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From: prophotohelp
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  • Useful stuff thank you!

  • Can't fault what you are saying, did you know the late, great Monte Zucker by any chance??

  • Good advice and techniques. And for those concerned about "touching," try communicating with your model -- what you're going to do, why, etc. I do this with my patients and it works. Cheers!

  • Fantastic insight - so direct, so simple. Thank you.

  • Great video, Thank you!!

  • thanks for your sharing what is obviously years of experience

  • You trying to teach how to take photo with a video as bad as this WOW look at the quality of your video its crap to much contrast lacking resolution your max is only 360. And she is blown out on her face no detail in her hair….

    And yes you DO NOT touch anyone and saying she not know her left from her right well how patronising is that…

    Who would want to learn for you?

  • @devonmale69 This video is about posing not on pixels...

  • @LeoneClub A professional person will do EVERY THING 100% if not your sloppy and I would not want to use anyone like that, I think he is very condescending person who keep touching her on all parts of her body head body and legs SHE is a person not a dumb manikin. Have respect for your models…

    BE Professional in ALL that you do

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  • Fabulous fabulous thank you.

  • hahahahha

  • the more uncomfortable the better haha. makes sense, no seriously. thanks for the tips. there is a huge difference between how she looks in the beginning and then how much better she looks in the end. very helpful.

  • Thak you!!:)

  • this guy looks like a predator, and who is the cute 19 yo his touching on lol

  • this guy looks like a predator, and who is the 19 yo his touching on lol

  • good video.

    i notice a lot of people missed the title "basic". the subject is just that. a subject. i will often tell my subject that their comfort is of no concern to me. "it doesn't matter how you feel its how you look that counts.".

    if you want to make your subject feel comfortable they will have extra chins and sloppy posture.

    its a portrait not a feel good session.

    thanks . i will look for more of your videos

  • This video should be called "How to molest a woman techniques".

  • 1. Your subject is NOT a mannequin and you shouldn't treat him/her as such.

    2. You have a very limited frame of mind if you believe high school poses are the only ones that work. I suppose that's precisely why Monte Zucker was - and still remains - one of the most renowned photographers in the world, and why I've never heard of you. You will never grow as an artist if you stick to boring Sears-type poses.

    3. I was actually sympathetic to your plight until I read your unprofessional responses.

  • touching is unessasary, as if you are in front touching your model you are not getting the shots. use your voice and ask the model to move as you wish some times he/she will get it wrong ,but you may get a shot you totally didnt expect .wasting time moving the model is useless.

  • I have no problem with photographer posing the model and touching but here she is almost treated as an object you can clearly see she is not happy about that at all, and that shows in hear look.

  • @tafka100 she's very happy looking, she was paid 2 grand for this video. For this amount you would be happy as well, even if you were asked to pose with your butt up.

  • I would rather spend extra time and not touch my models, but that's just me.

  • Thank you for making this vid! Personally I would not feel comfortable with a photographer who feels the need to position me as some sort of mannequin.

    Also, regardless of who some of the respondents choose to respond, I do not think it is very gracious to go off at them, the way you do. Personally I would choose to ignore them, because the only thing you do by responding to them is giving them a platform.

  • Thank you for this. I learned a lot. Please keep 'em coming!

    As for the comments, this is confirmation that we live in a society where a subset of people are smugly defensive of their personal neuroses. My god - a human being touching another human being, and all for the sin of helping produce a lovely portrait. It should be a crime! Their complaints tell me more about how their minds operate (oversexualized at an impressionable period in their lives, maybe?), than an useful critique.

  • Interesting video. These are classic poses for a school year book. From one professional to another, these are what people look for when they open a yearbook. It would be interesting to see your thought process in something like a senior portrait session.

  • God there must have been a bunch of asshats that made comments on your channel. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to make a video to offer guidance to someone new to the business, like me! It is nice to use the "interwebs" to find out how some pros do it. Thanks again.

  • Here's the thing, Just ask person if you can touch them. I mean jeez some people need to grow up.

    That said,

    If you are uncomfortable with being touched by the photographer so he can pose you and make sure you actually look good in the portrait, It's you that have issues not the photographer. Being touched does not equal being assaulted. My god it's no wonder people feel so alone and isolated.

  • This was uncomfortable even to watch. Here's advice. You point the direction you want the model to turn. Even monkeys know that. You don't need to grab her. This guy seems like a groper.. why doesn't he use a male model? You can't say he's not using this as an excuse to grab at women. I would punch him if he grabbed my neck like that and then find a professional photographer who knows how to communicate without grabbing.

  • @crystalhaiku why isnt he using a male model? ummmm..... Posing techniques: Posing women (Title)

  • @joshmolina3 More pictures are taken of women than men. Simple statistic. 

  • I've read some more of the comments down below, and I have to ask: what's wrong with having a comfortable model?

    I admit, I'm no professional, and I've always prefered comfort over appearence. But shouldn't the phototaking experience be positive for the model as well?

    Please answer.

  • Wow, lots of arguing. This amuses me.

    I'll put in my two cents.

    Touching is fine so long as you ask first.

  • THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting this video, its very educational. Just like the saying, A picture is worth million words, you saved reading a book on just the basic posing. To the losers talking about touching the model... You clearly gave good and simple hints on posing without touching as well. Thanks a lot again.

  • Thank you, I think I have found a new way of learning. I can understand so much better by seeing than by reading.

  • You just keep 'em comin'....there ARE some of us who enjoy and benefit from your generousity. Thank you ever so much! :)

  • Thanks!

  • she can't stand anymore!!!Poor girl

  • Good tips!

  • Well, I've been doing portrait photography for years and I am still learning! Enjoyed the video

  • Id rather move my self and the camera then move the model, but ya this is great advice for doing "yearbook" photography...he's right, young kids wont know what a 45 degree angle is, even half of our high school students prob dont know either! haha

  • @silentjuggla but when you use a heavy tripod.. or when the model is in front of wall LOL

  • I for one have found your videos very useful. Every time I pose someone I think about what you said, "If the subject is comfortable they won't look natural. I have found that to be quite true. Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise. If I am ever in Cape Cod I will drop by and say this to your face....lol.

  • I found these posing tips absolutely fabulous. I will be working with non professional models and your tips of posing a subject will come in mighty handy. As for the freaks who think that touching the model is somehow 'sexual', it just makes me sad to think that we are all so bloody paranoid nowadays. Thanks for taking the time to help others like myself who are beginners and who fully appreciate you sharing some of your valuable experience.

  • I'm not trying to make this thread too negative but the photog shouldn't touch models that he or she does not have a strong personal rapport with. The model in the video is visibly bothered by his method. If he is making her uncomfortable here, how well would one think that a random photog will fare?

    His defense is that models are too stupid to understand direction. Professional models don't need the touch, and amateurs are more likely to be uncomfortable. With all due respect, bad idea.

  • @petepittsburgh I beg to differ. What he said was right. When you give specific directions, for some reason, people get choked up and do the opposite. I always ask if it's okay if I'm able to guide them, and majority of them says yes. In the end, you are the photographer. YOU know what's best for the client, so going hands on is the way to go. Whether you make the client feel uncomfortable or not, if you have good work, they'll come back, regardless if you touched them or not,

  • Hi Bob,

    Wanted to thank you for the video. I've just started with studio photography and this provided some really nice information.

    Also I want to reply to those complaining about it being unprofessional because the pose is unconfortable. Bob never states that the model should FEEL uncomfortable, just that a good pose would be that. Of course you would have to talk to the model and explain that it's a good thing and everybody will be happy.

  • Who goes to a professional photographer then freaks out when he slightly moves your head to a different position? Ever get a haircut? Unless you live in a bubble, occasionally someone may need to touch you in order to do their job. Live with it.

    As for professional models not requiring instruction, is that really the vibe you got from this video on BASIC posing techniques? This is a useful video on how to pose your average person for a flattering portrait. Try not to miss the point so hard.

  • you don't care if the subject is comfortable? Are you kidding me? and you consider yourself a professional? OMG! Remind once again why I am getting into Photography? Please don't tell me it is to torture my models I work with...... And touching is strictly up to the model, not the photographer!

  • I think this video was made in 1991.

  • Thanks for the videos, you've provided some very useful information.

    Working with a few portrait and wedding photographers over the past few months it is clear to me that not all customers are models and that they sometimes (actually almost always) require a helping hand to guide them to the proper pose.

    It's to bad that some post vitriol instead of videos that help.

  • Thanks for taking the time to make such a great video!

  • Comment removed

  • Hey Amelia Talon, why don't you do your own videos for Youtube so we can see the professional way to do them. And all of you who are "uncomfortable watching him touch the model" STOP WATCHING!

  • I do not agree with how you touch your model in this video, its really uncomfortable watching you do that~

  • A lot of comments on touching the models - a lot of opinions on what is proper. Remember, the "rule-makers" of photography (or any art) are simply individuals expressing their own beliefs and opinions. I often must touch a model - pro or amateur - I can see what I'm getting, she cannot. It is not a deadly sin. To me, too many verbal commands destroy the mood and can frustrate the model. Again, whatever works for you and your client. We're all different. That's what makes the world go round.

  • WHOA! NO. NO. You do not touch and especially do not pull the neck of your model. This is incorrect advice, you do not treat your models like a mannequin, ever. I would not tolerate and I do not condone this unprofessional behavior.

  • An experienced model will not require this sort of physical direction; its her job to know how to pose and/or follow spoken direction. What good is an experienced model if you pose her like a mannequin?

  • I should mention, I can turn off the comments and not allow anyone to post their opinions. But, I figure the smart viewers realize there are a lot of jerks who get their jollys off roamng the web leaving stupid, ignorant comments. And when I make any comment, be assured I will have no problem saying it to you in person. Any time you are in Cape Cod, drop by.

  • @prophotohelp ur pretty tough eh?

  • @prophotohelp I THOUGHT THEY WEREE GREAT!!!:)

  • the internet is an interesting place. It alows assholes to make comments they would never make to a person face to face. It is obvius many of you have no idea what is involved in posing a subject so the "look good" in their portrait. You idiots probably ask your subjects if the feel good, or you just take 100 images and hope for a good one.

    Photographers who actually want to really learn the craft realize what i am demonstrating, then there are the rest of you dopes.

  • @prophotohelp

    You're doing a grat job...

  • @prophotohelp

    Classic, basic, knowledge that every photographer NEEDS to know ...but 99% of today's newbies don't have a clue. YOu have to think of photography as a building, you start with a SOLID foundation - that being knowledge. Too bad newbies don' take the time and make the effort to learn proper technique....instead of just buying a $500 camera kit and start selling 8x10's for $3.00. (what am i say...I mean selling all the files for $25!)

  • @prophotohelp

    I agree some people are not as mature as they should be, but if you are considered  to be professional...your comments to them shouldn't contain curse words or derogatory statements.

  • I have no choice but to believe that the people here who seem so outraged by physically posing the model are themselves dealing with some pretty unhealthy, repressed sexual issues which are causing them to see lewd, behavior everywhere - even in perfectly innocent situations. The fact of the matter is, if you're working with a model who is not a pro, you MUST pose them, or you'll end up with a substandard shot. If someone has a problem with that, they shouldn't be sitting for a pro-photographer.

  • yeah this guy is a douche, she is clearly uncomfortable with you. and you almost stand on her like in a sex pose. very uncofrtable. espeically from an old goat who looks obviously into young girls.

  • is this serious?

  • This is like the ugliest background I ever came across

  • If the model is comfortable, the model isn't posed correctly. Good line to remember, and very useful video.

  • @lemonscentedrain That's actually true, every single pose that I have ever done that looked fantastic was incredibly uncomfortable to do. But just because it's uncomfortable doesn't mean it's good.

  • I was taught that rules number one, two and three of portrait and glamour photography are: "Never, ever, touch your model. " This video is seditious in that it encourages unprofessional behaviour in the studio. I'm astonished at this nonsense.

  • Why? Just ask the model, 99% of the time they will allow you to. Usually people are useless at following directions, touching is much more effective. As long as you're warm and friendly, and aren't a creep about it.

  • wow more uncomfortable you are the better the picture it is . wow that is a best thing i leraned about photography

  • thanks for these very useful tips.

  • I felt uncomfortable for the model. This dude looks a little shifty.

  • this model is so not happy!

  • I enjoyed the lesson because I am POSITIVE and not NEGATIVE about everything! Touching depends upon who, what, when, where....when in doubt...dont

  • Oh boy you talk alot for nothing...don`t touch the model man.

  • Says who, you?

    Generally, portrait photography and other forms of model photography are voluntary. The subject or client wants the photographer to get a great result and is paying the photographer for his/her ability to accomplish just that. If touching works, use it. If not, don't use it. Is this a difficult concept to understand?

  • Interesting points, it's taken me some practice to get comfortable with models like this. Of course, it always helps when the model already knows how to position their body well.

  • Ironically, we in the USA live in one of the most perverted societies on the planet, a society obsessed with sex and money and power, yet so many here have to focus on "touching" during the course of a professional photography session. Folks, it's a job, NOT foreplay. And on the set of high-end fashion photo shoots, professional $5000 per hour models are being "touched" (adjusted) by a lot more people than just the photographer. Whatever works is what you do, as a professional. Grow up, people!

  • Comment removed

  • This is an instructional video, not a photo shoot. Most people don't photograph models and you would have to touch and move the person to get them at the right pose. I'm not a photographer, but I can figure that out.

  • This guy is on a different planet. So, somehow a model will get flustered if you merely talk to her, but rubbing your body and your hands all over her won't fluster her? 90% of the models I know would be furious. 90% of the photographers I know absolutely never touch their models unless it is an intimate relationship.

  • Haha that is horrible. Poor girl. Models are not stupid. If you are worried about if they can tell left from right hire someone with intelligence.

  • What an unbelievable hack. As a photographer, it's CRINGE inducing what he's doing with her.

  • This guy SUCKS. Why can't you just explan clearly what you want? Instead of wrestling the poor model out.. They're not manequins. And the best poses can be comfortable.

  • Sorry, he is too touchy, I am a pro. Creeps me out. A good model is smart enough to take instructions without "hands on" posing. "Copafeeliac" funny. I felt sorry for her.

  • this guy is a prfessional high school copafeeliack.

  • "The more unconfortable the better it looks"

    hahahaha thats the funniest afirmation i've ever heard.

  • u sucks! look at her face! she's totally shocked by ur filthy hands!!!!! LOL

  • Great information!!!!

    I don't understand WHY some people feel uncomfortable with touching!? I think it is more of a personal issue and not a general statement. I'm just getting started and the Two models I work with, have no problem with "touching" if you let them know in advance, what is it that you're about to do. In fact, they appreciate it when they see the results!

    Once again, great information and I thank you.

  • It's a matter of preference and knowing your models. Some follow direction well verbally others need to be "posed" by the photographer.

    I do best with verbal directions. Other times I need to physically move the model, especially when they are not too experienced/comfortable.

    Stress shows in the photos as well as the fun factor.

    In any event, it's about trust and respect for one another's space.

  • I know what you mean. One time, at band camp, I wanted to get a surprised look from the model so I stuck a couple of fingers into her butt hole when she least expected it. Got great results. Everyone should try it!

  • This is great, thanks. I can see why people have got hung up on the "touching" thing though: I feel uncomfortable with that too. I think Seneise77  hits the nail on the head for the reason, but given that many (amateur?) models are going to be uncomfortable with it too. There's still some great tips though: thanks.

  • I don't understand the problem getting folks to turn to 45. Most everyone knows 45, regardless, could just have a nice picture on a wall at 45, then say "face that picture..."

    I'm just getting started with portraits, but on my first few attempts I sat in the chair and showed them how to pose. Got some great shots. But I might hang a few pictures...

    For business portraits, seems straight-on is a good option. It can convey honesty, directly engaging the viewer, rather than looking askance.

  • this was so helpful thank you for sharing

  • if my "rules" got lost somewhere, let me repeat them. there is so much valuable information on my video, but a few viewers who have absolutely no knowledge of what i am presenting decided to make "touching" the subject an issue. so, the rule is...if you can't say anything nice...keep your trap shut. and if you must make comments about my skills, then show us your video and some of your results. i will remove all comments about "touching" the subjects from now on.

  • hi..thks tis was a grea guide for me...thks alot..

  • I am amazed with the comment about the model feeling comfortable. If my model ever felt uncomfortable, I would not shoot. That uncomfortable feeling is projected without words. I touch most of my models, But I have usually 2 interviews with my models before I shoot. We develop a friendship, so body contact is not an issue, my results are well worth the effort. I am the artist, the model is the canvas.

  • This "don't touch the model thing" is based on some retarded American idea where any physical contact is considered a sexual advance. I've worked with 300+ models and I always use my hands to pose them. With the exception or 5 or 6, none of them felt uncomfortable at all with this.

  • @Seneise77 How the hell did you decide that it's an "American" thing? I agree with you about being able to touch people but your theory that those who disagree are part of an American way of viewing the world is silly and preposterous.

  • Excellent video from a true professional, thank you for posting. Great attention to detail. Having been both sides of the camera I can vouch for the 'more uncomfortable the model better the result'. Posing is hard work.

  • Some people cant take direction, thus leaving the photographer with no other option!

  • If you have to touch your models, you're not communicating correctly.

  • Remember that guy Alfred Eisenstaedt, the famed life shooter? He would stop in the middle of his shoot and approach his subject and fuss over some invisible hairs or something to establish a level of trust.

  • great video, thanks.

  • The interesting thing about all the comments about "touching" the subjects, is that most of the viewers of my videos are not experienced portraitists. You make the comments with the little expersince you have. Keep this in mind.....my subjects KNOW i will be "touching" them. It is not a problem!!!!

  • very classic school pose.

  • ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!!!! and they are the only posing techniques that work.....

    if you are a school photogrpaher, you know, they work...there is no such thing as "natural" poses....there is no such thing as allowing subjects to pose themselves so they "feel comfortable". comfortable is not "correct". comfortable may allow them to like that type of photographer more than they will like me, but my pictures will look better!!!

    Classic posing techniques.....they work every time!!!

  • I'm not much into posed portraits like this, but it was very informative anyway. I liked the bit about the base best, as it's not something I'd have really noticed on my own (they never did that for school photos!).

    As for touching the models, I think it's best to just ask to touch them. They'll probably say yes and that way they won't feel violated or anything. If someone just started moving me around, I'd get distracted and think he was a jerk (hahaha), but if he said...

  • (cont'd)

    ..."May I move your head?" or "Excuse me, I'm going to move your arm," etc. then it would be a bit more comfortable. Maybe that's just me though.

  • I don't always get a chance to respond back to the comments as quickly as i would like....I am not moving the subject so they feel comfortable. i am moving them to position them in the pose correctly. LEarn it, try it...before you make negative comments about the technique....trust me...moving them myself, positions them much more precisley than if i "ask" them to move themselves.

  • I'm not trying to be negative! And I'm not saying to ask them to move, but just to ask if you can touch them instead of going in and just touching them, that's all.

  • Great, a "dialogue"...!!!!

    Let's talk.......first, this type of communication does not convey all the emotions, feelings, intentions....i am trying to impress upon you.

    What i am trying to say is.....when you learn these techniques, you will also learn that all you ave to do is let your subject know how you work, and you proceed.....you don't "ask permission". When a dentist says..."open wide", he/she is not asking.....

    You have to be in control.....learn the techniques, they work.

  • When you let your models know how you work, you're essentially asking. Of course you don't have to ask if they already know that's how you work. I mean, if this the type of thing you advertise or do people already know this is how you work?

  • It is not something i have to advertise. I have "numerous" awards for my portraits. when people come to me they trust me. i am the "professional". they don't question what i am doing, because they have seen my work, and want what i can deliver. they "trust me" to make them loook good. i have been posing my subjects "hands on" for over 25 years, and NEVER, EVER have i had a single complaint. i know where to touch a woman so she is not threatened.....i touch the chin, a shoulder....it works....

  • Hey! Bob Kahn. Been to several of his seminars. Really great!

  • Thanks for this! I am a professional but have only been doing it for 4 mos. with otj training so this helps.

  • thank you sooooo much you make it so easy to understand even for a non professional like me , fantastic explanation , hope to see more in a future from masters like you .

    thank you again

  • a very good advise thx.

  • Thank you Bob, for sharing. It would be really great if you offered your lessons on dvds. Just a thought.

  • Sorry for the error -- I meant to say, "Thank you for YOUR expertise!"

  • Excellent tips! Thank you for expertise!

  • hi angel,

    i don't think this is a matter of instructing your mom how to use excel, this is a matter of asking people to position themselves in a very exact way. my reason for touching them is to help them into that exact position, without them getting nervous. i have tried the "instruct" from a distance approach, it didn't allow me to achieve the results i was looking for, if you can do it that way..."do what works for you". and, none of my subjects ever bit me!!!

  • This is just what I am looking for. Thanks for the help. Looking to join a web class of Bob's in the future.

  • thank you

  • this video is very useful.thanx alot :)

  • I must agree , you are an outstanding teacher.

  • wow! I learned a lot form this :D thanx

  • I have shot over 500 weddings and never touched a client. I don't feel that I have ever had a difficult time getting my subjects to move to where I wanted them or a frustrated client because I communicated to them with out touching them.

    I very much liked your information and really liked the comment about a base. Thank you for giving us this information here on YouTube!

  • I agree, I have never touched my subjects.

  • there seems to be an issue with "touching" your subjects. one of my teachers "touched" his subjects, the other taught us to work from the camera and direct. i found that when i helping the subjects into the pose by touching them, i achieved better results, and they were much more relaxed. i took the burden of "following directions" off of their shoulders. this is not, turn here, then turn there, and shoot approach. mine is a very exact method. i want exactly what i want.

  • Great tutorial, tips, looking forward to see more videos.

    Thank you very much.

  • Bob u r genius

    u explain the whole story in few words

    i don't know how good u r in Photography but u r amazing teacher...................

  • It is interesting I had my first studio shoot with a model yesterday and I was unable to explain what I knew in my head. This does the job well. The photos of her sitting were really quite boring and I found once I got her on the floor sitting and lying that I was able to create those angles that you talk about here. She was a virtual first timer too so it was nearly the blind leading the blind but I got maybe 15-20 smacker(excellent) shots so I am happy overall.

    Thanks.

  • I just had a conversation with BOB over the phone. you are really good :).....Keep up the good work Bob....Good Wishes to you !!!

  • Great vid. I take away the lesson that good posing isn't necessarily comfy. .. Thanks for that.

  • you hit it right on the nose.

    we word it this way..."if your subject is comfortable, they probably are not posed correctly".

    people must be "positioned" corretly to look good. think of it as "good posture"....nobody has it, we have to force ourselves into it.

    good observation!!!

  • Superb Video

  • Cool Video - a bit uncomfortable - but really good looking ;-)

  • Thanks...Finally, a video that is informative...

  • You are awesome, post more videos!

  • Very informative.. thank you!

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