Doug Box's guide to posing for portrait photographers

Often overshadowed by complicated lighting techniques or advanced postproduction tips, this resource seeks to remind the professional photographer of the fundamental importance of a subject's pose. Conveniently designed in two-page spreads--a striking portrait on one side, a comprehensive how-to of the strategies used on the other--this reference includes countless techniques for studio sessions as well as outdoor and location shoots, with individuals or groups, male or female clients, and in sitting, standing, or lying poses.

Introduction -- (The purpose of posing -- The Mona Lisa) -- Posing basics -- (The goal -- Start with the feet -- Posing and lighting -- "Masculine" and "feminine" poses) -- Expression and head positions -- (Expression -- the tilt -- Full face view -- Two-thirds view -- Profile view -- The eyes) -- Portrait lengths -- (Full length -- Three-quarter length -- Head and shoulders) -- Posture and presentation -- (The best view) -- Hands and arms -- Composition -- (The basics -- The rule of thirds -- The golden mean -- Direction -- Leading lines and shapes -- Tension and balance) -- Posing men -- Posing couples -- Posing the bride and groom -- (A growing trend -- Simple rules, great results) -- Posing groups -- (Clothing -- Posing a large group without chairs, stairs, or props -- Freestyle posing) -- Posing kids -- (Getting started -- The tripod -- The lighting -- Communication -- The goal -- Setting your work apart -- Casual vs. traditional) -- Posing teens -- (Posing three ways -- Camera angle -- Something old, something new -- Establishing the desired mood -- A new perspective -- Mixing it up) -- Lens selection and perspective -- (Camera height) -- Corrective posing -- (Body size -- O…