Posing for Portrait Photography

poses. There should always be a slight separation between the
thighs. This can be done by having a client put one foot on a step,
prop, or set. Just turn the body to the side (the shadow side of the
frame), and have the client step forward on the foot/leg that is clos-
est to the camera. Alternately, you can simply have the client turn at
an angle to the camera, put all their weight on the leg closest to the
camera and then cross the other leg over, pointing their toe toward
the ground and bringing the heel of the foot up. This type of pos-
ing is effective for both men and women.
Clothing also plays an important role in the appearance of the
hips and thighs. The baggy clothing that has been popular for the
past few years, and dress slacks for both men and women that are
much less than form fitting, can sometimes make the thighs appear
to be connected.
Seated Poses.More can be done to hide or minimize the hips
and thighs in a seated rather than a standing pose, but there are still
precautions that need to be taken to avoid unflattering poses.
If you sit a client down flat on their bottom, their rear end will
mushroom out and make their hips and thighs look even larger. If,
on the other hand, you have the client roll over onto the hip that is

80 POSING FOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

In standing poses, there should be separa-

tion between the legs. This can be accom-

plished by putting one foot up on something

(left) or turning the body toward the shadow

and pulling forward the leg closest to the

camera (right).

Clothing also plays a role

in the appearance of the

hips and thighs.