Book
Professional Portrait Posing (Photo Pro Workshop)
Michelle Perkins
Ten successful professional photographers share their field-tested techniques for posing individuals and groups to create flattering, emotionally resonant, and commercially successful portraits across various genres.
What it’s about
This book is a masterclass in portrait posing, offering an inside look at the working methods of ten leading professional photographers. It moves beyond simple tips to provide a deep understanding of how to flatter any subject, addressing common problem areas like arms, chins, and waistlines through the art of 'corrective posing.' Readers will learn the foundational rules of classic portraiture, such as creating elegant S-curves and dynamic angles, and discover how to adapt these principles for contemporary styles in senior, fashion, and glamour photography. Through detailed examples and expert commentary, the book teaches photographers how to analyze a subject's unique features, communicate directions effectively, and build a rapport that elicits natural expressions, ultimately empowering them to create portraits that not only satisfy clients but also drive business success.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- An aspiring or professional photographer who wants to create more compelling, flattering, and marketable portraits, but struggles to make their subjects look natural and their best, limiting their creative satisfaction and sales.
- The problem
- Clients look stiff, awkward, or unflattering in photographs, resulting in low sales, client dissatisfaction, and a portfolio that lacks professional polish. The photographer feels frustrated, unconfident, and creatively stuck. They doubt their ability to deliver professional results and worry about disappointing their clients.
- The plan
- Learn the fundamentals of 'corrective posing' to identify and flatter any subject's features and body type.
- Master the classic poses (the Basic Pose, Feminine Pose, S-curves) that form the foundation of timeless portraiture.
- Adapt these traditional techniques with modern styles from fashion and glamour photography to create contemporary, high-impact images.
- Develop strong communication skills to direct clients effectively, build rapport, and elicit genuine expressions.
- The payoff
- The photographer consistently creates professional, dynamic, and flattering portraits for every client. · Clients are thrilled with their images, leading to higher sales, profitable up-sells, and a steady stream of referrals. · The photographer feels confident and creatively fulfilled, with a strong portfolio and a reputation as a skilled portrait artist.