Professional Documents
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PORTRAIT
& FASHION
Posing Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................... 3
How to Use This Guide....................................................................................... 4
10 Quick Tips for Posing Men............................................................................. 5
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.
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.
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
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
3. Create Structure
3b 3c 3d
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.
4d 4e
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.
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.
8. Posture
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
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
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.
10a 10b
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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).
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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!