How to get 50 different poses in a 30 minute portrait session

Mar 19

Portrait photography is about capturing the person's essence in front of the camera. And while it may seem like you need hours to capture a wide variety of poses and expressions, the truth is that you can get 50 different poses in just 30 minutes if you know how to maximize your time and creativity.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your next 30-minute portrait session:

Communicate with Your Subject

One of the most important things you can do to maximize your time is to communicate effectively with your subject. Let them know what you’re looking for and what poses you’d like them to try. Ask them if they have any specific requests or ideas. This will help you establish a rapport and get them comfortable in front of the camera.

2. Use Different Angles and Perspectives

Changing the angle or perspective of your camera can help you get a variety of poses without your subject having to move too much. Try shooting from above, below, and from different sides to capture different angles of their face and body.

3. Use Props Props

can help your subject relax and give you something to work with. Try using chairs, benches, tables, or anything else that you have on hand. This will help you create a variety of poses and give your subject something to interact with.

4. Change up the Lighting

Lighting can dramatically affect the mood and tone of your photos, so experiment with different lighting setups to get a variety of looks. Try using natural light, artificial light, or a combination of both. You can also play with the position and angle of your light source to create shadows and highlights that add depth and dimension to your photos.

5. Encourage Movement

Encourage your subject to move and change their position frequently. This will help you capture a variety of poses and expressions without having to pause and reset between shots. You can ask them to walk, dance, or even jump to create dynamic and exciting photos.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

Being creative and open-minded is the key to getting 50 different poses in just 30 minutes. Don't be afraid to try something new or unconventional. If a pose or idea isn't working, move on to the next one. Keep experimenting until you find something that works for you and your subject.

In conclusion, a 30-minute portrait session may seem short, but with the right approach and a little creativity, you can capture a wide variety of poses and expressions that truly capture the essence of your subject. By communicating effectively, using different angles and perspectives, incorporating props, changing Lighting, encouraging movement, and experimenting with new ideas, you can create a collection of photos that tell a unique and compelling story. So go ahead and try these tips out during your next portrait session and see the results for yourself!

To see a variety of different poses in a shortened time frame, check out Jeremy Cowart’s 12 second photoshoot