7 Top Tips On Posing Male Models

Our friends COOPH have some great photography tutorials that are well worth a watch and their latest instalment is no different as it takes on the less common subject of photographing, and posing, male models. 

To make the tips easy to follow, the COOPH photographers have organised the tutorial into 7 top methods for posing male models and they begin with looking at props. Giving them items to hold and making suggestions on how they can use them will make for a more dynamic photo and if they're new to modelling, it can make them look a little less awkward, too. Experiment with different props but remember to give clear direction so your model knows exactly what you want. 

Another way to remove awkward hands is to ask them to clasp them together which can work well for full-body as well as torso up shots or ask them to hold their head in various ways to create different story connotations. 

For a more relaxed shoot, ask your model to lean on a wall but again, remember to give direction so they know where to put their arms, where to look (directing their gaze away from the camera will create a different overall feel) and what facial expression they need. Showing them the results on the back of your camera as you go along will help cement what works and what doesn't so you both can have a clearer idea for further takes. Remember the importance of interesting lighting, too, with outdoor locations sometimes working better for this. 

While you're outside, get your subject to walk towards you as you hit the shutter several times, capturing them in various poses. You can also direct them to use their clothing, such as a coat, as a prop to make your shot more dynamic. This can be something as simple as picking each corner of their jacket up while they're wearing it and letting it drop so it looks like it's wafting in the wind. 

When seated, adding different levels for their feet to be positioned on can add interest and shape to portrait shots. Throw in an elbow lean and you have another set of strong poses waiting to be captured. Don't forget that you can move your own feet, too, so a low or high angle can be used to alter the dynamics of the shot. 

The COOPH team's final tip is to use a chair as they're a great prop that can be used in a multitude of ways which includes the classic backwards chair pose as well as a casual lean on a slightly higher seat. 

How have you photographed male models or friends? We'd love to see your images in the Gallery where you could win a Samsung Memory Card.