So, I suck at posing....

wyogirl · Jun 30, 2013

I really suck at posing adults...or anyone really. Are there any posing guides that I can download to my phone to keep with me? I did a TFP shoot today and I hate the poses.

Trever1t · Jun 30, 2013

there are many posing refernce materials. THe best one I saw was like a deck of cards.... was it Doug Gordon, I think so. What helped me was helping out more experienced friends. If you can offer assistance holding a light...do it. I suck at posing people too.

IByte · Jul 1, 2013

Trever1t said:
there are many posing refernce materials. THe best one I saw was like a deck of cards.... was it Doug Gordon, I think so. What helped me was helping out more experienced friends. If you can offer assistance holding a light...do it. I suck at posing people too.

Oo???

tecboy · Jul 1, 2013

It is good thing you brought it up. I found this. 8 Posing Guides to Inspire Your Portraiture
Hope that helps.

Golfcart · Jul 1, 2013

I know this answer doesn't help a lot, but the more you do it, the better and more comfortable you will be. You'll be amazed at how much better your posing will be once you relax and get over being nervous trying to pose people. Of course, reading is always good, but relax. Take time to really look and think about what looks good, don't just open your mouth and tell people where to go because you feel like you can't think about it for a second.

DanOstergren · Jul 1, 2013

Golfcart said:
I know this answer doesn't help a lot, but the more you do it, the better and more comfortable you will be. You'll be amazed at how much better your posing will be once you relax and get over being nervous trying to pose people. Of course, reading is always good, but relax. Take time to really look and think about what looks good, don't just open your mouth and tell people where to go because you feel like you can't think about it for a second.

I second this. I've also found that just letting people naturally do what they do while making small adjustments makes for good "poses". The more I try to pose someone, the more uncomfortable and unnatural the shot looks.

kundalini · Jul 1, 2013

Having your subjects do their thing naturally may yield some decent results, but understanding the foundations that traditional portrait photographers use will increase your keeper rate. The Why is more important than the How. Once you have some knowledge and experience, then veer down the path of your chosen style.

10. The Rules Of Good Portraiture

jowensphoto · Jul 1, 2013

Something to keep in mind for group shots: typically you want "higher" rather than "wider" though some exceptions exist (ie, bridal party). Build in a pyramid style when photographing large or small groups. And keep every one tight together, nice and cozy

KmH · Jul 1, 2013

More resources:

Doug Box's Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers
Master Posing Guide for Portrait Photographers: A Complete Guide to Posing Singles, Couples, and Groups
500 Poses for Photographing Women: A Visual Sourcebook for Portrait Photographers
500 Poses for Photographing Men: A Visual Sourcebook for Digital Portrait Photographers
500 Poses for Photographing Group Portraits: A Visual Sourcebook for Digital Portrait Photographers
500 Poses for Photographing High School Seniors: A Visual Sourcebook for Digital Portrait Photographers
500 Poses for Photographing Couples: A Visual Sourcebook for Digital Portrait Photographers

tirediron · Jul 1, 2013

There are a ton of smartphone applications which have posing guides and instructions, and don't forget to look at Creative Live. They often have photographers such as Lindsay Adler featured who will give excellent advice on this topic.

tirediron · Jul 1, 2013

And, under the heading of, "Ain't that a co-winky-dink", the e-mail for this seminar literally just popped up in my Inbox:

Creative Live - Children's Posing Guide with Tamara Lackey

(Yes, I know you said adults, hey, it's posing)

wyogirl · Jul 1, 2013

Thanks everyone for all of the helpful info and links! I'll be doing some studying before my next TFP shoot.

12sndsgood · Jul 1, 2013

One of the reasons I still do some TFP. practice. as said, more you do it, better you will get as long as you do some reading and really look at your subject and see what they are doing or not doing. I went to my local library and got a few books on posing.