Portrait Photography: Finding The Flattering Angles

The best photographic portraits demand synergy between the photographer and the subject.The latter must know how to pose, while the former should have a good grasp of the camera angles that flatter the subject.

Image source: TechRadar.com

Moreover, amateur photographers don’t have Heidi Klum or Tyra Banks at their disposal.Usually, they see a photogenic person and ask them to pose.  Naturally, posing becomes a play-it-by-ear affair in this case.


So, before the start of any photo session with a subject who is a novice at posing, the photographer can brief them on poses.  He can have the subject leaf through a magazine with ideal poses and have the subject mimic these.


The interest of the photographer is in making the subject look good.He can achieve this by panning his camera at a higher angle for the slimming effect, or at a low angle to effect power and presence in the photo.  It’s up to the photographer to decide which photo appearance the shoot or the project demands.

Image source: TechRadar.com

Frontal poses might seem too awkward and staged.A quarter pose will definitely have a slimming and more relaxed effect if only to take the focus away from the neck.


Ultimately, it’s also about knowing the subject: How does he or she want to be portrayed in the photo?


Ram Chary Everi  here, freelance photographer and graphic artist.  Look me up on Twitter.