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Body language
Summary: Body language is important in a portrait. Posing your subject is a key to the success of a portrait. Striking a pose to capture your subject with you digital camera is not as simple as you might think. When you are photographing your subject there are many factors to consider, but the comfort and relaxation of your subject should be a big concern to you.
Posture and positioning of your subject will
determine the success of your photographic portrait. In this simple
portrait setup with two light sources, the goal is a classic head and
shoulders portrait. To many photographers this is a "mug shot" or "head
shot". Meaning that the end result will be an informal photographic
portrait that will show the face of the subject.
Body language
The basic goal at the beginning of the portrait
session is to provide a comfortable positioning of the subject. A stool
was the first choice for the subject. The stool serves as a seat for
the subject but also serves as an anchor for the subject as well. This
will enable the photographer to steady the subject in a stationary
position.
If the subject was standing on two feet, they
might tend to sway from left to right and even move around. This could
directly affect the positioning of the lights on to the subject. Since
this subject is wearing glasses, that light positioning is important to
keep the glare off of the glasses.
A subject that is seated, or at least leaning on a
stationary support, will also appear more relaxed. However, the subject
can be too relaxed.
Remember how you mother always insisted that you
"sit up straight" and project good posture? Well, there was something
to her admonishments.  | | These three poses demonstrate how a subjects body language can dramatically affect facial expressions. |
In the photographs of the subject on the stool, the
first photo shows the subject slouching with unflattering body
language. The middle photo is an improvement, but still the subject is
not totally relaxed and appears uncomfortable. The photo on the right
finds a compromise in a pose that works well.
"Old school" rules
It was a salesman's suggestion decades ago that
inspired the pose using the chair as a footrest. The advertising
account executive found his way to my fledgling studio for the
publicity 'mug shot". He was an affable and distinguished looking man,
but wary of the camera. As we talked, he pulled a chair close by and
put his foot up, leaned forward and we talked like we had been lifelong
friends. I noted his relaxed nature and when it was time to get the
picture, I used the same chair to get that natural relaxed expression
during the portrait session. That same technique works well to this day.
The neck bone is connected to the.....
It is true that this is a portrait of someone's
face, but it is essential to understand all pf the body plays an
important role in the photograph. So, as the subject is relaxed and
comfortable in the pose those elements are reflected in the facial
expression.  | | The subject's head appears to collapses into his shoulders (top photo). Standing, but leaning forward on a chair, the subject's neck appears elongated in the relaxed and natural pose. |
Note that the subject's neck appears to shorten and
the face is too close to the shoulders (top photo, right) when the subject is seated. But
the pose using the chair puts the subject leaning forward, ever so
slightly. That puts the emphasis on the face and appears to elongate
the neck of the subject. In geometric terms, it puts the face of the
subject (bottom photo, right) on a different plane of focus. For the sake of the photograph,
it makes it more pleasing and literally puts the subject best face
forward.
Holding steady
The portrait is complicated by the subject's
glasses. However, by anchoring the subject to a stationary posing
position, you can move around during your composition to eliminate the
glare of the studio lights  | | A subtle sugestion to raise the chin slightly lets the light into the eye sockets. The "catchlight" or twinkle in the eyes gives the subject life. |
in the subject's glasses. Subtle posing
suggestions and the slightest of head turns can be directed as you look
thru the viewfinder while composing the photo.
When suggesting posing moves to older children and
adults, I have found that if you run through your commands prior to the
portrait session, your commands will be more effective. This gives the
subject some frame of reference as you make suggestions.
Providing your subject with some idea of what you
mean by "slightly to the right" or "chin up, ever so little" can smooth
out communication as the session progresses.
Keys to success:
- Comfortable pose
- Body language/posture
- Anchoring the subject
- Explain your posing suggestions
It is important to note that a relaxed subject will
be a good portrait subject. Take the time to vary the poses, the
positioning and your compositions. Take a little time to talk with your
subject and perhaps that conversation will give you insight as what
makes them comfortable and in turn result in a pose that not only looks
natural but is natural.
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Good photographs begin with good light. In the digital photography world, the quality of light corresponds to the quality of the photograph. The dramatic light of the early morning and late afternoon can raise the quality of your images. In poorly lit situations use supplemental lighting from the camera's flash in the fill-flash mode.
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Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
Dear PS,
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
On the cheap in Oregon
Dear On the cheap,
Yes! If you plan to take creative steps in dealing with your images, photoshop and the lastest Creative Suite 2 are simply the best and most efficients image handling programs available. Is it "worth it" to you, that depends on what you hope to achieve with your images. I would suggest the Elements version of photoshop as an entry level position. Better yet, check a local computer store or even the Apple Store an invest a little time in attending a couple of their tutorial classes for a "test drive" of the program. Then you'll be better informed before you spend your money.
Thanks for your question,
Michael at PS
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