• Feet

Start from the feet up for standing poses.

-Separate feet and have the front foot pointed towards the camera to show a connection between subject & viewer.

-For women: bend one ankle next to the other foot, resting weight on the ball of that foot. Giving the toe a nice point. 

• Knees

Make sure the knees are not locked. Have one bent.

-For women, bring one bent knee in touching the other to create an upside-down V shape from the hips to the knees.

• Hips

If the hip is pushed toward the camera it will cause it to be emphasized. Have subject push their hips away from the camera, putting their weight on the back leg. 

• Shoulders

Decide what type of pose you want. If it is a "power pose" the shoulders will be square to the camera. 

-To slim subject, turn the torso so one shoulder is away from the camera. Having the front shoulder drop a little as well will open up the neck area. 

• Head

Direct subject to turn or tilt their head. Depending on what lighting pattern you are looking for, have the nose toward the light. Make sure to not photograph up the nostrils. 

• Posture

Have subject pretend there is a string being pulled up from the top of their head. Avoid pulling shoulders too far back. 

• Fingers

-Aim for soft, relaxed fingers.

- Avoid clenching of the hands.

-Avoid fingers being splayed out but not tightly together either. 

• Hand Placement

-Avoid placing hands low on the hips, place up on the natural waist to slim subject.

-Give hands something to do: in a pocket, brushing back some hair, holding something, gently touching face.

- Avoid palm or back of hand positioned toward camera. Turn so slimmest part of hand is toward camera. 

• Wrists

"Break" the wrist, gently bending the hand forwards or backwards will break up straight lines when posing hands up around the face.