Appendix A: Posing Basics
Why include a section on posing in a book about Canon Speedlites? The answer is simple: Posing and lighting are the two biggest factors differentiating the pro from the amateur. The responsibility of posing subjects can strike fear into the hearts of even the most intrepid photographers; many feel unsure about directing people they’re photographing. Think of it this way: It’s your job! The people who seek you out are counting on you to help them look their best. Most people who you’ll be photographing won’t be professional models, and they’ll expect you to be a confident leader. They’ll want guidance about what to do in front of your camera. Absent this direction, you’ll have nervous clients and uncomfortable sessions. Countless books and DVDs by some of the best in business are available on the topic of posing, and I encourage you to seek them out. Look for educational materials and examples from Hanson Fong, Bambi Cantrell, David Williams, Doug Gordon, and Robert Lino (see Appendix C for more resources). Here I cover some important basics to help get you started.
Your personality and your ability to connect with your subjects and put them at ease is an essential component in the posing equation. No one approach works for everyone or every situation. This is where your intuition and ability to read people and judge their temperaments comes into play. Should you be gregarious, soft and contemplative, or something completely different? Ask yourself these ...
