Keep in mind folks that this technique is all about getting your subject to have fun! What's your favorite tip for posing people (especially those people who aren't models)?
Are u dnt lost a lot of time apply this technique?, for example if u have a group of models or sessions too long how can u keep diferent historys? Nice video man thanks for sharing I'll practice it.
Great video, Miguel! In Times Square, New York in 2009, I tried approaching several people and asked them to think of themselves as actors. Got some great natural shots. In street photography, I found out years earlier that people want to be photographed. No matter what they say. But approach with a professional air dressed appropriately, big cameras, (my favorite was the D3), talk to them, and keep it simple. In 2008, a few of us were asked to photograph a garage band level trio in a bar. The lead guitarist was a friend’s husband so it was Pro bono. The lighting was atrocious and the area was narrrow. People headed for the rest rooms actually had to pass by the drummer by a few inches. I rested at the bar, drinking bottled water when a young lady passed by and said, “DON’T take my picture!” Later she passed by in the opposite direction past me and said, “Remember, don’t take my picture.” I was about to return to the shoot when she stopped by and said, “Ok. But just one picture.”
I tried this on a gentleman who looked to me like a WWII soldier. In reality he seems shy and subordinate in nature, but when I used this technique and told him he reminded me of a "General" he reflected more confidence and had fun with it. I think playing a character is probably easier for people than being yourself, especially when you constantly hear "I hate to have my picture taken" all day. Might even flatter the person (if used in a sincere way) and make them feel good. Great video.
Actions speak louder than words Miguel. The "acting" shots were so much more impactful than the "instructional" poses. Thanks for that. One other point and this may be trivial. I really like how you address the model by name. That may be a no brainer to some but I see too many photographers on You Tube refer to their models as she or her. A little kindness and respect goes a long way.
Great video Miguel, thank you. I shot school photography for 10 years. Best way to get a smile out of a teacher? Tell them to imagine they won millions of dollars and can leave this job behind forever... With students? Tell them to imagine it's the last day of school before summer vacations. You should see the smiles... Works like a charm every time. :-)
I used your technique on a young man who was aspiring to be a rock star guitar player according to the father and wanted a few posed shots of his son. I really had to work this one. Even though most of the shots looked had a similar dead pan expression, I was able to connect a couple of times doing what you describe and he changed not only his facial expression but the body as well after I told him he was the young Eric Clapton playing at Albert Hall. Those few shots ended up being favorites of both subject and parents which was an added bonus for me. Your system worked even though I didn't know it at the time! IT WORKS!!! Thanks for a great tip.
You are so right with this,a while back i was asked to do a family shoot,single and group shots. The group shots were easy because they were playing off each other,but as a new photographer i was a bit worried when it came to the single individual shots,after a few clicks I asked the father to look like a teacher who had just told everyone off in the classroom.I ended up with a fantastically strong image and used that same idea for the rest giving them different ideas. It all turned out great and a good experience for them and me.. Great video sir..
I have bought books (Lindsay Adler) and downloaded tutorials, and listened to lectures about how to pose s subject for portraiture, Pages of explanation. Rules about hands, etc., etc., etc. This is the best piece of advice I've ever found. Thank you so much. I can't wait to put it into practice,
Got to this video one year after it was made. I am new to portrait photography, just started to learn. My thought that I want to implement is: Tell person to close their eyes, visualize their personality they want to project when they open their eyes. I will count down from 3 to 1, they open their eyes and look at the camera projecting their image of themselves as I start taking shots. I have obtained a person willing to take their time to pose yet, will work on finding a model. I believe this concept is the same as yours - I really like it.
Thank you, I can already picture how this is going to, not only improve my portrait photography, but also increase the likelihood I would ask a stranger.
This is a great idea. I find that most of the time I prefer to catch people in more candid moments than posing them to get more authentic expressions. Using this technique sounds like you create candid moments it set up situation. I look forward to trying this.
i've watched and researched a bunch of photography-related stuff over the years and i've gotta say this is the most surprising and inspiring advice that showed a result RIGHT AWAY. like the usual examples of techniques in play usually have that wow effect at ~60%, but this went full 100%. it made me believe this works. i'm so excited to try this sometime. thank you Miguel!
Thanks, Miguel. I enjoyed the video on two levels, because I have a portrait shooting coming up and also because you connect with your portrait subjects and your TH-cam audience at the level where they are, very human, trustworthy and accepting.
i've actually approached this method before watching this, it didnt work out well, but I like how you sort of develop the "character" with the model. I'm going to revisit this.
Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you, ....I really want to do portraits but it is so out of my comfort zone. I struggle with the "posing" and not a great fan. I think I can do this and will make my own cue cards of characters co I don't have to think on the spot. Great video!!!!!!!
Well done. The Fire and Ice of the soul are not "pose-able"... their gate is guarded by the heart. But they can be enticed to peer out from the window of the FACE. Your tip today speaks to the power of that glimpse. -CM Sackett-
Character posing. This method is really helpful for people that do not now how to pose or photographers that aren't sure how to pose their models. I love the Jurassic story!
Miguel- As a photographer for over 20 years, I found this video to be most helpful. As a psychologist for 35 years, this video will prove to be crucial to my art. Thank you, dude!!
My next photo shoots will be on Film Noir characters. How awesome will this video be in asking my people to imagine that they are Bogart, Holden, and Veronica Lake? Cannot wait!
Great tip and production quality is consistently great; as a photographer the psychology of how to work with your subject to get something out of them that they couldn't have otherwise captured from a selfie on their iPhone is key to any good photographer's success!
Excellent technique… As someone who's heavily into street and event photography, I'm absolutely rubbish when it comes to posing people. I can't wait to try it. subbed
This is a fantastic technique! I constantly find myself thinking 'am I doing this right' when I take my shots - which makes me compare to other photographers. This technique though is easy to do and I'm looking forward to trying it out and having fun with it. Sometimes, the simplest way is the best way. Thanks.
This is a great idea. I've said silly things to models to make them laugh which helps them relax, incorporating a story-line as part of the shoot could add a whole new dimension.
Interesting video. I often ask to give me an emotion, be physical, a movement that says how they feel but I've never asked them to become a character and put them in a situation. I look forward to trying it. Thanks!!
I loved this! I do find myself trying to direct or even manipulate my subjects to get the right shot...it can be exhausting for my subjects and me! When that approach doesn't give me their best digital moment, I take a photo letting them pose unaware and I take another one after showing them how to be aware of their own unique bodies and angles and gain their trust and get them confident in the story telling process of a great moment immortalized on print...I am definitely going to use this lesson- it is fantastic!
tell the men that you are shooting, that they are staying in a desert, it is cooling down because the sun goes down and there is nothing and nobody else around them except him and his enemy, and while the sunset they start to upgrade to SSJ level4 and stand there, ready for the fight :-P
Excellent tips!!! That makes a lot of since. Instead of treating them like a puppet, you get to let out there personality. Much stronger pose. I can definitely see it in the "after" shot.
In the first Photos her eyes were not alive she looked almost bored. In the next Photos where she was feeling the mood her eyes were talking . Definitely portraying feeling . Great stuff 🙏
That a very good trick to get them to have a more realistic looking expression. Like when you tell a kid to laugh it looks kind of fake like a fake smile but if you can get someone to really laugh or smile its golden. I know you called it a trick but It is a great Photography Tip that can usually work for most people. I would like to see you use a none model and create different caricatures using the same subject to really show how many different poses and emotions you can get using this trick.
Excellent video. It’s weird, I do this with my 5 yr old but never thought to try this with adults. Makes perfect sense. I think the word natural is what you were looking for when mentioned the persons look being authentic which is also correct. In your method I see the person being themselves and loving their shot even more because it’s natural to them. Awesome here, brother. Just awesome.
Hi Miguel, Happy New Year. This posing tip is awesome. My biggest hurdle when making portraits is connecting with the subject and making them feel at ease in order to elicit a good expression. But also, a big challenge is feeling at ease myself. This approach can help take the pressure off on both sides of the lens. Thanks for sharing and hope to catch you at your next local NY tri-state area live event soon. Cheers!!
Thank you so much for this amazing tip... Actually I was once photographing models (i’m not a pro just a photography enthusiast) and I didn’t have any idea how to ask them to pose to get the looks i imagined... that would’ve helped a lot ... can’t wait to try it :)
This is great advise. I'm sure it will work to a greater or lesser extent depending on the individual. I don't like being in front of the camera so I'll try giving myself a story next time, and see hoe it goes.
I pose them and interview them at the same time. this comes naturally to me since i have years headhunting and recruiting experience, but role playing can be useful also - especially with kids.
Keep in mind folks that this technique is all about getting your subject to have fun! What's your favorite tip for posing people (especially those people who aren't models)?
Are u dnt lost a lot of time apply this technique?, for example if u have a group of models or sessions too long how can u keep diferent historys? Nice video man thanks for sharing I'll practice it.
You invest 2 to 3 minutes up front, but you get better photos faster. Try it, in total you'll spend less time when it starts working for you! 😁👍🏻
Use a prop, like a hat or scarf .
Great video, Miguel!
In Times Square, New York in 2009, I tried approaching several people and asked them to think of themselves as actors. Got some great natural shots.
In street photography, I found out years earlier that people want to be photographed. No matter what they say. But approach with a professional air dressed appropriately, big cameras, (my favorite was the D3), talk to them, and keep it simple.
In 2008, a few of us were asked to photograph a garage band level trio in a bar. The lead guitarist was a friend’s husband so it was Pro bono. The lighting was atrocious and the area was narrrow. People headed for the rest rooms actually had to pass by the drummer by a few inches. I rested at the bar, drinking bottled water when a young lady passed by and said, “DON’T take my picture!” Later she passed by in the opposite direction past me and said, “Remember, don’t take my picture.” I was about to return to the shoot when she stopped by and said, “Ok. But just one picture.”
Ken Konard Great story :)
20 years of posing ppl, and that's the BEST advice I've ever heard 👌🏾
I tried this on a gentleman who looked to me like a WWII soldier. In reality he seems shy and subordinate in nature, but when I used this technique and told him he reminded me of a "General" he reflected more confidence and had fun with it. I think playing a character is probably easier for people than being yourself, especially when you constantly hear "I hate to have my picture taken" all day. Might even flatter the person (if used in a sincere way) and make them feel good. Great video.
I was trying that technique and the results were not good,then I realize that I was shooting wildlife photography
😂😂😂😂
@J Rodriguez That was hilarious...lol
I know!!! It´s so hard to make a hungry croc to pretend he is a gazelle
🤣
😂😂
Excellent tip - thank you. I tried it with my wife. She did a great job of impersonating a T-Rex... with little effort.
Thank you and kudos! For great laughs have her impersonate a T-Rex doing push-ups 😂✌️
Omg rofl
I think I was married to her once!
R. O. F. L. M. A. O.
Ha ha ha
What if this man was a professional photographer and was thinking “I know about portraits son” but I’ll play along.
This😂👌🏾
😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂💯This one though 👌
Actions speak louder than words Miguel. The "acting" shots were so much more impactful than the "instructional" poses. Thanks for that. One other point and this may be trivial. I really like how you address the model by name. That may be a no brainer to some but I see too many photographers on You Tube refer to their models as she or her. A little kindness and respect goes a long way.
I've been doing photography for 45 years. I've never heard this technique being used. Pure genius. Thanks for sharing
Great video Miguel, thank you. I shot school photography for 10 years. Best way to get a smile out of a teacher? Tell them to imagine they won millions of dollars and can leave this job behind forever... With students? Tell them to imagine it's the last day of school before summer vacations. You should see the smiles... Works like a charm every time. :-)
Thank you and I love your method! Should work like a charm :)
Brilliant!… I'm even smiling now
I am smiling now 2 :)
@David Howard so true!
This idea is brilliant Miguel. It transforms shy people into being confident and lets them relax and show their true selves.
I used your technique on a young man who was aspiring to be a rock star guitar player according to the father and wanted a few posed shots of his son. I really had to work this one. Even though most of the shots looked had a similar dead pan expression, I was able to connect a couple of times doing what you describe and he changed not only his facial expression but the body as well after I told him he was the young Eric Clapton playing at Albert Hall. Those few shots ended up being favorites of both subject and parents which was an added bonus for me. Your system worked even though I didn't know it at the time!
IT WORKS!!! Thanks for a great tip.
You are so right with this,a while back i was asked to do a family shoot,single and group shots.
The group shots were easy because they were playing off each other,but as a new photographer i was a bit worried when it came to the single individual shots,after a few clicks I asked the father to look like a teacher who had just told everyone off in the classroom.I ended up with a fantastically strong image and used that same idea for the rest giving them different ideas.
It all turned out great and a good experience for them and me..
Great video sir..
I have bought books (Lindsay Adler) and downloaded tutorials, and listened to lectures about how to pose s subject for portraiture, Pages of explanation. Rules about hands, etc., etc., etc.
This is the best piece of advice I've ever found. Thank you so much. I can't wait to put it into practice,
Got to this video one year after it was made. I am new to portrait photography, just started to learn. My thought that I want to implement is: Tell person to close their eyes, visualize their personality they want to project when they open their eyes. I will count down from 3 to 1, they open their eyes and look at the camera projecting their image of themselves as I start taking shots. I have obtained a person willing to take their time to pose yet, will work on finding a model. I believe this concept is the same as yours - I really like it.
Thank you, I can already picture how this is going to, not only improve my portrait photography, but also increase the likelihood I would ask a stranger.
This is a great idea. I find that most of the time I prefer to catch people in more candid moments than posing them to get more authentic expressions. Using this technique sounds like you create candid moments it set up situation. I look forward to trying this.
What an easy way to get your photo subjects in the right frame of mind. This is way better than telling folks to just relax.
i've watched and researched a bunch of photography-related stuff over the years and i've gotta say this is the most surprising and inspiring advice that showed a result RIGHT AWAY. like the usual examples of techniques in play usually have that wow effect at ~60%, but this went full 100%. it made me believe this works. i'm so excited to try this sometime. thank you Miguel!
Are you quite sure the guy wasn't actually a professor of paleontology?
Yeah, I thought his look was really for you, that you are asking him to pretend to be character, that he actually is :-)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA OMFG
Thanks, Miguel. I enjoyed the video on two levels, because I have a portrait shooting coming up and also because you connect with your portrait subjects and your TH-cam audience at the level where they are, very human, trustworthy and accepting.
i've actually approached this method before watching this, it didnt work out well, but I like how you sort of develop the "character" with the model. I'm going to revisit this.
Great advice. Realized watching this that I can bring in my theater experience for posing my subjects. Really appreciate this, thanks.
thats actualy best advice ever on posing!!!
Thanks! Glad you liked it ✌️
Very helpful tip - nice to see the change of expression in the model - more in this line would be great. Bearded guy photo is a stunner!
Love your excitement and passion for the art! Thank you so much, Can't wait to use this. Your work is fantastic!
I love this idea! I think it could make photo shoots a lot of fun!
What a fresh and wonderful technique for "posing", one of the most difficult things to do. Can't wait to try it. Thanks.
Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you, ....I really want to do portraits but it is so out of my comfort zone. I struggle with the "posing" and not a great fan. I think I can do this and will make my own cue cards of characters co I don't have to think on the spot. Great video!!!!!!!
I absolutely love this! I think it gives people permission to be playful, open and get out of their own way. Thank you!
I liked the guy from Jurassic park more than the model. He was giving more expressive eyes. Great tips.
Well done.
The Fire and Ice of the soul are not "pose-able"... their gate is guarded by the heart. But they can be enticed to peer out from the window of the FACE. Your tip today speaks to the power of that glimpse.
-CM Sackett-
Character posing. This method is really helpful for people that do not now how to pose or photographers that aren't sure how to pose their models. I love the Jurassic story!
Really fantastic suggestion! Information that just isn't out there on TH-cam right now. Really glad I ran across this video!
How does the channel not have more followers? Excellent content on a regular basis, keep up the great work Miguel
good question, I'll "subsribe" ;-)
Miguel- As a photographer for over 20 years, I found this video to be most helpful. As a psychologist for 35 years, this video will prove to be crucial to my art. Thank you, dude!!
Wow, thats awesome! Thank you, I'm really happy the topic resonated with you. :)
My next photo shoots will be on Film Noir characters. How awesome will this video be in asking my people to imagine that they are Bogart, Holden, and Veronica Lake? Cannot wait!
I have managed to fall into the suggestion once or twice... and you are right of course... more honest responses... thank you for sharing...
That's awesome! Happy to hear it's working for you 👍
Great tip and production quality is consistently great; as a photographer the psychology of how to work with your subject to get something out of them that they couldn't have otherwise captured from a selfie on their iPhone is key to any good photographer's success!
A "thumbs up " from me - great technique and explanation. Straight to the point and illustrated with helpful examples!
Thank you!
Thats seriously the best advise for posing that I've just learnt..
Great trick! Thanks for posting this. Posing is the most difficult thing for me so this helps a lot.
Excellent technique… As someone who's heavily into street and event photography, I'm absolutely rubbish when it comes to posing people. I can't wait to try it. subbed
Thank you! So happy to hear it and I hope it helps 😀✌️
This is a fantastic technique! I constantly find myself thinking 'am I doing this right' when I take my shots - which makes me compare to other photographers. This technique though is easy to do and I'm looking forward to trying it out and having fun with it. Sometimes, the simplest way is the best way. Thanks.
Years after this video was uploaded my first portrait assignment is approaching and I'm going to definitely use this technique.
This is a great idea. I've said silly things to models to make them laugh which helps them relax, incorporating a story-line as part of the shoot could add a whole new dimension.
Absolutely fantastic idea in posing
Fantastic technique. I usually try to actually shoot a few posed and then in between banter to get a natural look. I'm going to try this for sure.
Great video Miguel. Short. Sweet. Impactful....and Useful. Thanks!
Thank you! Hope it helps 😀✌️
Interesting video. I often ask to give me an emotion, be physical, a movement that says how they feel but I've never asked them to become a character and put them in a situation. I look forward to trying it. Thanks!!
I loved this! I do find myself trying to direct or even manipulate my subjects to get the right shot...it can be exhausting for my subjects and me! When that approach doesn't give me their best digital moment, I take a photo letting them pose unaware and I take another one after showing them how to be aware of their own unique bodies and angles and gain their trust and get them confident in the story telling process of a great moment immortalized on print...I am definitely going to use this lesson- it is fantastic!
I sometimes use this technique when taking pictures of kids, I never thought to use it on adults.
I always say adults are just big kids after all haha :) Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!
A great idea to use on photographing kids!
tell the men that you are shooting, that they are staying in a desert, it is cooling down because the sun goes down and there is nothing and nobody else around them except him and his enemy, and while the sunset they start to upgrade to SSJ level4 and stand there, ready for the fight :-P
It's like directing a model instead of posing. These looks better than boring simple poses. Great trick and great video.
OMG... What a great idea! Love this!
Great tip on how to approach your subject with a story.
Excellent tips!!! That makes a lot of since. Instead of treating them like a puppet, you get to let out there personality. Much stronger pose. I can definitely see it in the "after" shot.
In the first Photos her eyes were not alive she looked almost bored. In the next Photos where she was feeling the mood her eyes were talking . Definitely portraying feeling . Great stuff 🙏
Thank you for that idea. I have a hard time posing but having them play a character seem like it will guide them in a loosening way.
Just one word and it's "wooooow"... One of the most important and useful video, that I have seen in recent times... Thank you so much!!!...
This was a suggested video. In all the years taking pics and struggling this one tip just opened up endless possibilities! Thank you.
What a great tip. Posing is always an issue for me. Thanks & subscribed !
Thank you so much Miguel... I used this idea for a bride and groom at their wedding and it went unbelievably well, and it was a lot of fun too.
makes all the sense in the world to do this. It helped me a lot because I am new to portraitures but am a landscape photographer. Thanks for the tip!
Excellent advice. Thank you!
Love this concept! Going to try it!
That a very good trick to get them to have a more realistic looking expression. Like when you tell a kid to laugh it looks kind of fake like a fake smile but if you can get someone to really laugh or smile its golden. I know you called it a trick but It is a great Photography Tip that can usually work for most people. I would like to see you use a none model and create different caricatures using the same subject to really show how many different poses and emotions you can get using this trick.
Goose bumps on that photo! This is a great inspirational video :) Thank you!
Great tip! I will definitely try it next time!
Fantastic stuff! This is a big help.
I can't wait to try this. Great tip!
Hope you like it!
Wow, you have instantly made me a better portrait photographer, posing people is not easy. This is so helpful, thank you!!
That's an awesome idea! Never thought of this, but will definitely try it out, thanks a lot :))
Wonderful idea, great video!
This is a gem!!! Thank you Miguel
best posing advice ever!! and very well explained!!
Thanks. I always struggle with posing people. This is the best tip in terms of photografy i have ever got.
Wow he looks like a real actor. Great shot! 👍
Thanks! He definitely has a lot of character which is why I had to get his photo! :)
Excellent video. It’s weird, I do this with my 5 yr old but never thought to try this with adults. Makes perfect sense. I think the word natural is what you were looking for when mentioned the persons look being authentic which is also correct. In your method I see the person being themselves and loving their shot even more because it’s natural to them. Awesome here, brother. Just awesome.
You have him the tools and motivation to pose himself.. Brilliant
Terrific idea, thank you!
This is my second video of yours that I've watch and I find them VERY useful!! Great stuff!
You just resolved our problem, always struggle to pose our subjects. Will definitely try to technique. Love from South Africa 🙏🏿
Like this.. Have a shoot tomorrow I'll try this in!
great advice I will use on my next portrait shoot.
Nailed it again! refreshing to hear straight forward, usable tips.
Thank you! Continuing to try my best to bring everyone useful information :)
You really inspire me so much...just so open and honest. I've kinda sorta done this on occasion, but now I'm going to do this WAY more!
Thank you! I plan on being much more open and honest going into 2019. Hope this approach helps you out!
Hi Miguel, Happy New Year. This posing tip is awesome. My biggest hurdle when making portraits is connecting with the subject and making them feel at ease in order to elicit a good expression. But also, a big challenge is feeling at ease myself. This approach can help take the pressure off on both sides of the lens. Thanks for sharing and hope to catch you at your next local NY tri-state area live event soon. Cheers!!
Brilliant idea Miguel!
From the concept as you mention I suppose you can perfect poses rather than create them. I like it!
Will give it a try!
Nice work Miguel. Posing is fine but expression is everything.
Thank you! Couldn't agree with you more :)
I think your topic is different from what other people do. It's really interesting. It opens up new ideas. Cool!
I love this video and I am exited to start this technique myself, I love the true expressions and emotions, and This is just brilliant!
Thank you so much for this amazing tip... Actually I was once photographing models (i’m not a pro just a photography enthusiast) and I didn’t have any idea how to ask them to pose to get the looks i imagined... that would’ve helped a lot ... can’t wait to try it :)
This is great advise. I'm sure it will work to a greater or lesser extent depending on the individual.
I don't like being in front of the camera so I'll try giving myself a story next time, and see hoe it goes.
Good stuff bro! This will help me with non model shoots
Love these types of teaching videos... keep them coming Miguel!
Miguel great video! I am just getting started in portrait photography and info like this is very useful. Thank you very much!
So happy to hear it! If you're just starting out be sure to keep an eye out for my videos. Portrait photography is most of what I do these days :)
Miguel Quiles I will for sure, I do mostly wild life photografy so there is a learning curve as far as using a monostrobe goes.
I pose them and interview them at the same time. this comes naturally to me since i have years headhunting and recruiting experience, but role playing can be useful also - especially with kids.
Thank you for sharing this terrific advice. I can’t wait to try it out!
This is by far the best suggestion on posing I have heard. I can not wait to try this technique.
Thank you!
Very interesting, thanks! Subscribed!
Love your tips, I am your big fan💗
This is such an awesome technique, every once in a while it can backfire. Great advice, and Great video.