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http://stylecaster.com/how-to-pose-for-pictures/

Have whatever you want to look biggest closest to the camera

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http://www.thephotoforum.com/threads/tips-for-good-photos-of-unphotogenic-people.36657/

Photogoddess blog post - snap photo as adjusting into pose the subject chose

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http://www.columbiatribune.com/arts_life/pulse/tips-can-help-the-unphotogenic/article_31aa607f-8cb7-59eb-ab09-bdc85a9f45c2.html

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For as long as she can remember, Marla Thirsk has been the poor soul in photos with one eye half-closed, looking in the wrong direction, lips doing something funny, as if caught midsentence.

My mothers nickname for me when I was a child was ugly monkey because thats what I looked like in photos, said Thirsk, an artist who grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, and now lives in the town of Ucluelet. It bothered her so much she would go to great lengths to avoid being photographed.

Now 59, Thirsk no longer minds being a pictures comic relief. But as the snap-happy holidays approach, many people who consider themselves unphotogenic dread fighting losing battles with cameras that seem to hate them.

The good news is a slight turn of the head, tilt of the chin, wardrobe adjustment and, often, mood adjustment can improve how anyone looks when the flashes are flying. Lighting and camera angle also make a big difference.

We asked several photographers to offer advice for getting families to look their best in photos during this shutterbug season.

And if that doesnt help, you can do as Thirsk has done: Embrace it.

When Im 90 years old, Ill look back and think I was such a character, she said.

Create good vibes: Being photogenic is really more a mental issue than a physical issue, said J.D. Wacker, a Wisconsin photographer and author of Master Posing Guide for Portrait Photographers (Amherst Media), which comes out with its second edition next year. If youre not enjoying yourself, he said, it shows through.

Feeling confident, comfortable and happy translates to better photos, so Fort Lauderdale, Fla., photographer Danny Steyn said he jokes and engages families in relaxed conversation to help them forget about the camera. Loosening people up also helps steer people away from their go-to smile or pose, which usually isnt their best look, Steyn said.

When she gets a new model who is struggling on photo shoots, Los Angeles-based fashion photographer Melissa Rodwell has found that letting the model play her own music brightens her spirits. Playing music everyone likes, having a drink or planning a fun family activity to look forward to helps create a positive atmosphere, she said.

Turn and tilt: Of course, plenty of people with great attitudes can take horrid pictures, so there is a physical element. But posing can fix that.

A more sculpted face, because of how the light hits the high cheekbones and other angles, can look good facing the camera straight on, said Bill Robbins, chairman of the still photography program at the Brooks Institute, a visual arts school in Santa Barbara, Calif.

A rounder face tends to look better when turned 5, 10 or 20 degrees to the side, Robbins said. People with asymmetrical faces or distinctive features, such as droopy eyes, very thick eyebrows or a bulbous nose, also photograph better turned at a slight angle.

A handy trick for most everyone is to stretch their head and neck forward and tilt their chin down a notch, which remedies multiple chins and emphasizes the eyes, Wacker said.

Rarely is it flattering to tilt the chin up, which hides the eyes and gives a view of the nostrils. In the same vein, taking photos from a higher angle, slightly above eye level so people are looking up at the camera, is almost universally flattering.

The more angles your body can create, the better, Wacker said. Tilt your shoulders and tip your head toward the higher shoulder to get a more feminine look; tip your head to the lower shoulder to appear more masculine.

To improve how a body looks in photos, Wacker likes to divide and conquer: Position arms and hands in front of the midsection, or stand partially behind a family member, to create the illusion of less mass. To cinch a thick waist, turn your body for a three-quarters view, then square your shoulders to the camera, Wacker said.

Rather than have your hands hang at your side, which looks heavy, hold on to something or rest them on your thighs, hips, arms or pockets, Wacker said.

Having some separation between the arms and body also highlights the waist. Posing square to the camera is beneficial only when you want to accentuate size or strength, Wacker said.

As awkward as it might feel, it can help to practice these techniques in front of a mirror until you like what you see. Keep practicing until the effect can be achieved naturally.

Dress and groom: Most people know darker solids and vertical stripes are more flattering than bright colors and loud patterns, but when cameras are snapping, its really time to pay attention. It is not the time to show off your new horizontally striped neon shirt, no matter how trendy. It also is not the time to try a new haircut, spray tan or eyebrow-waxing procedure, lest it not turn out as you hoped, Steyn said.

For formal group shots, Steyn advocates harmony of color not identical shirts, necessarily, but some uniform palette so everyone gets equal attention in the photo. Pick colors that are flattering to everyone in day-to-day life.

Robbins recommends soft colors and advises against wearing white shirts for all skin tones because the brightness draws the eye and distracts from peoples faces.

When it comes to hair, men without any should position themselves so light doesnt bounce off the tops of their heads, and women and men with thinning tresses should be careful of backlight and backgrounds that might peek through, Robbins said.

Makeup also is important, even for women who dont normally wear any, said Janna Giacoppo, a portrait and fashion photographer based in Los Angeles. A foundation or tinted moisturizer will even the skin under a harsh flash, Giacoppo said.

Assemble the tableau: For the family shutterbug, there are various options for structuring a group, but one to avoid is lining everyone up on the couch, which creates a boring, flat line and makes people look a bit dumpy, Wacker said. Triangular and pyramidal shapes, with a larger base building up to a focal point in the center, are more dynamic, he said.

The focal point could be the patriarch in a chair, for example, positioned at an angle because a head-on shot of legs rarely does anyone any favors. Family members positioned around him can lean against a table, hold onto the back of the chair or shift their weight to one foot to give them something to do and break up the stiffness. For those who are sitting, sit up straight, lean toward the camera and extend the face forward.

Take peoples strengths and weaknesses into account when assembling the tableau, Steyn said. People who look good head-on might go in the center while people who look better at three-quarters go on the sides. People with a wandering eye, pimple or other feature they would rather not emphasize can angle that blemish away from the camera. For a lazy eye, on the other hand, position it closer to the camera to make it appear larger.

Be careful of awkward hands and feet and of the totem pole effect where peoples heads appear stacked, Wacker said. Moms and dads, take note if youre holding a baby under your chin.

Speaking of children, to minimize restlessness, have your setting picked, structure planned and positive energy flowing so kids dont have to wait while you figure it all out, Wacker said.

Smile (but not too big): Saying Cheeeese! usually forces a frozen, unnatural expression, so try bringing out a more natural smile through laughter and conversation, Wacker said.

Smiles are personal, so ignore this if you have a spectacular Julia Roberts grin, but a more toned down, less toothy smile tends to be more universally attractive, Robbins said.

And if you cant get everyone looking good in one shot? Hello, Photoshop.

Shooting tip: Sometimes a cameras harsh flash can create unflattering images, said Bill Robbins, a photography professor at the Brooks Institute. On a regular point-and-shoot, you can put a few pieces of frosty matte Scotch tape over the flash to spread the light out. If you have a detachable flash, swivel the head to point up to the ceiling so the flash hits the ceiling first before hitting the people.

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For as long as she can remember, Marla Thirsk has been the poor soul in photos with one eye half-closed, looking in the wrong direction, lips doing something funny, as if caught midsentence.

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In the previous articles in this posing guide series we looked individually at posing female subjects, posing male subjects and posing children ( there are links to the full series of posing guides below). In those individual person portraits the main subject was a single person and her or his personality. In comparison, couple photography is more about connection, interaction and above all - feelings between two people. And most probably those are very deep and passionate feelings, which makes couple photography so delightful and positive.

Generally a couple should be easy to engage in a photo shoot. If they are initially a bit shy or feeling uncomfortable, just ask them to show you how they felt and looked when they met for the first time. You will invoke them on an emotional level, providing you with natural and loving expressions in their portraits

1. Easy starting pose standing face to face (but looking to the camera) and her holding an arm on his chest. Take both close-up as well as vertical shots.

2. Ask the couple to stand very close to each other to catch intimate close-up portraits. Don't be afraid to zoom in and crop real tight!

3. Very easy and cordial pose with him holding her from behind. The couple may look straight into the camera or at each other. They might even kiss for a more emotive shot.

4. Fun and loving pose with her holding onto his back and shoulders. Pay attention to hand positioning: It should be simple and natural.

5. Just a variant with her holding him from behind. Remember that the couple doesn't necessarily have to look in the camera. For better results, make them interact with each other by talking, flirtatious looks, laughing etc.

6. Creates a very romantic mood. Works best outdoors with some open space in the background. Shoot only slightly from a back. Remember that you have to be far enough to the couples side to be able to capture each person's closest eye, otherwise you will create an impersonal, "empty" shot.

7. Find some elevation and shoot your subjects from above. A common pose shot from an unusual angle is always creative and will often reward you with surprisingly good results.

8. Another romantic pose. Works best outdoors with some open space in the background. Works also very well as a silhouette against a bright background, in front of a sunset, for example.

9. Easy to realize pose for a full height shot. Creates a calm and affectionate mood.

10. A fun pose. Don't presume this to be appropriate only with younger people. If an older couple feels fine with it, this pose will work absolutely superb with them as well. Try different framings, take full height shots, half height ones and close-ups.

11. Very nice way to show the affection when meeting each other. Works very well in crowded places, such as a famous meeting point in a city, trains or metro stations etc.

12. A pose with a little bit of fun. The crucial part is her leg positioning, each leg should be bent in different angles. While he is still lifting her, take a close-up portrait shot as well.

13. Take shots of the couple walking hand in hand approaching from a distance. Shoot in burst mode only! However, the majority of your shots will look awkward because of the leg movement. Therefore, the second part of your job is to select the photos with the best leg movement and positioning afterwards.

14. Another variant with a walking couple. This time couple walks close together and holds onto each other. Again, take several shots and choose those with the most elegant leg positioning.

15. Never forget that there often are good opportunities simply shooting from the back.

16. A couple lying close together on the ground. Make them lift their upper bodies a bit by using their arms as supports. He might embrace her gently. Shoot from a very low angle.

17. Another variant with a couple lying on the ground. This time with a little interspace.

18. A good example to show that two persons can very well be positioned asymmetrically.

19. Informal and fun way to pose for a couple lying on their backs.

20. A cordial pose, ask the couple to sit comfortably on their favorite sofa.

21. Sometimes shooting a couple may mean maternity photography. Some poses from this couples series work also pretty well for such an occasion. Simply adjust a posing accordingly to show the couple's feelings about and interactions with the unborn new life.

Here's 16 of our favorites for you to print and take with you on your next couple shoot:

Allow me to repeat the previously stated - look at these sample poses as a starting point only. That's the reason why they are rough sketches instead of real photos. You can't and should not repeat the pose exactly, instead adjust the pose creatively according to your shooting environment and scenario.

Check out our other Posing Guides in this Series at:

Grab Our Guide to Portrait Posing

Kaspars Grinvalds is a photographer working and living in Riga, Latvia. He is the author of Posing App where more poses and tips about people photography are available.

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This post was written by a guest contributor to dPS. Guest Contributor
Please see their details in the post above.

Become a Contributor: Check out Write for DPS page for details about how YOU can share your photography tips with the DPS community.

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Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses for Photographing Couples

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In the previous articles in this posing guide series we looked individually at posing female subjects, posing male subjects and posing children ( there are links to the full series of posing guides below). In those individual person portraits the main subject was a single person and her or his personality.

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Also in the series check out our posing guides for posing children, posing couples, posing groups and posing weddings.

Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Women

If you ever run out of ideas, get stuck in creativity or simply need some guidance when shooting female subjects, you may use following posing samples as a "posing cheat sheet". Many pro photographers use such a technique when preparing for and during the photo shoot.

The poses in this article are selected as initial reference. I would advise to look at the poses together with your subject, especially if she's inexperienced. During a photo shoot don't hesitate to discuss with the subject which pose is or isn't working in any particular situation. It's usually very productive and you both will feel more confident in what you are doing.

OK, let's start, one by one.

1. Very simple portrait pose to start with. Have the model look over her shoulder. Note how unusual and interesting a portrait might look, if shot simply from a different angle.

2. In portrait photography, hands are usually not visible or at least not dominant. However, you might get creative by asking the model to play around with her hands trying different positions around her head or face. Keep in mind, though: No flat palms, and the hands should only show their sides!

3. You might be familiar with composition rules like the rule of thirds. In a similar way, pleasing effects can be created by using diagonals. Also remember that you don't need to always hold your camera on a perfectly even level. Don't be afraid to tilt it, you might achieve some interesting and unusual perspectives.

4. A really nice and lovely pose with a model sitting. The knees have to touch each other. Shoot slightly from above.

5. Another open and inviting pose with the model lying on the ground. Get down and take your shot nearly from the ground level.

6. Just a variation for a pose with the model lying on the ground. Both hands might as well be resting on the ground. Works very well outdoors, on the grass or in a wild flower meadow, for example.

7. A basic easy pose, yet looks absolutely stunning. Get down and shoot nearly from a ground level. Then try to move gradually around the model while making shots. Also ask your model to change head and hand positions.

8. Another easy yet gorgeous pose for all body types. Try different hand and leg positioning. And remember to focus on the model's eyes!

9. A really lovely pose. Works well in different surface settings: The model, for example, might lie on a bed, on the ground, in the grass, or on a sandy beach. Shoot from a very low angle and focus on the eyes.

10. Gorgeous and easy pose for a model sitting on the ground.

11. Another simple and friendly pose for a model sitting on the ground. Try different directions and angles.

12. A wonderful way to demonstrate the beauty of a model's physique. Works very well as a silhouette when shooting against a bright background.

13. A simple and casual looking pose. Lots of variations are possible. Ask the model to twist her body, experiment with hand positioning and try different head turns.

14. Another very simple and elegant pose. The model is turned slightly to the side, hands in back pockets.

15. Leaning slightly forward can be a very attractive gesture. It is a subtle way to emphasize upper body shapes.
16. A sensual pose. By holding the hands above the head body curves are emphasized. Works with fit body types.

17. Endless variations are possible for posing in full height. This pose is just the starting point. Ask the model to slightly turn her body, change hand positioning, change head and eye directions etc.

18. A relaxed pose with the model standing upright and supporting her back against a wall. Remember that the model may use a wall not only to support her back, but also to put her hands on, or resting a leg against it.
19. Note that full height settings are very demanding and work well only with slim to athletic body types. Posing guidelines are simple: The body should be arched in an S shape, hands should be relaxed, while the weight finds support on just one leg.

20. An exquisite pose for slim to athletic models. Many variations are possible. In order to find the best posture, tell the model to slowly move her hands and twist her body constantly. When you see a good variant, ask your model to hold still and take some pictures. Repeat for a full set.

21. An absolutely romantic and delicate pose. Any kind of cloth (even a curtain) can be used. Note that the back doesn't need to be completely bare. Sometimes as little as a bare shoulder could work pretty well.

So, there's something for you to start with. Hope you will find at least couple of poses to work with in different shooting scenarios! Keep in mind that each of the initial sample poses is meant to be only a starting point. Each pose has endless variations! Just be creative and adjust the pose as needed (for example, try different shooting angles and ask your subject to change hand, head and leg positioning etc.)

Check out our other Posing Guides:

Grab Our Guide to Portrait Posing

Kaspars Grinvalds is a photographer working and living in Riga, Latvia. He is the author of Posing App where more poses and tips about people photography are available.

Read more from our category

This post was written by a guest contributor to dPS. Guest Contributor
Please see their details in the post above.

Become a Contributor: Check out Write for DPS page for details about how YOU can share your photography tips with the DPS community.

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Posing Guide: 21 Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Women - Part I

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This is the first in a series of Posing Guides with suggested starting poses for photographing different subjects. Also in the series check out our posing guides for posing children, posing couples, posing groups and posing weddings. Sample Poses to Get You Started with Photographing Women If you ever run out of ideas, get stuck ...

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Explore TFFotografie's photos on Flickr. TFFotografie has uploaded 643 photos to Flickr.

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http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/3075/7-tips-for-photographing-senior-citizens/

http://www.photographytuts.com/take-portrait-photos-old-people/

https://www.apnphotographyschool.com/genres/portrait/photographing-elderly-people-tips-and-examples-for-taking-the-pictrues-of-older-generation/