Posing Stephanie

I think it's important to have solid poses in mind before you head out on a shoot. I think back to a year ago, and the best I would say is strike a pose, well a lot of people have never had to strike a pose, let alone 10. So when I found myself at a loss for poses I studied the art of posing. I took to the every magazine, I scoured them for poses and ideas, when I found one I liked, I ripped it out, then I pasted them on card stock and essentially had a pose book to look to for help. As I've grown as a photographer, I don't really have to whip out my models pasted to card stock anymore, I just remember the poses that I love. I know the ones that work well and I make sure to get all my clients to strike that pose. Each person is different so the pose is naturally different every time, but they are consistently good - in my opinion.

First rule --- never have a girl stand flat footed. Try to have her put one foot in front to the other, making a t with her feet is best but if not, it will still work as long as she is sure to shift her weight to the back foot.  This is the best example of the classic S pose.

oops, she's not really posing here, I just love close ups!  

here is another example of putting her weight on the back foot,  I like to do the hand in the pockets too because it seems very natural.
I love for the model to have something to lean on, or put their hand on.
If the ground or bench is dry, you can bet I'll make you lay on it, I like to have her assume this position, then try to grab the shot from different angles. 

I believe sitting indian style is also comfy.  If the pose is too concocted it will be apparent.  In this picture she probably wouldn't have been so hunched over if I didn't have her searching for that slot of sun poking through, even so, this is one of my favorites because she looks natural.

leaning on the banister - love it
ok, flip and lean facing forward, works every time! I think that's because she is comfy again 
again with the close ups :)    Stephanie is gorgeous and was a dream to work with, a true natural in front of the camera.  

 Leave me your thoughts and questions.