JD Institute of Fashion Technology
Poses, Techniques, and Tips for Photographing Women

Photographing women can be a difficult task, as it isn’t just about clicking pretty pictures but it is about embracing the female body shape and making them look confident and powerful. As a photographer, you must provide clear posing instructions to your female model and tell her which pose looks best on her. Apart from the poses, the lighting and the colour contrast must be on point for the outcome of the photo to be amazing. Here are a few tips that will help you click gorgeous female portraits:

1. Plan everything beforehand 

Before the beginning of any shoot, it is important to frame a proper plan. You must have everything planned out beforehand, from lighting to background to wardrobe selection and most importantly the posing ideas. You shouldn’t hurry towards the last minute as that will only result in chaos.  Consultation with the woman you’re photographing is a must. Discuss your plans for the photoshoot with her, and create a comfortable space where she can talk about her body or facial insecurities. This will help you decide on the appropriate poses, lighting and the set up for the shoot. You can also recommend her the clothes that she should wear that will flaunt her body and make it look good on camera as well as the colour of the clothes that will fit well with your lighting and set up. You can also guide her on how she should do her hair and makeup. The above-mentioned things will help you make the whole photoshoot process go smoothly. 

2. Capture her portraits from her best profile

The key to a successful photoshoot is communication with your female client. Ask her which is her best profile and shoot her pictures from that end of her face. Emphasise on defining her jawline by telling her to keep her chins down and slightly outside. Shoot from a height above the model that will make her look slimmer. This pose will naturally enhance her body shape and give her face a contouring effect.

3. Embrace the curves 

The beautiful curvy figure of a woman must be properly visible while photographing her. Never ask her to stand straight as that will hide her curves. Always take the shot from a different angle. Ask her to keep her back leg totally straight and the front leg a little bit bent. Have her shift the body weight to the back leg, and slightly bend the upper body towards the camera. Ask her to push the booty back, arching her back which will add a nice curve in the back of her body. Shoulder up, chin down and click!

4. Have her lean towards the camera

Keeping her back arched and upper body leaned towards the camera, can emphasise her curves even more. Leaning slightly forward will also add a natural volume to her hair and make it look fuller. Her face will have an impactful define and the whole pose will definitely look confident. 

5. Make the pose look graceful by placing the hands rightly 

The first attention of a viewer goes to the hand placement while looking at a portrait of a lady. Hands often look clumsy or heavy. You must have her relax her hands and place it naturally. Have her do something with her hands, like touching her hair, or her face etc. 

6. Pay attention to the height and slim her down 

The best way to make the woman in front of the lenses look tall and thin is to click the portrait from above. This will add a certain emphasis on her facial features and also add a slimming effect on her body. Click the photo from a closed-end so that she looks taller than normal. 

7. Make her eyes talk 

Eyes say a thousand words. The inner emotions reflect the best through the eyes. Have her Lift up her eyes and relax them. Make her smile with her eyes.

8. Good lighting is the key 

Good lighting will make the skin of the model look smoother and hide the acne marks, pimples, blackheads and wrinkles. Usually, women are very insecure about their skin imperfections and you surely don’t want their flaws to be more emphasised in the pictures. Also, choose the lighting according to the background and the colour of the model’s clothes.

You are behind the lenses and are the best judge of what looks good on the camera. Guide the female model accordingly and take inputs from her for better results. It is your job as a photographer to make the woman comfortable and get her confidence up. If you’re a photography enthusiast and want to take up photography as a career. You are required to have a professional degree in photography in this competitive environment. There are various opportunities and photography courses in India that you can take to learn the fundamentals and techniques of photography. JD Institute of fashion technology offers photography courses is for both short-term and full-term basis. You can pursue a diploma in photography for a duration of three months or up to 1 year. This can help you gain a greater perspective of what the photographer’s job is all about and how to be successful in this field.