Posing Mistakes to Avoid In Portrait Photography

Posing mistake number one in portrait photography is taking a shot when a subject appear uncomfortable. When they look uncomfortable and awkward, chances are that the images cannot be edited in any way to make it any less awkward. Your best option here is to talk to the subject and discuss the process and what type of imaging they would prefer. When you show a client different images and what works or what they should do and remain comfortable you would avoid potential pitfalls. If it is possible, it is great to talk a little with your subject prior to taking pictures as you can then talk to them during the shot taking that helps to keep the natural and relaxed.

 

Awkward photos often show that a subject did not know what to do with their hands. For example if you take a shot of a full body and hands show, it is often clear that the hands or arms are awkward. Lim arms and awkward hands appear unnatural hanging at the sides and instead slipping inside pants top are more natural. Something else that also works is arms crossed without creating a barrier. Clenched fists also seem filled with tension or anxiety and in this case let them lightly place a hand on a prop or something to hold onto.

 

Another big mistake is to take a shot of a woman with their shoulders head-on to the camera, as most women in this instance appear much larger than they actually are. Shoulders are often the widest part of the body and could potentially appear unflattering, and slightly turned shoulders narrows the shoulders and accentuate curves better. In this same light is neck creases equally unflattering and you have to adjust shooting angles or ask your subject to turn from waist side and not so much their heads until you get it right.