Usually, male portrait request is a quite rare situation. Men are always satisfied with any photo, made by phone or during the party. But nowadays, social networks and Instagram profiles require to continue publication of selfie pics and outfits. When it comes to your boyfriend or relative, who wants to make an attractive photo gallery, a number of questions arise.
A lot of articles, tutorials and books have been written about shooting a female poses, because images of boys were not that popular before.
Also, there are a lot of interesting tips for men for portrait poses:
Every photographer has to remember that a guy will never admit to being shy or stressed, facing the camera. Some of them become silent and focus on seriousness. Others, vice versa, start chatting without rest, playing the role of a comedian.
Remember those important tricks:
A man enjoys knowing all the details of a shooting process. Try to briefly describe what you need to get in one position or another when to smile or to stay serious, what are you using this or that lens and softbox for.
It is better to discuss in advance what a client expects from shooting. If he has not yet decided, offer several professional ideas and classic techniques.
The choice of options is unlimited:
The texture of the background must be rough: brick, wood, graffiti, stone, steel, etc.
Successful men always stand out with self-confidence and individual charm, which constantly attracts attention. For this reason, the goal of a professional photograph is to demonstrate this exceptional distinctive feature with the help of a perspective, right angles, poses, and lighting.
Wrinkles and scars on the face will be an additional advantage, and this is one of the most significant differences between male and female picture. Characteristic features which are not acceptable for girls are more appreciated by boys.
Clothing for such an album should be simple but elegant if models have no unique style. Jeans, t-shirts, shirts or polo can be used for every location and fashion look. Family shooting involves similar styles or colors for each family member.
It is important to guess about the choice of clothes. Strict office style, casual, smart casual is mostly preferred. But it is also important to take care of the accessories. If it is necessary to emphasize the status, then expensive watches, cufflinks, and leather armchair will work.
A great marketing and advertising tool not only for personal, but public figures are photographing during the working process. When images seem to be a surprise for a model, concentrated on a business plan. Such headshots are usually used for business profiles and CVs.
An ideal pose for photography for a male is considered to be the one with angles, where vertical or horizontal lines prevail over diagonal ones. If there is a will to emphasize broad shoulders and muscles, ask a model to turn shoulders to the camera, and hips to slightly turn away from the lens. In most cases, eyes should look in the same direction as a face. Regardless of whether the model is sitting or standing, it is important to pay attention to posture.
There are several options. One is to place hands along the body, another is to put one or both hands in pockets, cross over the chest or on hips. In each case, it should look easy and natural.
To begin with, make a portrait with arms crossed over chest.
You can also take a picture of a man in full growth with his arms crossed. Offer to put both hands in pockets, or hold a jacket over the shoulder.
Take a few pictures, sitting in different poses. Traditional is the one where a guy is sitting with the ankle of one leg on the knee of another, leaning slightly forward. Hands can be put on the hips or knee with relaxed arms.
Amazing portraits can be realized when a man leaning with his back against the wall. Hands can be in pockets or with some accessory. For a better result, one leg should be bent at a knee.
Male posing denies “smooth lines”, half-tones in gestures and mysterious faces. For an easy explanation, it is good to remember geometry, because women are similar to circles or ovals, and men to squares, triangles, rectangles.
And the most important advice is to keep back straight!
Make friends with a photographer. It is more comfortable working with a person if you find a common language with him before you start. In order to avoid the client’s embarrassment, it is necessary to study his psychological portrait in advance, to learn more about him, his hobbies, work, favorite music.
When preparing for shooting, you should choose as many different clothes of various styles as possible so that you have something to choose from. Because having the same outfit for a long time will make you tired. You will just get bored. Therefore, if the process is indoors it is a good idea to bring some 5 sets of clothes.
To make you look natural and not older, choose the right colors. Discard black and purple. Many shades can destroy a skin tone, especially green.
There is nothing strange in make-up services. Some men are really able to cover skin imperfections by themselves. Though, plenty of online post-processing retouch applications are available, do not neglect a really useful help of a stylist. Every portrait will look much better when hair and skin look beautiful and in order.
There are several rules for men pictures of all ages and styles:
It is a great option for men. This kind of walking is absolutely natural and easy for any human being. Still, everyone can create his own way to stroll. You can work with such a pose practicing relaxed and tense posture. Many of us can walk, but shooting requires strolling to show and feel handsome.
None tells that successful pictures can come easy. Watching various websites and TV shows, this work may only seem simple, but much professionalism and patience is needed from both models and photographers.
If you learn at least some crucial advice then a new photo album will become a real pleasure. This process can be entertaining and interesting. It is something like an actor in a theatre. You chose the role to play and in a moment or two can be a pirate or a romantic lover. Playing on the camera is a widely used mode and frequently applied option. Start from being yourself and thinking of something positive and watch resulting pictures afterward. In case there are some tiny problems to correct, use online retouch software and enjoy it.