Exercise 8: Varying the pose

Up until now the course has focused on the face in portraits including expression and how it contributes to a successful portrait.

Once we pull back from the face to include the body another variable comes into play - the way the figure arranges itself.

Pose or stance can be seen as the body's expression.  Certain positions, or the way the person stands, sits or leans are more elegant or expressive that others.

For this exercise I had to do some research in magazines and online to see the many different types of poses that are used in portrait photography.  I came across this useful guide which can act as a starting point on the Digital Photography School website.

I then had to set up a portrait session and shoot my subject in three different poses.  Within these I had to suggest as I shot different limb positions.

Due to a shortage of models at my disposal I used my sister for this shoot too and therefore doubled up with a previous exercise.

Sitting with legs crossed

I don't think this is as flattering directly facing the camera as it tends to distort the person slightly.  

I think with the camera angle altered slightly this pose is more elegant and attractive. 

Standing

There's something a little unnatural about this pose.  Perhaps the subject's hand is too high and doesn't look like a natural thing to so.  

I think this is a more natural looking position for the hands and arms. 

Leaning 

Image of subject leaning into hands.  I feel looking back at this image the subject was leaning too heavily into her hands.