A sample book of classic, casual, and editorial poses for family, bridal, team and other group photos.

Containing numerous contemporary images by leading photographers, this indispensable manual concerning wedding portraits explains posing fundamentals as well as how to create a flattering, feature-specific photograph--one that focuses on the head, shoulders, arms, legs, or torso--in different levels of close-ups, from head-shots to full-lengths.

Next to lighting, posing is the most challenging aspect of photography—with so many body parts to capture, the possibilities are endless, and it’s all too easy to make a wrong turn. This illustrated reference provides both amateur shutterbugs and seasoned pros with the perfect place to turn when in need of quick posing strategies and fresh ideas. Containing 500 contemporary images by leading photographers, this indispensable manual explains posing fundamentals as well as how to create a flattering, feature-specific photograph—one that focuses on the head, shoulders, arms, torso, or feet—in different levels of close-ups, from head-shots to full-lengths.

Outlining a theory that combines the refinement of traditional posing techniques with the more organic, spontaneous techniques of photojournalism, this creative and informative resource offers poses that rely on personality and interaction. These instructions from a veteran wedding photographer provide the skills needed to recognize what makes a great pose and how to subtly direct your clients to achieve the needed balance between looking great and looking comfortable. Ultimately, this grouping of modern and traditional shots offers answers to the complications faced when attempting to pose wedding parties quickly while keeping the natural look that all wedding couples desire.

Becoming more physically self-aware and thus subconsciously snapping into an unnatural pose when a camera is pointed at you is a common occurrence. This how-to guide for directing physically awkward clients who wish to commission full length images that appear unaffected contains tips on both effectively lighting a full-length portrait and honing the interpersonal skills needed to work with self-conscious clients.

Often overshadowed by complicated lighting techniques or advanced postproduction tips, this resource seeks to remind the professional photographer of the fundamental importance of a subject's pose. Conveniently designed in two-page spreads—a striking portrait on one side, a comprehensive how-to of the strategies used on the other—this reference includes countless techniques for studio sessions as well as outdoor and location shoots, with individuals or groups, male or female clients, and in sitting, standing, or lying poses. With advice from a well-known and respected professional, it covers all the basics, showing how to emphasize a client's assets and downplay perceived flaws, how to create a cohesive, engaging group photo, how to use natural elements on location to enhance an image, and how to ensure that the result flatters the subject and adds the essential professional polish to an image.

It’s the portrait photographer’s job to create a flattering—perhaps idealized—likeness of the subject in front of his or her lens. There are countless things to consider both technically and artistically in order to make that happen. One thing is for certain: The more you show in the portrait, the more of the body that you will need to carefully position and refine. Nowhere is this more true than when photographing a full-length subject. Every part of the body, from the hair to the tips of the toes, must be posed, clothed, lighted, and shaded in order to look its best. The truth is, most photographers have trouble with conceptualizing and carrying out their client’s full-length poses. They have their clients strike a pose and try to envision how to make it look natural, comfortable, and photogenic. Unfortunately, their attempts often result in a stiff, unflattering, flat, or just plain awkward presentation. This visual sourcebook features a wide range of full-length poses designed for men, women, teens, kids, and groups—in the studio and on location. Photographers will find examples of poses for subjects of all ages that work perfectly for any portrait style, from reserved to edgy and fashion-forward, in seated, standing, and reclining presentations. Featuring studio and location (indoor and outdoor) portraits from twenty heralded portrait pros, this book will allow photographers to find a pose to re-create with their client—and adventurous shooters can use a sample portrait as a springboard for a new pose they conceptualize to suit their unique client or one-of-a-kind portrait concept. Complete with text on posing basics, this book is an indispensable resource that you’ll turn to over and over again.

Designed to address the challenges of posing two subjects together, this visual sourcebook offers creative, evocative poses for a variety of two-subject groupings, including romantic couples, business partners, friends, and siblings. Through the inclusion of contemporary images from some of the world’s most accomplished photographers, shutterbugs will learn how to finesse poses to show the relationship between the subjects in the portrait. Grouped according to how much of the subject is included in the frame—from head-and-shoulder shots to full-length portraits—this manual is organized to teach compositional skills and how to direct the eye to points of focus within an image. An indispensible handbook for beginning, intermediate, or professional photographers, this book provides inspiration along with a plethora of images for igniting a creative spark.

Photographers are guided through every aspect of posing—beginning with the consultation and continuing with specific tips for posing children, high school seniors, wedding parties, families, events, teams, groups, and pets—in this comprehensive manual. Maintaining that good posing is 80 percent mental and only 20 percent technical, this guide stresses the importance of communication between photographer and subject to creating a portrait that not only captures the subject’s personality but also makes the subject comfortable, fostering repeat business.

Offering inspiration as well as guidance for portrait photographers to use during sessions with infants and toddlers—notoriously difficult subjects for posing—this guide takes a uniquely visual approach to instruction through its 500 stellar shots. With the challenges faced while working with children, it is easy to end up in a rut of go-to poses. The book counters the stock image effect with its broad variety of creative options, and incorporates experience-based knowledge on achieving successful results, such as creating a comforting zone for the child or the potential assistance of integrated props. The poses highlight what the parents love to see while considering what will work with even the most willful of young subjects.