Proper posing

Posing photographic subjects can be scary. I admit it – it’s not always easy. New photographers especially are likely to be a little nervous about posing their subjects.

Most photographers, myself included, have some stock poses that we use during a wedding or portrait photo shoot. But I don’t want to always use the same poses. Sometimes I create new poses on the spot. Many times posing will depend on the personality of the subjects. If they are more free-spirited they are likely to be willing to do some creative poses. Those who are shy and nervous likely will not.

Don’t be nervous about posing

Trusting your photographer with posing is something you shouldn’t be nervous about, unless perhaps the photographer is brand new in the business. Professional photographers will know the best poses for his or her subjects. They will know how to pose the people in the picture so that they will look their best.

This doesn’t mean we don’t consider our clients’ desires. I often ask my clients if there are other poses we didn’t do that they would like to try. Usually, however, they don’t have any ideas. So, that is why it is important to trust your photographer with your posing.

Unless they are a professional model, people being photographed almost always do not know what to do when they stand in front of camera. They don’t know how to pose their bodies or what to do with their arms and hands. A good photographer will let them know. It is the job of the photographer to make the clients feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Slimming through poses

Many people who are overweight, especially women, want to know how to look slimmer in their photos. A good photographer will know how to pose someone so that they look slimmer and more flattering.

This article is part of a series on five things you should trust your wedding photographer with.

This article is part of a series on trusting your photographer. Read the other articles on the best locations, the proper time to shoot, photo editing, and what to do with the photos when you have them back.