Creating a powerful and impactful portrait takes a lot more than having nice lighting and the correct camera settings. It’s about having an affinity with your subject and striking the right balance between directing and letting them act naturally.
In this video, wedding photographer Jiggie Alejandrino shows us how he takes his portrait photos to the next level, with these easy to implement tips.
Purpose and intention in posing
The key to a great portrait is to always keep the purpose of the image in mind. Before clicking the shutter, think about the story you want to tell. Too often, elements in the background can unintentionally distract from the subject. A logo or a busy pattern might draw the viewer’s eye away from the person in focus, making them a “sidekick” in their own portrait. Instead, the background should complement the subject and direct the viewer’s attention towards them. Know what the hero of the image is, and what story you want to tell.
Natural posing with props
Props can be a fantastic way to make a subject feel more comfortable. They provide something for the subject to interact with and make the pose feel natural rather than staged. Depending on what’s appropriate to the shoot and situation, consider giving the subject a phone to hold or a glass to drink from. Actions like pretending to text or sipping from a glass create a relaxed, candid feel. The key is to encourage genuine interaction with the prop, rather than having them hold it just for the sake of it.
Common posing solutions
Gentle leaning: A common mistake in posing is to have the subject lean too far forward or backward. A subtle lean—where only a small part of the body is resting against a surface—adds a casual feel without seeming forced.
Give hands a purpose: To avoid awkward hand placement, give your subject something to hold or something to do with their hands. Whether it’s holding a phone, resting a hand on the bar, or delicately holding a glass, this ensures their hands look relaxed and natural.
Directing for realism
Give your subject a simple story to act out to help them relax into a more believable pose. For example, you could say, “Imagine you’re texting your partner,” or, “Think of something sweet someone just said to you.” This provides a focus that can naturally bring out emotions and body language. Additionally, be specific with instructions, such as “tilt your head slightly towards the camera” or “bring your phone closer to your chest.”
Avoid stiffness in poses
When directing the subject, always work to avoid straight lines, which can often make the pose feel rigid. For instance:
Bend the elbows: Encourage a slight bend of elbows to avoid stiff, straight arms. Bent arms and relaxed fingers convey ease and grace.
Soften hands: Ask your subject to soften their hands, especially if they’re resting them on a bar or holding a prop. Delicate, natural hand positions go a long way in making the image feel candid.
Create a relaxed environment
Finally, work hard to create a fun, calm and relaxed environment. I often find that the best images come from the end of a shoot when everyone is feeling more confident and relaxed. Give clear instructions, but let the subject relax into the scene. Offer reassuring comments and engage them in a light conversation to keep their mood upbeat and casual. Ultimately you want everyone to walk away feeling good about themselves, and the images will reflect that feeling.
Creating engaging and natural posing in portraits isn’t really an art, so much as a way of interacting and connecting with people. If you’re unsure how to do it, then try asking another photographer to photograph you for a change. You’ll soon understand what it’s like to be in front of the lens, and this empathy with your subjects will have a powerful effect on how you interact and direct them moving forward.
