Posing/Directing subjects - How to master?

I've noticed recently that one of my biggest weaknesses is that I suck at posing people. I've seen other photographers know exactly what they want, and what looks 'good', but I don't seem to have that sense at all! I get the question "How should I pose?", and I often feel clueless. Where a person's hands go, feet positioning, etc, I feel this is a big disadvantage for me.

That being said, what's the best way for me to improve in this area, without copying other photographers' poses and shots?

back in the day, when I was in photography school, our portraiture teacher had us put together a pose book of stuff we took out of magazines etc. After teaching us the basics of composition, posing, etc, He told us to copy the poses at first, and gradually our own style would emerge. It was absolutely true. So I wouldn't worry about the fact that you are "copying". Read all you can on the topic of posing, and then put together a book of poses. It will go a long way towards keeping YOU calm during your sittings, and that will serve your clients well. Just be confident and take charge when directing your subjects and don't worry that you are copying someone else's poses. Your own style will eventually emerge as you become comfortable and begin to accept or reject their esthetic and develop your own. If you are still copying others after a year of doing a lot of sittings, throw the book away, you were an exception and that learning technique didn't work for you. For now, don't worry about it, copy away.

Thanks Sue. You say to 'read' all i can on the topic of posing, but are there any particular resources (books, websites, etc) that you might recommend?

That sounds like a great idea Sue, and it's something for me to do with my stack of Shutterbug magazines lol

Jack: I have a "pose guide" PDF on my computer somewhere, if you are interested I can try and find it and send it to you. If you would like it PM me your email addy.

The best way is to have the shots you want in your head before you start. Then it is simply a matter of positioning (vs posing) the model to match what you want.

What Sue suggests is a perfect idea. And it is done regularly on commercial jobs. They are known as "Mood Books" They are simply a collection of images that include a pose, place, clothing, expression ...etc ...etc ...that you want to make your image. It solves the problem of translating a mood to another person. As moods are intangible and hard to describe. a Mood Book will show what you want easily. You end up saying... "I want a pose kinda like this....but with this expression...but doing....." It gives all involved a better idea of what you are going for.

It doesn't matter what you do. Somewhere, someone else has already done it. After all, there are only so many things the human body can do. The best you can do is put your own spin on it.

I've had others ask for the pose guide, so I uploaded it...

http://www.mediafire.c​om/?nkykezgvqd2

Thanks Dave! It's a very useful guide

I have that guide lost some where on my computer, possibly deleted by accident. Glad to have it back. My paper copy is all worn out.

Thank you !! Great guide.