Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with pose

OK, so strike a pose I guess?

chrisbucks — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:51:54 -0800

Where can I find some good resources about modelling and directing models, for photographers? I'm a self taught photographer, and have just landed myself a few shoots with a local street wear company, although I've realised one thing... I have no idea how to tell the models what I want, or actually I don't even know what would be a good pose for them to do. Occasionally I demonstrate myself what I think would be good, but would love some kind of guide or help understand what would be the best way to direct people. Resources on the web would be most appreciated but books will do as well.

How to look real in photographs?

russmail — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:24:21 -0800

What's the best way to react when a camera is pointing at you so that you look real/ not like an idiot in the photograph? Whether someone else is taking the picture or you're trying to do a quick self-portrait, more often than not the outcome is awful - as MySpace/ facebook/ Match etc testify. You look at the outcome and wonder, "who is this person?" I want to have photographs of me of which I want to say, "this is me - I am this person." How?

:) -> :D

Ambrosia Voyeur — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:57:08 -0800

Can I correct my smile posture? Should I? Can I? How?

When I smile a big smile naturally, my cheeks smush my eyes into little squinty slits and my teeth remain close together, sometimes my mouth is even closed, so I look all chin and cheeks, and sort of sleepy and smug.

Starting with really pose-appropriate pictures (weddings, work) I've practiced and perfected my photograph smile, but I don't like the fact that the way I look happiest and prettiest is a put-on. Can practice change this open-eyed, dropped-lip smile into my natural reaction to pleasure?

How to look "more like yourself" in snapshots.

QueSeraSera — Wed, 17 May 2006 00:31:12 -0800

Do you "pose" for snapshots? Should I? It has been kindly brought to my attention that I look like crap in photos--worse than in person. Apparently, photographs of me (when I'm looking at the camera) look nothing like the way I look in person. I guess it's the angle of my face. I also have a few devastatingly (wink) good photos taken mostly when I was caught off guard or unaware of the camera. While I think these misrepresent me, my friend says they are closer how I actually look to other people.

Now that it's been brought to my attention, I notice that I tend to tilt my head back when looking at the camera. I naturally do this when looking at anything, so this is how I see myself when looking in the mirror.

So... my "natural" pose looks like crap. Can any of you naturally or unnaturally photogenic people suggest any tips to ensure more flattering photos? And how exactly do you get into position when posing with someone or when it's group photo time? Thanks!

Related question: my friend (male, FWIW) says that most people practice smiling and posing in the bathroom mirror to determine their most photogenic look. Is this true?

How old is the photographed smile?

pracowity — Sat, 27 Aug 2005 09:52:12 -0800

When did people start smiling for photographs? What is the oldest extant photograph of someone smiling (whether for the camera or incidentally)?

Feats of Strength

treebjen — Thu, 26 Aug 2004 13:44:20 -0800

Some time ago I saw two male gymnasts on a late night talk show (I think) who did a routine where they lifted eachother and twisted their bodies in amazing ways -- all at EXTREMELY slow speed. Anyone know who these guys are?