3 things I work through when making a portrait

1. Composition
2. Lighting
3. Pose

I have a blueprint developed for Composing and Lighting, but Posing is a different kind of variable.

The nuance of posing a subject can not be overstated. The subtle drop of the chin, shifting weight, lowering a back shoulder, creating shape with arms/legs. Nuance!

My environmental portraits are posed portraits. With respect, I manipulate my subjects into positions that compliment and set a tone. Once set, I’ll relax them into place with a few verbal cues that work for my preferred style of expression “proud, confident, warmth.”

Because I know what I’m looking for, I’ll sometimes photograph myself in the pose before they arrive so they see what I mean. Like this one.

My subjects want to look 'good'. They want to be confident in the photographer. I take pride in that responsibility because we want the same thing.