The Secret to a Perfect Pose

Delete the barrage of old photos on your smart phone that have you lookin' frumpy and washed out and get ready to replace them with brand new fierce ones!  Being that we're always snapping pictures on our phones no matter where we are or what we're wearing, why not be in the know about how to make every picture look as if you could teach Gisele Bündchen a thing or two?

I was recently shared some killer tips from Patrick McMullan alum and Co-Founder of Viewfinder: Chris Schoenbohm.  Chris is professional photographer and assisted in discovering Viewfinder, the new app that helps organize the photos on your camera roll and lets you share them with select groups rather then with 500+ friends on Facebook.  Most recently, Chris spent eight years working for Patrick McMullan Company and Billy Farrell Agency, capturing prestigious events in New York City and around the world.  While at Patrick McMullan Company, Chris led a project to analyze how large libraries of digital images are tagged, stored, shared and edited. 

Below are his expert tips on how to make every one of your next photos runway worthy!  

1.The desirable pose: Ever wonder why female celebrities always stand with their hand on their hip?  They know how to look stunning in a photograph. This common pose is called the ‘three-quarter angle stance’, and it never fails to make a woman look slim, sexy and beautiful. To achieve the three quarter angle stance have your subject extend one leg out in front, pivoting, and planting the corresponding hand on the hip. The result is a long, attractive, diagonal line that draws the viewers eyes across the subject and shouts confidence.

1.) How can one look taller in a photo?  A popular question, without an easy answer.  However, there are a handful of tricks to help you achieve height:  

1. Never shoot at low angles.  Most people think shooting from a lower angle pointing up will give the perception of height, however the result is usually a distorted image. In some instances, the distortion will actually add weight to your look. 
2. Keep away from anything tall. Never place a shorter person next to a taller subject, whether it be a person or item. The difference in height is the first thing a person’s eye will be drawn to in your photo. You’d be surprised how tall a subject will appear in a photo without anything else to compare a person’s height with.  
3. Think about clothing. Clothes with vertical stripes and a uniform colored outfit will always make your subject look taller. High heels are a must.
4. The right poses. Crossed legs at the ankles, arms, and shoulders drawn inwards always slim a subject down and draws more attention to the vertical emphasis.

 

 

 

 

1.) Photograph at eye level or above for portraits.  This will help avoid the dreaded double-chin effect and everyone loves a nice, sexy jawline.

 

2.) Soft light is flattering light. It’s easy and pleasant on the eyes and compliments soft facial features nicely. Examples of soft light are places indoors next to window or outdoor shade protected from direct sunlight. 

 

3.) Figure out your best profile. We all have a better side. Knowing which one is best can change EVERYTHING. Take a few test shots and look at the results.  That’s the beauty of a digital camera or smartphone.  

4.) Have fun!  If you aren't having fun, it’s impossible to get a great shot. Do something silly, or make a sexy face.  It’s important to loosen up.  Especially with an app like Viewfinder which allows you to share a pic with a select group of people, a great picture of you laughing is just as good as the pic that makes you look skinny.

 

 

Were these tips helpful?  Are you going to try them?  If so, please feel free to share your results!  Don't be shy :)