POSING and DIRECTING PEOPLE
Bobbi Lane & Robert E. Meyer, Instructors

The two biggest challenges facing portrait photographers are how to guide the subject into a pleasing and effective pose, and communicating and directing them to achieve real expressions. This workshop breaks these areas down into essential and usable techniques. Human beings physically do three things; they stand, they sit and they lie down. But presenting the body to the camera in a flattering position is the responsibility of the photographer. Use of hands, head tilts, props, and hats as well as hiding physical defects is demonstrated. We will demonstrate many classic and effective poses for men and women, individual and couples, kids and families.


The photographer/subject relationship is delicate, so the art of listening and asking questions is a major factor in gaining the trust of your client. Through the use of scripting and practice sessions between the participants, we will discover the best ways to relax and relate to your clients. The photographer must develop their intent of the photograph, what meaning and mood they want to convey, so that they can help the subject be a participant in the creation of the image. We discuss how to overcome both the photographers’ concerns and the client’s fears or nervousness, the discovery process, building the teamwork and speaking respectfully to the client in order to guide the photographic session. The techniques covered apply to both clients and strangers.


This workshop is designed for those wishing to establish a better rapport with their subject and is open to any skill level. We will shoot models in several lighting situations so the participants have reference photos and experience directing.


No lighting experience is needed for this class.