Clients that are a bit "awkward" or hard to pose... Images Included.

YoungPhotoGirl · Jun 28, 2012

<img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=12532&amp;stc=1" attachmentid="12532" alt="" id="vbattach_12532" class="previewthumb"><img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=12533&amp;stc=1" attachmentid="12533" alt="" id="vbattach_12533" class="previewthumb" style="margin: 1px; "> I think (or hope) everyone will agree that the first image looks to posed and awkward and the second looks far more natural and relaxed. Luckily with this particular photoshoot I got several that looked comfortable. But what do you do when you get a client that just SIMPLY CANNOT look natural at all in the slightest? I've had this issue a lot and feel it ruins my photo. Clients also seem to think its your fault (seeing as I am posing them) BUT I try to make them understand, and some people just don't have that natural comfort-look in photos..... I HATE it and would love to get some suggestions. I have already tried allowing the client to pose themselves, but that always makes it 10x worse!!! I hate unnatural looking poses! Thanks in advance

camz · Jun 28, 2012

I don't seem to see any of the images you posted?!

Well regarding the topic about clients unnaturally posing it's actually up to the photographer. It's really up to you to find that sweet spot where you get your clients to feel comfortable enough.

At times when we get clients like these, I've found out that the best approach is to give them an overview of what's going to happen the day of the shoot. Set that tone. "The day of the shoot, guys we're going to have so much fun and rock the hell out of your portrait session!!". lol. I think that's what I tell them generally. It's up to you to set the mood to be their cheerleader at the same time director. I think alot of clients expect their day to be all about "smile", "say cheese", "back straight", etc etc so without painting a proper picture for them prior to the shoot, they may come into the shoot with a stiff mindset.