Pose Like a Pro: Five Tips for Perfecting Your Portraits or Headshots
Welcome to Shearer Portraits' comprehensive guide to mastering the art of portrait and headshot posing. After years of concentrating on portraits, I consider myself an authority and know that these tips will help when you get your next portrait or headshot. Given the cost of a portrait session, it is in your best interest to head into the session armed with these great tips.
Tip #1: Elevate with Emotion
When it comes to capturing great portraits, emotions play a pivotal role. Instead of forcing a look, think of something that will evoke the desired emotion for your shot. If you're aiming for a genuine smile, reminisce on a joyful moment, perhaps with your kids or a cherished memory. Conversely, if you're going for a more intense look, tap into a past experience that brought about deeper emotions. In essence, channel your inner actor and let the emotion shine through the lens. In this example photo below, I was working with Caitlin on a portrait shoot and we got stuck in a scene. As I was trying to pull out frustration and maybe anger that matched the alleyway, I asked Caitlin to get in the emotional state of being stood up. The result was one of my favorite portraits and I feel we captured something special.
Tip #2: Power Pose
One of the secrets to exuding confidence in your portraits is mastering your posture. Step into the frame with purpose and rise up by putting one foot in front of the other and lifting onto your toes. This subtle movement elongates your body and creates a dynamic, commanding presence in front of the camera. Remember, confidence is key, and a simple adjustment in posture can make all the difference in capturing the perfect shot. I always tell my clients to think of how people traditionally take selfies and try to replicate it in the session. You can practice this by extending your arm pretending to hold a phone and then keep the same angles as you bring your arm down to the camera’s level.
Tip #3: Pose Progression
Don't underestimate the power of subtle changes when posing. After each photo, make small adjustments to your posture, angle, or expression. This allows you to explore a range of options and provides you with a variety of images to choose from. You'll be surprised by how these small changes can dramatically impact the final outcome of your photoshoot, giving you the flexibility to select the perfect shot from more options. Too often clients keep their expression the same for too long so I always will remind them to make changes. This series below is a great example of our model (Caitlin again) giving different looks. As I reviewed the data from these photos these four photos were taken about every 6 seconds which resulted in about 30 photos to choose from.
Tip #4: Seek Feedback
Don't hesitate to ask for feedback during your photoshoot. While some photographers may not offer feedback unprompted, I believe in open communication and collaboration. We'll talk you through the process, providing guidance and coaching when needed. Additionally, we offer previews during the shoot so you can make adjustments in real-time which is meant to build confidence. It is so common that after I show a great photo, the next series of photos becomes even stronger! Bottom line is that if your photographer isn’t giving you feedback or showing your previews, ask.
Tip #5: Embrace Experimentation
Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things during your photoshoot. Experiment with different poses, expressions, and emotions, even if they're outside your typical repertoire. Whether it's a big smile or a dramatic pose, embracing experimentation can lead to unexpected and stunning results. Your photoshoot is a time to explore and express yourself creatively, so don't hold back – you may just discover your new favorite look!
Congratulations! You've now armed yourself with a comprehensive set of tips to master the art of portrait and headshot posing. Remember, each tip is designed to enhance your experience and ensure exceptional results. Whether you're channeling emotions, perfecting your posture, or embracing experimentation, trust in the process and let your unique personality shine through the lens. At Shearer Portraits, we're committed to helping you look and feel your absolute best in every photo. So go ahead, strike a pose, and capture moments that will last a lifetime.
