Pose for Presence

Avoid clichés and add intensity with the way you position your subject

All photographers have a different approach to posing subjects. While some have an arsenal of favourite positions, others would rather leave models to choose their own natural stance. Friends, family or inexperienced models can benefit from some guidance though, particularly if you’re aiming for unorthodox poses.

On set, playing music is a great way to bring out the right emotions (and therefore poses) from your model. You could ask them beforehand what music they listen to when they’re pensive, or angry, or choose a playlist yourself that encapsulates the atmosphere you want to capture.

For added drama, encourage your subject to take active rather than static stances.

For example, instead of having them stood upright in the middle of the frame, ask them to lean against a wall or drape themselves around a tree. Hands can be used very expressively, so consider what these are doing, too. Are they going to be holding something, caressing the head or obscuring the face? Don’t ask your model to do anything they don’t feel comfortable with, and move on if a pose isn’t working. Dramatic posing can transform your portraits from the ordinary to the affecting – think icy stares into the distance, subtle looks over the shoulder or direct gazes into the lens. Avoid sweet, gentle smiles, as these do little to create narrative.

While eye contact is a compelling way to engage the viewer, subjects don’t need to be looking straight ahead. An off-camera gaze combined with an expression or visual clue also conveys strong emotional messages. As eyes are naturally more engaged when gazing at someone rather than something, ask your subject to look at you, rather than at the lens.

Demonstrate any unusual poses yourself first so that your model understands exactly what you’re asking them to do. Remember to address every part of your subject, including their hair and clothing.