Exercise: Varying the pose

Outline: Set up a portrait session and plan your subject to adopt in turn at least three different positions. Within these, suggest different limb positions. Assess the results.

I am using the same shoot photos as I used for the 'review a portrait sequence' exercise here.

When shooting I will always try and get the subject to undertake a number of poses and positions to offer a more varied final selection. Take this shoot at Ogmore castle for example. I had the subject in different locations around the site, had various positions at those locations and on occasions, different gestures within those positions.

These first two images are with a slight adjustment to the head position, from looking forward, away from the camera to moving head and eyes towards the camera. I think both of these are successful but I prefer the second image, where the subject is connecting with the camera.

These two images are at the next location on the site, on the bridge. The first image shows the subject standing and  looking towards the camera and the second, the subject has moved slightly to alter the pose to leaning on the bridge itself. Once again , I think both images are acceptable portrait shots however, I prefer the second pose. The body language is much more relaxed and gives a bit of mystery to the viewer in wondering what he is looking at.

This next selection was from the third location at the site and I wanted to take some sitting shots. Here we have a variety of arm placements while sat down, all of which are perfectly acceptable. My subject then even took the initiative to lay down as well. I prefer the first one out of the sitting poses as I feel the body language is very confident and comfortable in relation to the others. The final image is also acceptable but I probably wouldn't use it as a portrait shot as it doesn't look natural within the surroundings.

These images are at the fourth location on site and none of which would make my 'good' list by any means, but I have used these in this exercise to show the four different arm and leg placements my subject used while trying to negotiate a comfortable position on a narrow stone wall. The first image is the most successful I think, purely because all the others look uncomfortable and forced.

These were at the final location on the site and I wasn't happy with any of these positions. The first looks very confident but completely unnatural and the following two again appear very uncomfortable.

This final selection of images are from a shoot we did a while back. There are four poses, each with a slight change to the first and I can honestly say, I like all of them. The body language in each is very confident, comfortable yet still maintaining a natural and not forced look.

Conclusion:
This exercise has shown a lot about how a model poses and gestures can influence the overall photo. Location is obviously important but it shows that the subject needs to be relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings, otherwise the shot will look forced and unnatural.