How to Pose a Model for Photography

Hire a professional model. His experience, professionalism and ability to choose poses will make the investment well worth it.

Allow plenty of space in your shooting area. This will let the model have the full range of movement to express herself physically. A small, tight space will make the model cramped and uncomfortable and the photos will reflect this feeling.

Know your audience. An advertisement for perfume may have few restrictions, whereas an advertisement for a home appliance may have specific limitations. When in doubt, communicate clearly with your client about the poses that they will and will not accept.

Use a tripod only with product-specific photographs. An image that requires a clear shot of a product may require careful setup and use of a tripod. Shoot free-hand whenever possible to capture the maximum of dynamism in the image.

Communicate clearly, patiently and respectfully to your model. The model puts his physical body and personality on the line during a photography session. Unclear, impatient or disrespectful communication will cause him to become inhibited and produce inferior, forced expressions and poses. Above all, respect that the work he is performing is as crucial and valid as your work as photographer.

Let the model decide her own poses whenever possible. Some shoots may require specific poses, but the dynamism of improvisation almost always outshines even the best contrived pose.

Keep the model moving. Photograph him in action, moving from place to place on the set. If necessary, tell him to hold a pose but always try to catch him moving. If he strikes a pose, take the photograph and tell him to move on. Keep it light, fun and improvisational for the maximum about of dynamism in the image.

Use preset poses if the model runs out of ideas. These poses can break up a session into different parts and allow the model to rest from posing. Be careful when using preset poses, as they can make the subject appear unnaturally posed or lethargic.