Jeff Smith's Guide to Head and Shoulders Portrait Photography

Resting poses show the subject in relaxed positions, similar to those posi-
tions they would put their own body in when relaxing at home or at the park.
When people relax, they lie down or recline back. They use the ground (for
lying down), or the couch, or seat to support the major parts of the body. The
hands, arms, and legs then tend to support the head and shoulders. While pos-
ing books come in handy, so does people-watching—especially at times when
people are relaxing.
To create relaxed poses, I typically start off with the subject seated on the
floor, either reclining or leaning forward. When the subject is lying on the floor
I have them either on their stomach or on their side. I then use the hands and

88 JEFF SMITH’S GUIDE TO HEAD AND SHOULDERS PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Resting poses look natural and show peo-

ple as they are when they are relaxed.

To create relaxed

poses, I typically start

off with the subject

seated on the floor.