Seeking out and memorizing various photography poses is the quickest and simplest route to becoming a sought after photographer. Even if you never decide to earn a living with photography, becoming a master of the basic photography poses will put pizzazz in your photography. If you want to start getting YOUR share of "oohs and aahs", keep reading...

The Football player...

The most common error I see in recreational photos - and in more professional work than you might consider is what I consider the "Linebacker" pose.

Consider a pro football player. (The American kind, not what we in the U.S. think of as soccer.) Size is a large factor of their job. The more massive they are, the better. When they pose for photos, they generally face the camera straight on - with their shoulders looking as wide as possible. They will want their hips and thighs to appear huge as well.

The more of the frame they can fill, the better - intimidation is their aim.

Now imagine virtually everybody else in the world...few of them want to appear intimidating in their photographs.

Take Off The Excess Size...

To assist our subject's need to get rid of that "linebacker" look, you only have to have them twist their shoulders so they're about 45 degrees to the camera. This looks natural, and is a slimming pose. If they are visible in the photo, the model's hips, legs and feet should be adjusted too.

As a general principle...Shoulders, hips, legs and feet should never be straight on to the lens.

Avoid The "Sumo Wrestler" Pose Too!

While linebackers choose to appear broad - they don't generally want to appear fat! The only portrait subject I can think of that actively has a use for looking fat is a Sumo wrestler.

Throughout the known universe, and even more so in the U.S. we almost ALL think we look too fat! (With valid reason.) It has become almost an obsession. How often have you heard the phrase "the camera adds 10 pounds?" To help our subjects to visually lose some weight, think about what makes us appear visually heavy! It's the shadows!

We determine shape by highlights and shadow. If we minimize shadows, people will look slimmer. Have your models posing in dark clothing and the shadows disappear - and so does the weight.

Start employing these two photography poses ideas and you'll see instant improvement in your photography.