Posing Models for Photography

Whether you are a professional photographer, or just someone who likes to take photographs, you may realize that it isn't always easy to pose a model.

Here are some tips to hopefully help you to capture great poses in your pictures. You want to make your photos look as natural as possible, and there are a few things you can do to ensure this.

• Don't put your models into a pose that makes them appear "stiff"
  Humans are nearly never in a naturally stiff position, and capturing a stiff model will only make your photos look more unnatural.
  
• Have them keep their joints lose and at least somewhat bent
  Try to have your models relax their muscles as much as possible...this can go a long way to help avoid the stiff appearance.
  
• If you are trying to capture movement, have them at least simulate it
  Capturing movement can be especially difficult if you are trying to pose a model into such a position.

  If at all possible, it is best to capture the images while the model is actually performing the activity. If that is not possible, try to have them simulate the movement in slow motion.

  You may have to practice this with your model a little to capture a pose that is right and looks natural.
  

• Consider things like clothing and environment
  It would not be wise to capture a photo of a model wearing a snowsuit with a hot tropical background.

  The example is a little extreme, but I think you can get my meaning. Have your models dressed appropriately for the environment and for any message you are trying to convey.

  For example, shorts or a swimsuit on a beach, a suit with a jacket for business settings, etc.

  Use your imagination and you can come up with many ideas even if you are limited with what your models are wearing.
  

• Talk with your models about posing
  Even a model that is not experienced can tell you when a position just doesn't feel right.

  Odds are that if the model is not at least fairly comfortable in a position, your photos will appear unnatural.

  Talk with your models about what mood you are trying to convey. Ask them if they have any ideas or opinions on certain poses. Sometimes it can help if you have them do a little "acting". Give them a scene and description of what they should act out, but ask them to move slowly so that you will be able to capture several images.

Capturing good poses will get easier with practice and some good creative techniques. Always review your photos to make sure your pictures do not make your model look unnatural or stiff.