suggestions needed poses book

balut · 07-16-2010, 02:30 AM

every time i see a good portrait i keep thinking hmm, i'd like to take a picture like that.

but when i get to taking pictures for friends i just forget and run out of ideas.

do you guys carry some kind of cheat sheet for poses? a small book perhaps? or your subjects are just that are generally gifted or pros.

any suggestions on what book to get?
since i just like taking pics of friends for friends and have no intentions of hiring a model to pose for me because well im not at that level to start with.

thanx

JayT · 07-16-2010, 09:25 AM

for me...

I don't carry a cheat sheet or book, but it's not a bad idea.

There are several books out there. I've got a few, but I'm at work and don't remember which ones they are.

Having a pro model is great and a tons easier to work with than just some random person without modeling experience. That's not to say a good poser has to be a model. Also keep in mind that not all models require money in exchange for posing for you. Try to find newbie models willing to do TF* shoots. There are lots of models in the same boat as you where they'd like to practice and willing to pose for you if you provide free photos to them. BUT, you normally do get what you pay for.

balut · 07-16-2010, 11:55 AM

oh never thought of that exchange pics for poses.
thanx, jt
i'd like to know what the books you have on your shelf

it was cool to see you at pr couple days ago man,
was a great day for a track day.

Miss Clara · 07-16-2010, 01:34 PM

I have a little book of poses that I use as a reference. When I started shooting family portraits and weddings, I had no idea how to pose the groups other than your basic (boring) poses so I spent a lot of time online looking at other photographers' portfolios and wedding magazines. I compiled a bunch of images, notes and quick sketches into a little book that I bring with me when I meet up with the client to talk about their needs/wants for photos and its always in my camera bag when I'm doing the actual shooting. But...that doesn't mean that my poses always work out. Its a lot harder getting a wedding party of 8 to pose (especially if the bridesmaid dislikes the groomsman she's paired up with) than an actual model(s). I also force family and friends to pose for me so I can practice how to direct individuals into the pose I want. They get free photos for their Christmas card and I get practice.

balut · 07-16-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Clara

I also force family and friends to pose for me so I can practice how to direct individuals into the pose I want. They get free photos for their Christmas card and I get practice.

haha thats what i do.

i actually wanna get a book so i can show my friends how to sit or stand or whatever in front of the camera, so they'll have an idea what the picture might look like before i take some shots. if they think it will look fairly decent then i think they will give me more opportunities to get more practice.

07-16-2010, 02:30 AM	#1
balut Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: bellingham, wa Posts: 507 My Camera: canon eos 40d	suggestions needed poses book every time i see a good portrait i keep thinking hmm, i'd like to take a picture like that. but when i get to taking pictures for friends i just forget and run out of ideas. do you guys carry some kind of cheat sheet for poses? a small book perhaps? or your subjects are just that are generally gifted or pros. any suggestions on what book to get? since i just like taking pics of friends for friends and have no intentions of hiring a model to pose for me because well im not at that level to start with. thanx

07-16-2010, 09:25 AM	#2
JayT Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Darkness Posts: 724 My Camera: must take pretty pictures	for me... I don't carry a cheat sheet or book, but it's not a bad idea. There are several books out there. I've got a few, but I'm at work and don't remember which ones they are. Having a pro model is great and a tons easier to work with than just some random person without modeling experience. That's not to say a good poser has to be a model. Also keep in mind that not all models require money in exchange for posing for you. Try to find newbie models willing to do TF* shoots. There are lots of models in the same boat as you where they'd like to practice and willing to pose for you if you provide free photos to them. BUT, you normally do get what you pay for. __________________

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07-16-2010, 11:55 AM	#3
balut Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: bellingham, wa Posts: 507 My Camera: canon eos 40d	oh never thought of that exchange pics for poses. thanx, jt i'd like to know what the books you have on your shelf it was cool to see you at pr couple days ago man, was a great day for a track day.

07-16-2010, 01:34 PM	#4
Miss Clara Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NCW Posts: 11 My Camera: Nikon D300	I have a little book of poses that I use as a reference. When I started shooting family portraits and weddings, I had no idea how to pose the groups other than your basic (boring) poses so I spent a lot of time online looking at other photographers' portfolios and wedding magazines. I compiled a bunch of images, notes and quick sketches into a little book that I bring with me when I meet up with the client to talk about their needs/wants for photos and its always in my camera bag when I'm doing the actual shooting. But...that doesn't mean that my poses always work out. Its a lot harder getting a wedding party of 8 to pose (especially if the bridesmaid dislikes the groomsman she's paired up with) than an actual model(s). I also force family and friends to pose for me so I can practice how to direct individuals into the pose I want. They get free photos for their Christmas card and I get practice.