How to Pose for a Photo- from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer
Seems easy, right? You just smile, and look in the general direction of the camera. Well, you might be surprised at how much more there really is to how to pose for a photo. Some of the things that come naturally to you might not look like you expect them to in the final image. Fortunately, remembering just a few tips will help you start posing in ways that’ll get you pictures you love. We’ll talk about a few simple things: the 7/8ths angle, the “if it bends” rule, and the head tilt.
The first thing you can learn to do is stop facing the camera directly and squaring up. A better idea is to find the right angle to keep your body at. The 7/8ths angle is the answer; you still look at the camera with your eyes, but turn your face and body just slightly to one side or the other of it for a 7/8ths profile. Whichever side you turn to the camera will be a little more visible than the other, so if you have a side you prefer, choose that one.
A rule that’s easy to remember and makes you look way better in photos is “if it bends, bend it.” It helps you avoid taking photos where you look stiff and robotic and awkward. That can be an unexpected result when your limbs are held straight, but a subtle bend in each elbow and a bend in one knee (placing your weight on the other leg, which also puts a small tilt in your hip) can counteract that.
The last tip can be a little tricky, but you’ll pick it up with practice. Now, don’t get the wrong idea, a head tilt doesn’t mean tipping your head to the side like a puppy! Hold your head straight up, but push it just a little forward and tilt it down a bit. Through shadow and angle this helps define your jawline, which makes for a better photograph. You’ll know when you get it right, because the results are noticeable.
Getting great photos that you love isn’t a mysterious, magical art. These simple posing techniques can make a big difference. Of course, if you want to take it to the next level, working with a professional photographer is a great idea!
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Toronto Corporate Headshot, Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer