
portrait poses. The ‘wall’ in this instance is a white V-flat
with an assistant out of frame to support from behind.

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When your subject is moving, the photo is imbued with
life and energy! How about a little dance? Not every
subject will be comfortable with a lot of movement, but if
they are receptive try to embrace it for more lively poses.

Let the subject choose the music. Ask them what music
would help them bring the desired vibe or what gets them
in the mood the move! In the top left image the subject
was channeling his ‘inner Fred Astaire’ with a single hop.
Small, repetitive movements are much easier to capture
than a dancing free-for-all.

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Head & Shoulder Poses

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Hands are great at telling a story. Is the subject relaxed and confident? Are they thoughtful?
Are they distressed? Sure, facial expressions can convey this but emotion through the hands
helps to reinforce the energy of the subject.

In this section you’ll notice just how many different hand poses are possible for men with proper
direction. Show them references, invite them to play a character, and give them positive
reinforcement for stepping outside their comfort zone to show a bit of character. Notice how the
hands are like arrows -- your eyes are drawn to wherever the hands point you.

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It is rare to have a subject that’s able to quickly achieve this range of expressions and hand
positions. If you are working with an aspiring model, show this series as a ‘goal’ of being able
emote and create variation that gives a photographer endless choices.

Encourage the subject to act rather than model. Try to play different characters, give them
different emotional prompts and involve them in the process. Remind your subject that if they
look bad in a pose or something doesn’t work, it’s fine! We only need a couple great frames and
sometimes the in-between awkward shots help us land the incredible, interesting images.

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This pose is a classic for both male and female supermodels in the 1990s. It creates a sense
of peace, symmetry, and thoughtfulness. While this pose may not be a fit for every shoot, it’s a
wonderful tool when you want to emphasize an inner quiet and beauty.

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When trying to exaggerate someone’s biceps, have them
lean over a chair and apply pressure to the back of the
arms.

This is a great trick to make muscles look larger than


reality and it is an ‘illusion’ that male models, actors, and
celebrities have been using for decades!

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Body language communicates a great deal in a photo. Here the subject has his arms wrapped
around himself in a ‘protective’ pose. This does not communicate strength or confidence, but
instead vulnerability, introspection, and gentleness.

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Floor Poses

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We have used apple boxes throughout this guide in
several ways. We’ve used them to elevate a foot, for
the subject to sit on, or for someone to lean upon. They
are also a useful tool for posing groups and varying the
height of your subjects.

Vintage apple boxes have a beautiful texture, and can be


purchased from vintage shops or online (etsy.com). If you
search on youtube there are also tutorials that show you
how to take new apple boxes (Matthews or Kupo) and
treat them to create a much more aged, weathered look.

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About The Author

Lindsay Adler has risen to the top of


her industry as both a photographer
and educator. Based in New York
City, her fashion editorials can be
found in a range of publications
including Marie Claire, Vanity Fair,
L’Officiel, Harper’s Bazaar and
more. As a photographic educator,
she is one of the most sought-after
speakers internationally and appears
as a keynote speaker in many of the
industry’s most prestigious events.

Lindsay engages photographers


throughout the world with her
incredible mix of creativity, technical
mastery and easy-to-understand
classes. A prolific content creator,
she has a robust social media
following of photographers eager
for inspiration and education. Her
energy and enthusiastic teaching
style showcase her excitement to
share her passion and knowledge
with others, whether through her
own educational platform, Youtube,
or her five books.

Lindsay is a sought after commercial fashion and beauty photographer with a robust
client list that includes NBC, UNICEF, Aveeno, Pat McGrath, Grey, and countless
others. She is honored to have been named a Canon Explorer of Light as well as a
Profoto Legend of Light, and the Rangefinder Icon of the Year.

WEBSITE INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE FACEBOOK

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Additional Posing Reference

Be sure to check out my 400+ page book: “The Photographers’ Guide to


Posing: Techniques to Flatter Everyone”, sold at all major book retailers and
online at Amazon or get a signed copy through my site.

This best-selling book covers perspective and how your lens choice and
camera angle affect the appearance of the body. I help to train your eye to
recognize ‘posing pitfalls’ that ruin an otherwise good pose. Together we go
in depth into posing a range of different subjects from maternity, to boudoir,
to families and more. I also cover my 5 go-to poses for each subject, so
pairing the book with this guide is a powerful combination of knowledge and
inspiration!

Pro Tip: If you prefer to watch and learn, check out the book’s companion videos
“The Posing Series” https://lindsayadler.photo/posingseries Use code: MENSPOSING
for a discount!

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