Your Best Posing Instructions w/ Examples

Tigerkn wrote in post #10453185
Another old thread coming back....... Hoping that it get rolling so that I can get see more and learn more since it was a good idea thread.

next time... just start a new one.

there is another one... a little better floating around here somewhere.

Black dudes are the easiest to pose. They "get it". All I said to this group was "act chill"

jcolman wrote in post #10453585
Black dudes are the easiest to pose. They "get it". All I said to this group was "act chill"

lol

I didn't want to steal the idea w/o copyright
Another one??????

sctbiggs wrote in post #10453414
next time... just start a new one.
there is another one... a little better floating around here somewhere.

What a wonderful thread to learn from. Posing people, I think, is one of the most challenging aspects of people photography. It's a constant work in progress for me.... This industry has really brought me out of my shell, and I'm loving every minute of it. I was never shy around 2 or 3 people, but I had such a challenge directing a big group of people. But I've found I get WAY more control, if I act like I totally have it... if that makes sense. Meaning... don't show them any weakness... the minute you do, you're a little bunny in a crowd of wild wolves.... they'll eat you alive!
Anyways, one of my hardest tasks (and something that I have been working on a lot lately) is to get the "no smile" look (or semi-serious face with slight smile... we don't want them looking pissed)... the relaxed, magazine type pose. Most people start laughing as soon as I say "OK, now don't smile"...Especially the girls... the guys are a bit easier on this one. So, I came up with a little way to get the shot without them tensing up and looking contrived. (this is my little secret, and I swear, it works almost every time)
I get the bride in her pose...... and I tell her to look at my lens. Now close your eyes, relax, and on the count of three, open them and look at me. I snap the shot right at "3" and I get that relaxed, no smile look, every time: Here are a few examples of how this method works (I did this exact thing in all of these)
(I know you all have seen this shot a couple of times, but it's a great example of how this method can work)

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The key to group shots, is having fun, and not being afraid to get these people out of their comfort zones. I swear, every time I ask people to do something they aren't so sure about, it ends up being their favorite photo. Again, act confident and like you have total control, and it's amazing how these people become your personal play-doh toys.
So, I have a rather large bridal party... I'm short on time, losing sun and can't get horribly creative with these guys as I'd like. So, instead of doing the whole line up (boys on one side, girls on the other), we mix it up a little. It changes the whole scene and the color contrasts of the dresses and tuxes, I think, is pleasing to the eye:

I like the "EVERYONE must have a leg in their hand" shot. The 2nd Gent. from the left took your word very serious .

I sometimes let them pose in a 'Titanic way'. When they are doing so, I ask the bride to start singing the song. Within seconds big smiles are showing. They feel relaxed and that sets the tone for the rest of the shoot. That and these shots tend to end up in the album as it remembers them to that hilarious moment.

FamilyJules wrote in post #10454211
What a wonderful thread to learn from. Posing people, I think, is one of the most challenging aspects of people photography. It's a constant work in progress for me.... This industry has really brought me out of my shell, and I'm loving every minute of it. I was never shy around 2 or 3 people, but I had such a challenge directing a big group of people. But I've found I get WAY more control, if I act like I totally have it... if that makes sense. Meaning... don't show them any weakness... the minute you do, you're a little bunny in a crowd of wild wolves.... they'll eat you alive!
Anyways, one of my hardest tasks (and something that I have been working on a lot lately) is to get the "no smile" look (or semi-serious face with slight smile... we don't want them looking pissed)... the relaxed, magazine type pose. Most people start laughing as soon as I say "OK, now don't smile"...Especially the girls... the guys are a bit easier on this one. So, I came up with a little way to get the shot without them tensing up and looking contrived. (this is my little secret, and I swear, it works almost every time)
I get the bride in her pose...... and I tell her to look at my lens. Now close your eyes, relax, and on the count of three, open them and look at me. I snap the shot right at "3" and I get that relaxed, no smile look, every time: Here are a few examples of how this method works (I did this exact thing in all of these)
(I know you all have seen this shot a couple of times, but it's a great example of how this method can work)

A recent Boudoir:

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I did the same thing here, but had her look away.... "1,2,3 click"

In this one, I told her find my lens, close her eyes, and think of something that she wants to do to her fiance' when she gets home. I got this:

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This is gold. Thanks, Julie. for sharing that secret; I am going to use it soon. I did try it with a group shot not long ago in an attempt to get no "eyes-closed" shots.

I think the best way to make people open up, is to make fun of yourself... And sometimes, of the guys, if you think they can take it.

I usually start making fun of myself in subtle ways first, then bring in the making fun of the guy towards the end.

For example, I had a shoot yesterday and the first thing they said was 'we probably won't be any good at this, it's our first time!'

I looked at them, seriously, then at my camera and said, 'Oh hey, glad to hear it! I had my first shoot ever last week, too!' while looking dumbfounded at the camera. They roared into laughter an relaxed immediately.

Later on a shoot, I had to sit down to get a shot; legs apart unflatteringly... And I said, 'I know, I know, it's horrible to look at, just try not to!' ... They giggled a little. I gave it two seconds and then said, 'Brett! What'd I say?! No looking at my crotch!' .. They cracked up again.

The 'making fun of him' goes something like... 'Okay, Jess, stand like this... Big smile.. Perfect. Okay Brett... Actually nevermind, you don't really matter, just stand there. Perfect. Be ugly. Go on, be ugly... Woah, not THAT ugly.' .... Laughter, laughter. I usually follow it with, 'I'm kidding I'm kidding, I'd kill for a chiseled jaw like that, seriously.' ...even if I wouldn't, just to smooth it over.

It just makes them loosen up an they start laughing at each other, teasing each other, etc, etc... It just snowballs. But being yourself, happy... And an idiot, works. Cause let's face it - we're all idiots, deep down, when we're crazy in love.

I think being a funny person in general helps though.. If they can't tell you're joking an say what I just explained.. They may seriously get worried.. And will probably smack you.

Karizmatik wrote in post #10505872
For example, I had a shoot yesterday and the first thing they said was 'we probably won't be any good at this, it's our first time!'

I looked at them, seriously, then at my camera and said, 'Oh hey, glad to hear it! I had my first shoot ever last week, too!' while looking dumbfounded at the camera.

lol...

i'm using this one.

and yes, it's best to make fun at yourself first. as we do it in pairs... we will kind of poke fun at each other.

a great ice breaker for us when we are working with a big group is for one of us to purposely tell a bad joke. not funny at all... everybody will kinda do that fake smile, giggle thing to try and not make the photog feel bad for telling the stupidest joke ever. now the other one of us will chime in while laughing... "okay guys... that was a horrible joke, you don't have to pretend to laugh... stop telling those corny jokes Scott"

This post is money.

Karizmatik wrote in post #10505872
I think the best way to make people open up, is to make fun of yourself... And sometimes, of the guys, if you think they can take it.

I usually start making fun of myself in subtle ways first, then bring in the making fun of the guy towards the end.

For example, I had a shoot yesterday and the first thing they said was 'we probably won't be any good at this, it's our first time!'

I looked at them, seriously, then at my camera and said, 'Oh hey, glad to hear it! I had my first shoot ever last week, too!' while looking dumbfounded at the camera. They roared into laughter an relaxed immediately.

Later on a shoot, I had to sit down to get a shot; legs apart unflatteringly... And I said, 'I know, I know, it's horrible to look at, just try not to!' ... They giggled a little. I gave it two seconds and then said, 'Brett! What'd I say?! No looking at my crotch!' .. They cracked up again.

The 'making fun of him' goes something like... 'Okay, Jess, stand like this... Big smile.. Perfect. Okay Brett... Actually nevermind, you don't really matter, just stand there. Perfect. Be ugly. Go on, be ugly... Woah, not THAT ugly.' .... Laughter, laughter. I usually follow it with, 'I'm kidding I'm kidding, I'd kill for a chiseled jaw like that, seriously.' ...even if I wouldn't, just to smooth it over.

It just makes them loosen up an they start laughing at each other, teasing each other, etc, etc... It just snowballs. But being yourself, happy... And an idiot, works. Cause let's face it - we're all idiots, deep down, when we're crazy in love.

I think being a funny person in general helps though.. If they can't tell you're joking an say what I just explained.. They may seriously get worried.. And will probably smack you.

I found instructing to be the most difficult part (which is why I take mostly candids during e-sessions and weddings). I'm a big guy and you wouldn't think I would have an issue with it but I just can't seem to get comfortable enough to physically touch and move them. They might be close to what I want but not exactly so I sit there for 5 min trying to explain but by that time it seems too forced.

I'm still working on it and getting better but this thread definitely helps. I have another e-session on Sunday and will make use of the info provided so far.

FamilyJules wrote in post #10454211
What a wonderful thread to learn from. Posing people, I think, is one of the most challenging aspects of people photography. It's a constant work in progress for me.... This industry has really brought me out of my shell, and I'm loving every minute of it. I was never shy around 2 or 3 people, but I had such a challenge directing a big group of people. But I've found I get WAY more control, if I act like I totally have it... if that makes sense. Meaning... don't show them any weakness... the minute you do, you're a little bunny in a crowd of wild wolves.... they'll eat you alive!
Anyways, one of my hardest tasks (and something that I have been working on a lot lately) is to get the "no smile" look (or semi-serious face with slight smile... we don't want them looking pissed)... the relaxed, magazine type pose. Most people start laughing as soon as I say "OK, now don't smile"...Especially the girls... the guys are a bit easier on this one. So, I came up with a little way to get the shot without them tensing up and looking contrived. (this is my little secret, and I swear, it works almost every time)
I get the bride in her pose...... and I tell her to look at my lens. Now close your eyes, relax, and on the count of three, open them and look at me. I snap the shot right at "3" and I get that relaxed, no smile look, every time: Here are a few examples of how this method works (I did this exact thing in all of these)
(I know you all have seen this shot a couple of times, but it's a great example of how this method can work)

A recent Boudoir:

| Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

I did the same thing here, but had her look away.... "1,2,3 click"

In this one, I told her find my lens, close her eyes, and think of something that she wants to do to her fiance' when she gets home. I got this:

| Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

I have also used this trick successfully with those who have squinty eyes...

Loved reading this thread!

Great thread!