Poses For Portrait Photography: Ideas And Concepts

The world of portrait photography is full of excitement and possibilities. With so many themes, poses, and emotions to capture, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, whether you're planning a shoot or even framing a single shot. Struggling to settle on a theme is a common issue for photographers. It's a classic case of being spoilt for choice—sitting there with mood boards filled with fantastic ideas, yet unable to decide what you want to achieve in your upcoming portrait session. On the other hand, some photographers try to do too much in one shoot, leading to a disorganised session that jumps erratically from theme to theme, with costume changes galore.

In this article, we’ll not only provide you with some wonderful ideas but also guide you on how to approach them efficiently. This will result in a smoother shoot and a happier model. So let’s get started.

The Impact of a Good Pose

Portrait photography has been around since cameras were first invented and has long been an effective way to promote products. Over the years, the technology behind portrait photography has evolved significantly. Not only have cameras become more advanced, but improvements in lighting setups have also allowed for sharper, crisper portraits that look fantastic, whether displayed in New York’s Times Square or as a tiny pop-up on your favourite shopping site. However, what hasn’t changed much over the years are the poses.

From headshots to full-body poses, there is only so much one can do with their body in front of the camera. While elements such as make-up, hair, and costumes have become more elaborate in modern times, the pose has remained a constant throughout the history of portrait photography.

This consistency is actually beneficial. Whilst photographers may strive to create eye-catching images with outlandish concepts, the pose itself need not be complicated. In fact, even a simple pose can have a significant impact on the viewer. 

Highlighting Your Model’s Best Features

A simple yet effective way to deliver an impactful image, even with minimal setups, is to identify your model’s most striking features and ensure that the poses you direct them into highlight these features rather than conceal them.

For instance, if your model has a unique facial structure or distinct features, headshots and half-body poses will make these attributes more prominent, allowing them to stand out clearly, rather than getting lost in a full-body shot where they might be less noticeable. Conversely, if your model has long, slender limbs, full-body shots taken from a low angle can accentuate their height and create a more dramatic effect.

In summary, tailor your concepts and ideas around your model’s most striking features. Use poses and framing to emphasise these attributes, rather than hiding them. This is a simple trick to elevate every portrait shoot you do in the future and will certainly make your choices easier when working on ideas and concepts for poses and themes. 

Basic Principles of Posing

Let’s take a quick look at some fundamental principles of posing for portrait photography to help you create impactful images that effectively convey your intentions.

Body Language

Familiarise yourself with the subtle nuances of body language. The themes and messages you wish to convey should align with the model’s body language. For example, if you’re aiming for an assertive look, avoid having the model’s hands held in front of them, which can portray insecurity.

Angles and Perspectives

Choosing the right angle is crucial to enhancing your model’s poses and the overall impact of the portrait. Here's a quick reference guide:

• Eye Level: Trustworthy, relatable

• Low Angle: Powerful, dominant

• High Angle: Vulnerable, submissive

• Side Angle: Mysterious, contemplative

• Over-the-Shoulder: Intimate, connected

• Close-Up: Intense, focused

• Wide Angle: Isolated, distant

• Dutch Angle: Unstable, dynamic

Match your themes and poses with the appropriate angle to create more compelling portrait images.

Comfort and Naturalness

As a photographer, one of your key responsibilities is to ensure the model appears comfortable and relaxed on camera. To avoid a tired and fatigued look, don’t rush into the shoot the moment your model arrives. Allow them time to relax, build rapport, and ensure they understand the goals of the session. It's also important to take regular breaks, especially during long shoots. Holding awkward poses can be physically taxing, and constant exposure to bright lights can be mentally exhausting. Additionally, watch for signs that your model might be overcorrecting their posture—something less experienced models might do as they become hyper-aware of their body position.

Classic Poses for Portrait Photography

When planning a portrait session, starting with tried and tested poses will help you establish a good rapport with your model and allow them to warm up before moving on to more creative compositions. Let’s explore some classic poses for portrait photography, focusing particularly on arm positioning, as stiff or awkward arm placement can detract from an otherwise strong composition.

Standing Poses

Whether you’re capturing a headshot or a full-body portrait, standing poses offer a versatile range of options with good posture. Standing can involve anything from being positioned in the centre of an empty room to leaning against a wall. Leaning against a wall can make the model look relaxed, allowing you to capture confident poses. However, when your model stands in the centre of a room, be mindful of how the pose subconsciously translates to your viewer. The following tips apply to both leaning and isolated standing poses:

Application

1. Contrapposto Stance: This Italian term refers to a counterpoised stance where the model places most of their weight on one foot, allowing the shoulders and arms to twist slightly off-axis from the hips and legs. This pose is more flattering than standing straight on and accentuates the body’s natural curves.

2. Arms: Use the model’s arms and hands to frame their best features. If they have a unique facial structure, bring their hands and arms up to frame the face. Other arm positions include:

• Hands on the hips

• Hands held behind or in front of the body

• Arms crossed

• Arms loosely down by the side

• Hands in pockets

• Tips: Ensure the hands look natural and the shoulders are relaxed to avoid stiffness. Watch for any over-correction in posture, which can make the pose appear forced.

Sitting Poses

Sitting poses can help alleviate any stiffness or awkward hand placements that may appear in standing shots. The chair or surface can serve as a prop for the model’s arms and hands, making them look more natural and comfortable. Additionally, sitting on the ground or low walls outside of the studio can create a relaxed and approachable vibe.

Application

1. Relaxed Sitting: Unless you're photographing for a lumbar support chair brand, encourage the model to avoid sitting bolt upright. You can even allow them to slouch for a more creative look. Chairs can also be easily used to create an elegant composition.

2. Arms: Direct your model to sit back and relax, with arms in various positions:

• One or both arms on the armrest

• One or both arms on the back of the chair

• Arms crossed across the body

• Hands in the lap

• Hands framing the face
  

You can also direct your model to sit forward, placing their arms:

• Crossed in front

• Down by their legs and feet

• On their knees

• Together between their legs

• On the armrests

• Framing the face

• Tips: Avoid shooting straight-on to your model unless you’re aiming for a symmetrical shot, as it can appear awkward or dull. Experiment with angles and allow your model to shift their weight from one side of the chair to the other. Be mindful of your camera height—you can shoot slightly above the model without implying vulnerability, as the chair counteracts this. Ensure the pose is confident and that the model’s face conveys assertiveness. Remember, the chair is a prop, and you can use it to add interest and elevate your image.

Candid and Action Poses

Candid and action poses can tell a story through the model’s movements, avoiding any stiffness or awkward hand positions. These poses often involve dynamic actions such as:

• Walking or taking a half-step

• Twirling

• Performing sports actions

• Laughing

• Interacting with the environment

Application

Candid shots work particularly well in outdoor environments, where the model can interact with their surroundings. For example, you might ask your model to walk naturally alongside you while you capture a series of shots, allowing for natural movement that results in a more interesting image.

While these poses have been used countless times, they remain popular because they consistently produce visually appealing results. As a portrait photographer, you can still bring your own artistic style to these classic poses, whether through lighting, environment, or post-processing.

Creative Poses for Portrait Photography

With countless portrait photos out there in the world, how can you approach this genre from a different perspective? This is where creativity comes into play. It's important to remember that elements such as lighting, environment, and hair and make-up (HMU) also play a significant role in elevating your model’s pose.

Storytelling

• Concept: If you're aiming to tell a narrative with your image, the pose will be the most critical element. Whether you want to convey solitude, empowerment, or highlight a particular issue, the pose must deliver the message with impact.

• Example: A model standing alone in a vast, empty field, arms wrapped around themselves, with a downcast gaze to evoke a sense of isolation and vulnerability.

Emotion-Driven

• Concept: While this may be similar to storytelling, the focus here is entirely on the emotion your model conveys. The aim is to capture authentic feelings that resonate with your audience. You might work through a range of emotions to spark a connection between the photo and the viewer.

• Example: To create a motivational piece for athletes, capture the determination in your model's face as they prepare to step into action, with strong body language that leaves an impression on the viewer.

Minimalist

• Concept: Less is often more, and the minimalist aesthetic is a timeless trend. When paired with a minimalist set, muted colours, and simple fashion, your model's movements should also be minimal.

• Example: A minimalist fashion shot featuring a model standing centre-frame, hands relaxed at their sides, and a neutral expression. Subtle, controlled movements can bring depth to the image while maintaining the minimalist style.

Artistic

• Concept: Artistic portraiture often involves elaborate sets, costumes, and make-up, creating high-end pieces for fashion editorials or creative projects. These images typically incorporate abstract themes, unconventional poses, and unique angles.

• Example: Drawing inspiration from dance, such as ballet or interpretive movement, you can encourage your model to create abstract body shapes, especially if they have long limbs that can exaggerate graceful or striking movements.

Creative posing is incredibly fun and allows you to think outside the box with your approach. By building your poses around the themes, setting, outfit, and HMU, you can spark ideas that lead to memorable and impactful portraits.

The Bottom Line

Poses in portrait photography are a critical element that can either elevate or detract from a great photo. Alongside lighting and colour theory, the pose adds a defining quality to your image.

Posing should help highlight your model’s best features and can also contribute to conveying the themes and messages of your photo. You can experiment with classic poses that have stood the test of time, or push the boundaries by exploring abstract and unconventional positions for your model. Look to the history of portrait photography for timeless inspiration, or draw from other areas such as dance, sports, or even theatre for more creative ideas.

Ultimately, your shoot should be a collaboration between you and your model, with both of you working together to produce an impactful image that you can be proud of. So have fun, exchange ideas, and enjoy the creative process, knowing that the end result will be a reflection of your shared effort.