Posing for portraits can be a unique skill of its own when taking portraits. However it is not impossible, so take heart; you will find your niche?
“Posing” as I am using it for this post is meant as “A particular way of standing or sitting, usually adopted for effect or to be photographed, painted, or drawn.” Some would say posed shots can be organized by looking at the camera or not, but that is not totally correct.
Before going on I would like to define candid to clarify more of the differences to posed and candid shots.
Candid:
- Truthful and straightforward; frank.
- (of a photograph of a person) Taken informally, esp. without the subject’s knowledge.
Basically, it can be a little difficult knowing a posed photo from candid if the photographer and subject or model are good at directing and holding a pose. Poses can seem candid and in reverse a candid shot may even seem posed. The difference between posed and candid lies in the knowledge and participation of the subject or model.
We want the pose to look natural and comfortable as if the subject or model is supported. Tension is noticed by a viewer most often subconsciously, and tension is created by the appearance of the subject’s discomfort.
While choosing a pose which accentuates your subjects beauty, take care to make your support visible. For instance, if you have your subject prop themselves on one arm, make sure their arm is visible through the camera. I want to leave you to use your own creativity in methods of support, but illustrating tension, the subject will seem to be performing an isometric crunch on the front lawn. This obviously is not our intent.
Turning the shoulders to one side or the other from the relative position to the hips will show a slimmed abdomen.
A bent knee (in a seated position) will draw muscles tighter in the thigh and hip for contrast to the extended leg.
Drawing the shoulder back and down will show a relaxed chest and shoulders.
One of the main visual queues for poses is the positioning of the subject’s head. If they are not comfortable their head will be pushing forward or resisting a fall backward. Keeping the head in a neutral position will certainly cut the visual signs of strain, offering the best start for positioning.
Candid shots will be our topic for Friday’s post. Looking forward to another visit then!
Foe-toss | LIGHT 