Photographing Men?

Several starting points may be considered when photographing men. Normally, men are less comfortable in front of a camera, so it is important to try to put them at ease so that you will get the best results.

Preparing before the photo shoot when photographing men is always a good idea. Having your subject involved with the process is also good advice. If he knows the outcome you are aiming for and what is expected of him, he will surely feel more confident. If you show your model a cheat sheet for posing, he will feel prepared for the photo shoot and more relaxed as well.

Sample poses when photographing men:

1. Perhaps the most simple pose is with arms crossed over an upper body shot. Two items to check: Stomach muscles should be tightened and pulled in, and shoulders pulled back a bit. Do not make it look extreme—as though he is pinned to a wall. Keep in mind when photographing men that looking comfortable is important!

2. In full height shots, crossed arms can work very well. Have him also cross one leg over the other foot. Be sure not to have him strike an awkward pose with body weight equally distributed on both legs.

3. When photographing men, you may hear a recurring question from subjects such as “Where can I put my hands?” It is really quite simple as there are just four places to remember and these can be used in any combination with both hands.

Hand Locations when photographing men:

#1. Place hands loosely by the side
#2. Place hands on hips.
#3. Either hand or both placed in pockets
#4. Both hands and arms crossed over the chest.
In addition, always be sure the hands are relaxed. That means, no muscle pressure, unless your model is a bodybuilder.

4. A casual pose for a man standing upright. Men who have a problem about where to place their hands can strike a relaxed and natural pose by keeping hands partly or fully in the side pockets.

5. A slight variation over the previous pose is holding a clothing article over the shoulder. Another way is to place just a thumb in a pocket and cross legs, which works very well.

6. In a sitting pose, put one ankle on the other knee as this has a natural and relaxed look. Aim the shot just slightly from above.

7. Another variant in upright posing is leaning against the wall.

8. Lean against the same wall, but in a sideways pose. This works well for both formal and casual shots.

9. For a formal portrait with a simple pose, have him hold an item in his hand. Books, tools, or a laptop works as an insignia that suggests the man’s occupation.

10. Although some do not agree, it is fine to take shots of the model partly sitting on a desk. In a formal portrait, this pose may counteract rigidness.

11. As an appropriate pose for a formal portrait when photographing men, just do a slight variation from the previous pose.

12. To reduce the distance created by a desk or other object in the foreground, and show a work environment, shoot the scene from behind the model. This will produce an inviting but formal result.

13. Place objects on a desk that suggest the profession of the subject. Then have your model lean against the desk for support and cross his arms.

14. A portrait can be made interesting and engaging by using a chair in the picture. This is good for showing creative people in the work environment.

15. For formal and corporate portraits when photographing men, having the subject seated comfortably in a chair works well.

16. For a natural and simple pose, have a man sit on the ground. Shoot from different angles and directions.

17. Use variations of a man sitting on the ground in different outdoor locations in photographing men.

18. Have your model just sit in a relaxed and easy looking pose that is comfortable for him.

19. An informal pose is having a man sit on the ground and rest his back against an object or a wall.

20. Do not be afraid to crop the picture tightly around the face of the model.

This should help as a place to get started when photographing men. Just use simple backgrounds and clothing, relaxed poses and a natural expression for great pictures!

More tips on photographing men? Check out more at Photoshootideas.org