Mastering Subject Positioning for Flattering Portrait Photos

When it comes to taking great portrait photos, the positioning and pose of your subject is crucial. The way you position your subject’s body, face, and limbs can either flatter or distort their natural looks. Proper positioning helps capture your subject’s best angles, minimizes any insecurities they may have, and creates more dynamic and visually-appealing portraits.  

Here are some tips for positioning your subject for flattering portrait shots:

Face the Subject Slightly Off-Center

Rather than having your subject face the camera head-on, position them at a slight angle, with their body turned about 15-30 degrees away from making direct eye contact with the lens. This slightly off-center angle is generally more interesting and flattering than a straight-on angle.

Use Angles to Slim the Face

If your subject is concerned about a rounder or fuller face, position them with their chin angled slightly down towards the camera. This angle minimizes any bagginess under the chin and creates a subtle slimming effect on the face. You can also have them tilt their head up and look slightly toward the camera which elongates the neck.

Avoid Extreme Upward or Downward Angles

Stay away from shooting directly above or below your subject’s eye line, as these angles can distort facial features in unflattering ways. Shoot from a vantage point at around the subject’s eye level or just slightly above for the most flattering perspectives.

Watch Your Subject’s Posture

Poor posture in a subject can make them look stiff, hunched, and smaller than they actually are. Guide your subject into an upright, elongated posture with their shoulders pulled slightly back. This opens up the chest and neck area and gives a taller, more confident look. However, don’t have them push their shoulders too far back which can look overly rigid.

Consider Arm and Hand Placement 

Thoughtful arm and hand placement can make a big difference in portraits. Having subjects bend one arm at the elbow and place that hand on their hip or waist often looks natural and flattering. Avoid letting their arms hang stiffly at their sides. Play around with simple hand and arm positions until you find one that looks relaxed yet intentional.

Use Props for More Natural Positioning

If your subject seems stiff or isn’t sure what to do with their hands and body, try incorporating simple props like a stool or chair for them to rest a hand or elbow on. Holding things like coffee mugs, books, sunglasses, or other small objects can help them relax into a more natural pose while giving you opportunities to capture interesting detail shots.

The positioning of your subject has a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your portrait photos. With some basic principles and practice guiding your subjects into flattering poses, you’ll be able to consistently create beautiful, confidence-boosting portraits.