Strike a pose: A photographer's guide to natural posing for talents

Have you ever been asked to "smile” and “act natural” in front of a camera? If you have, chances are you know how awkward and uncomfortable this can be.

While being a model for a global brand may seem like an idealistic dream for many, the truth is that once that moment comes, being in front of a camera can be pretty intimidating and overwhelming.

As photographers, it is our job to create an environment where talents feel at ease and can showcase their natural charm effortlessly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:

Step 1: Clear communication

Before the shoot takes place, make sure to talk to your model and discuss all the shoot details; explain the location, the purpose of the photos, the specific action they may be required to perform, the dress code and possible usage of the content.

Being transparent with your talents will help alleviate any uncertainties they might have, it will allow them to make an informed decision as to whether or not the want to participate in the shoot, and it will help build trust among you. This is really important because it will translate into the images.

The Nitty Gritty: After discussing the details of the shoot with your talent, it's crucial to have them sign a talent consent form. This document serves as a legal agreement between you (the creator) and the talent, ensuring that both parties are on the same page regarding the use of the images or videos with the talent in frame.

By having your talent sign a well-crafted consent form after your discussion, you protect both your rights as a creator and the rights of your talent. This process helps prevent misunderstandings and potential legal issues down the line, allowing you to focus on creating great content with peace of mind.

Here is a sample Talent Consent Form Template that we use at Creatively Squared.

Step 2: Establish a connection

Once these formalities are out of the way, take a few moments to chat and establish a relationship with them: engage in small talk, ask them about their hobbies, compliment their appearance, show examples of your previous work and ask them about their preferences for the shoot (for example: if they like one side of their face more than the other, their comfort level with specific actions etc.) Building a personal connection will help the talent feel more at ease and will foster a collaborative atmosphere.

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Deby from Sachie Studio guides her talent for a UGC video for Tresemme and Cetaphil

Step 3: Ensure comfort

Next, make sure your talent feels comfortable before you start to take any photos. Make sure they feel alright in the clothing they are wearing, the location and with their hair and makeup for example. When individuals feel good within themselves and at ease with their environment, it positively impacts the overall outcome of the shoot.

Step 4: Demonstrate poses

Once all of the steps above are complete, it’s time to start shooting. Rather that just giving instructions to your talent on how to pose expecting them to understand your vision, show them the specific actions you have in mind. Introducing visual aids as examples will help clarify expectations and will serve as a reference point, making the process for your talents more intuitive.

Watch Anna Green transform from creator to director, orchestrating the perfect shot. Source: @anna_green_studio

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Step 5: Continuous Encouragement

During the session, make sure to provide positive reinforcement to your models. Complimenting their effort and performance will boost their confidence, and allow them to unfold with more security in front of the camera.

Step 6: Real time feedback

If possible, share selected images with the talent during the shoot. This not only keeps them engaged and builds their confidence but also allows them to see their progress and make adjustments if needed.

Step 7: Capture candid moments

While fixed poses are great, capturing the unplanned and spontaneous moments between shoots often produce the most compelling and natural-looking images. These captures will help add a dynamic and genuine feel to the overall collection. Always be on the ready to shoot away!

Step 8: Show appreciation

Once you've got the content needed, make sure to thank the talent for their time and collaboration. Acknowledging their efforts and making them feel valued will contribute to building a professional relationship with them and increase the likelihood of future collaborations.

This step by step guide will help you achieve natural and relaxed poses on behalf of your talent, allowing the content to be more relatable for the audience and maximizing its potential.

Got any extra steps we should include?