Posing for Portrait Photography

The easiest way to learn about the head tilt is to first pose

the body. Then, turn the face to achieve the perfect lighting and

look. Then stop. If the person looks great (as about 80 percent of

clients do), take the image. If the subject is very uncomfortable and

starts tilting their head in an awkward direction, correct it. It’s that

simple.

The Neck.

The neck really isn’t posed and it really isn’t part of the face, but

there are a few points that should be shared about this area. First of

all, the neck is the first to show weight gain and age. In many clients,

as you turn the face toward the light, the little cord-like tendons pop

out, making the subject look like Jim Carrey doing his Fire Marshall

Bob routine on In Living Color (if you don’t happen to be familiar

with the character, then trust me—it’s not an appealing or flattering

look). The best way to handle the neck area is to cover it up with

clothing. If this isn’t possible, use a pose that obscures this area from

view.

If it isn’t possible to either conceal or obscure a problematic

neck area, then you just have to deal with it. If the tendons begin to

show, have the subject turn their face back toward the camera and

reposition your lighting. If loose skin or weight gain make this area

POSING THE FACE 49

To eliminate the appearance of a double chin,
have the client extend their chin out toward
the camera and lower their face (before and
after shown below).

If the subject is uncomfortable

and starts tilting their head in an

awkward direction, correct it.