A good posing guide is essential when it comes to directing portrait subjects—it takes time, effort, and a bit of confidence. While working with professional models can make things easier, most of us shoot regular people who aren’t used to being in front of a camera. That’s where the right posing guide really makes a difference.
Fortunately, it’s a skill that anyone can develop. In this posing guide, photographer Matthew Ruderman shares his five go-to strategies for helping people feel relaxed and look amazing in portraits. Here’s what he’s learned after nearly a decade behind the lens.
1. Build Comfort Before the First Shot
Matthew’s first tip in this posing guide is simple but powerful: don’t jump right into shooting. Spend the first 5 to 10 minutes chatting with your subject. Ask how their day is going, crack a joke, or share something about yourself. This casual conversation helps them relax and feel more like themselves.
People who aren’t used to being photographed often feel self-conscious. That tension shows up in the images. When you take the time to break the ice, your subject loosens up, which leads to more genuine, natural-looking portraits.
2. Use Action-Based Prompts Instead of Static Poses
Instead of dictating every detail of your subject’s stance, try giving them movement-based cues. Matthew suggests prompts like, “Imagine spotting an old friend across the street,” or “Take a deep breath, look down, then glance up at me.”
These prompts give your subject something to do rather than something to be. The result is fluid, expressive, and unforced. This approach reduces stiffness and helps your subject focus on a feeling or action, not on holding an awkward pose.
3. Pay Attention to the Hands
Many people don’t know what to do with their hands when posing. This posing guide emphasizes hand placement as a key detail. Matthew recommends giving specific, natural directions—like “Put your hands in your pockets,” “Fix your hair,” or “Adjust your watch.”
When hands look tense or misplaced, they can distract from the rest of the image. Encouraging movement or purposeful gestures keeps the pose looking intentional and graceful. Even small actions help hands feel like a natural part of the story you’re telling.
4. Use Subtle Angles to Add Style and Comfort
This tip is a staple in every good posing guide. Avoid having your subject face the camera head-on. That stance often feels too formal or stiff. Instead, guide them to shift their weight onto one foot, turn slightly at the waist, or angle their shoulders by 15 to 20 degrees.
These adjustments create flattering lines and add visual depth. Slight angles also help slim the body and prevent awkward rigidity. They’re easy to incorporate and can dramatically improve the overall feel of the shot.
5. Reinforce Positivity and Give Feedback
Throughout the shoot, show your subject how great the photos are turning out. Matthew recommends taking a moment to share a few shots as you go. That instant feedback builds confidence and encourages more natural expressions.
When you say things like “That looks amazing!” or “You nailed it,” your subject starts to believe it—and it shows. Compliments should be sincere and frequent. Confidence is contagious, and a little encouragement goes a long way.
Bonus Tip: Communicate—Don’t Control
A final (and essential) note from this posing guide: always ask your subject to adjust their own hair, clothes, or pose—don’t reach in and fix things for them. Clear communication is more professional and respectful.
Matthew points out that the first 30 minutes of a shoot are usually the trickiest. The vibe is still settling in, and your subject may feel unsure. But once they’re comfortable, everything begins to flow naturally. Respect, kindness, and encouragement are your most powerful tools.
Why a Posing Guide Matters for Every Photographer
Whether you’re working with friends, clients, or total strangers, a strong posing guide helps bring out the best in everyone. Focus on comfort, communication, and creativity. When you treat your subject like a real person—not just a photo subject—you’ll capture portraits that feel honest, confident, and full of life.