Quick tips for posing male friends who aren’t models
Aug 8, 2017
Dunja Đuđić
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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A few months ago, Mango Street published a video that helps you pose your non-professional friends for a photo. In their latest video, they focus specifically on posing guys.
No matter if you are new to photographing males, or you want to take some shots of your non-modeling friends, this short but informative video will give you some useful guidance.
First of all, it’s probably a good idea to direct the subject instead of posing him, and you can learn more about it here. This will make him more comfortable in front of the camera and help you get some awesome shots. Plus, it will make the shoot more fun and pleasant.
1. Define the jawline
One of the ways to emphasize the guys’ masculinity is by defining the jawline. You can do this by shooting in harsh lights that will cast the shadow of the jawline on the neck. Additionally, the harsh light on male subjects adds a bit of the “badass” feel to the photos.
2. Give the subject something to do with his hands
Give your model something to do with his hands. He can stroke the beard, move the hair from the face, “scratch” the back of the neck and so on. This way, he’ll feel less uptight and awkward, but you’ll also get more versatile poses. To prevent the other hand from looking awkward, he can always put it in the pocket.
3. The right posture
You can go for two main looks – relaxed posture or sharp angles. For relaxed posture, have your subject lean to the side while standing, or stand in a relaxed position against the wall. He can also sit and lean slightly forward.
For sharp angles, have him bend the limbs at the joints. And use the opportunity to accentuate that jaw line.
Of course, you’re always welcome to experiment with light and posture. But these three main tips are definitely a good place to start, and get some excellent photos of your guy friends.
[How to Pose Male Models | Mango Street]
Dunja Đuđić
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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6 responses to “Quick tips for posing male friends who aren’t models”
Nice topic. But maybe a proper commentary is due (with sounds pronounced properly)? Thanks.
What sounds were not pronounced “properly”?
I meant the girl’s accent. Not sure how to explain but it’s flowing quick, like with no clear stops (yet English is not my first language but other videos around do sound more clearly in that aspect).
Interesting. Thanks!
All three photos are out of focus. Of course, that might have to do with how she’s holding the camera for maximum shakiness, while shooting in live view (i’m not sure why, since her camera isn’t some point and shoot)
Compare the photos in the post to the video and you’ll see that they’re not out of focus. There’s just some very serious and problematic web image compression going on that’s ruined them.