I just love photographing people—capturing their grace, elegance and personal style.

In my experience, most folks, given a choice, would rather have a flattering
photograph taken than just a happy snap. In that sense, how might we as photographers
communicate to a subject in a quick and easy way the most elegant way to pose them,
without making the subject feel uncomfortable?

1. Turn the subject’s body away from the light source. Photographing from the shadow side of the subject will cause a shadow to fall on the body, which is slimming and shows curves.

Or, turn the subject’s body toward the light and photograph from the shadow side of the body.

2. Have the subject lean slightly toward the camera with the chest.

This gives the appearance of a smaller waist and pushes the larger part of the body (the booty) away from the camera. Remember: things that are closest to the camera appear larger than those farther away.

3. Change your camera angle—a higher camera angle will minimize double chins. I’ve found this particularly helpful for mature subjects. (And it’s the only way I want my photo taken!)

4. Bend a knee. Especially if the light is coming from about a 45-degree angle, this is a terrific way to add grace and also slim your subject by creating shadows.