Posing and Directing

Essential info to help guide your subjects into natural and relaxed poses resulting in more attractive, sellable photos

Have you been challenged by how to pose your subject? This dilemma is one of the most common problems for portrait photographers. The first step is understanding how design and composition guide the eye in a photograph. This non-formulaic approach will assist you in guiding your subject into natural and comfortable poses, using body positions, arms and legs, and head tilts to design effective and attractive compositions. The class guides you with creating comfortable poses with step by step instructions, helping you develop your sense of how the posing creates the flow of the photo. The video shows how to turn the body, place the hands, how to sit and stand for pleasing lines by creating curves and triangles for better visual flow.

All the technique in the world means nothing without a point to the portrait. Strong concepts and clear communication with the subject is the key to meaningful portraits. Bobbi talks about how to overcome your fears and address your subject’s concerns, how to establish excellent rapport, putting them at ease so they feel more comfortable throughout the entire photographic experience. This also allows them to give you better expressions because they feel more secure and confident.

A portrait is made or broken in the details, so you will learn how to pay attention and fine tune, both in styling and working with expression, so that the final results will be excellent. How to talk to your subject, ask appropriate questions, active listening and using key words help establish the connection between the subject and the photographer.

The video is separated by sections of headshots, three quarter and full length poses for men and women, and includes segments on kids, families and couples. The video contains the still images as they are shot so you can see the results at the time of creation, including “dos and don’ts”.

The fun and informative class provides the photographer with invaluable, effective tools so they can make more successful and insightful portraits.


Your Instructor


Bobbi Lane
Bobbi Lane

Bobbi Lane is an award-winning commercial photographer specializing in creative portraits on location and in the studio. Lane's multi-faceted approach to photography incorporates over 35 years of technical experience with innovative artistic interpretation. Lane shoots primarily people on location for editorial, corporate, and advertising accounts as well as photographing "real people" and travel for stock.

As a dedicated photo educator, she brings insight and enthusiasm to her students in workshops held worldwide. Bobbi is known for teaching lighting techniques for portraits, both natural and strobe, and also for leading international photo travel workshops. Bobbi's excellent rapport and communication with her students inspires and motivates, while her straight-forward teaching style reaches students of many different skill levels. At APA's National’s 25th Anniversary, Bobbi was honored with a Special Recognition Award for Education.

Photo District News named her one of 13 of the Top Workshop Instructors.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After purchase, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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