Experienced portrait photographers know how difficult it is sometimes to obtain the right pose in order to improve your pictures. Portrait photography can be most challenging, especially when your mind goes blank and you run out of creative ideas.

Action photos, on the other hand, can be simpler to take. The mood of the subject is naturally expressed, captured on film forever, the background tells the viewer where the picture was taken and the whole photograph is as natural as it gets. It tells the whole story without speaking a word.

Attempting to capture natural expressions and moods while posing your subject can appear to be an insurmountable task, especially for the beginner.

Here are 2 short videos which will take you through the basic steps required to capture a good image of your subject.

I hope you found the above short clips useful, because one of the most difficult pictures to take is one where you have to pose the human body.

Preparation For Portrait Photography

These are the fundamental steps to achieve and maintain a high standard in your portraiture.

• The most basic step is simply to get your subject to relax and be at ease.
• While preparing and sizing up the shot, talk to them, question them about their interests. Evoke reactions, even excitement, and really bring out his or her personality. This will make the portrait more natural and uninhibited.
• During your conversation with your subject, try to elicit sufficient information which may reveal an element of their personality. In turn you may use this to make the photograph convey an attribute of the subject, be it a mannerism, expression or other body language trait.
• The most challenging situation is when you have never met the subject before. In this case you must be more proficient in studying your subject and their reactions so that you can control what can be presented in front of the camera.
• One of the fascinating aspects of Portrait Photography is that after some practice you can improve your understanding of human nature, and this skill will be a great asset in your photographic endeavours.
• Remember to be confident and relaxed yourself, and be ready to photograph when the subject is ready. This way they are reassured that you are in control of the session.

Portraits come in all shapes and sizes, but follow a few basic guidelines and you’ll set the scene for a beautiful and professional shot.