ELLIE AUTRY
Posing with Confidence: A Learning Journey with Ellie
As photographers, we're always looking for ways to grow and improve our craft. Practice is key, and sometimes that means relying on the kindness of friends who are willing to step in front of the lens. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to do just that with my amazing friend, Ellie. We've had a few practice sessions now, and each time has been a fantastic learning experience, especially when it comes to the art of posing!
When you're first starting out, or even when you're trying new techniques, guiding someone through poses can feel a little awkward. You might worry about making them uncomfortable, or maybe you're not even sure what poses to suggest yourself! That's where working with a friend like Ellie has been invaluable. We've learned together, and I've picked up some tips that I hope will help you too.
Breaking Down the Barriers: Making Posing Easier
Start with Movement and Natural Interaction: Instead of immediately saying "put your hand here," try to encourage natural movement. Ask your subject to walk towards you, look over their shoulder, or even just adjust their hair. These small, unscripted moments often lead to the most authentic and beautiful shots.
Give General Direction, Then Refine: Instead of micromanaging every finger, start with broader instructions. "Lean against the wall," or "look out into the distance." Once they're in a general position, you can then refine the details. "Just bring your chin down a little," or "relax your shoulders."
Demonstrate (If You're Comfortable!): Sometimes, showing is easier than telling. If you're comfortable, try demonstrating a pose yourself. It can break the ice and give your subject a clearer idea of what you're aiming for. Ellie and I definitely had some laughs when I tried to awkwardly pose!
Focus on Comfort: If your subject isn't comfortable, it will show in the photos. Regularly check in with them. "Are you comfortable like that?" or "Does that feel natural?" A comfortable subject is a confident subject.
Talk Them Through It: Keep the conversation flowing! Explain why you're asking them to do something. "I want to catch the light on your profile," or "This pose really highlights your outfit." Understanding the "why" can help your subject feel more engaged and less like a puppet.
Highlight Their Best Features: Everyone has features they love. Ask your subject if there's anything they'd like to emphasize or de-emphasize. It shows you value their input and helps build trust.
Take Breaks and Review: Don't be afraid to take short breaks. Let your subject relax, and if you can, show them some of the images you've captured. Seeing positive results can boost their confidence and make them more enthusiastic for the next set of poses.
Working with Ellie has been a fantastic reminder that photography is a collaborative art form. It's about building connection, fostering comfort, and having a bit of fun along the way. I'm so grateful for her patience and willingness to experiment with me. Here's to many more practice sessions and beautiful photographs!
