3 Posing Mistakes Every Headshot Photographer Should Avoid by Gary Hughes
A truly successful headshot is all about capturing confidence. It’s a moment where the subject's personality and competence shine through.
As a photographer, your job isn't just to light the scene, but to be a master of subtle subject direction, instantly correcting the awkward default poses people fall into. By tackling these three most common headshot posing mistakes, you can ensure every portrait projects power and professionalism.
The key to high-impact headshots lies in refining posture and hand placement with precision. Here is a breakdown of the typical posing pitfalls and the fastest way to achieve a powerful, composed look.
Mistake 1: The "Groomsman Pose"
This common default posture is characterized by clasped hands, rolled shoulders, and a slight slouch. It’s the visual sign of discomfort, causing suit jackets to wrinkle and immediately robbing the subject of their presence and authority.
The Correction (Unwind & Project):
- Hands: Ask the subject to put their hands in their pockets or simply let them relax at their sides. This prevents the forward roll of the shoulders.
- Posture: Direct the subject to go “straight up, and then relax your shoulders.” This ensures a straight back without an unnaturally locked stance.
- Chin: The most effective cue for the face is to say: “Pretend I’m talking really quietly, and you have to lean in to listen.” This subtle movement elongates the neck and brings the face forward, enhancing visual engagement and reducing the appearance of neck wrinkles.
Mistake 2: The Unflattering Arm Cross ("The Claw")
The arm cross posing is powerful, but a common flaw is "The Claw"—where the hand rests flat and open on the outside of the opposite arm. This hand, being close to the lens, becomes a huge visual distraction that competes with the subject’s face for attention.
The Correction (Contain & Detail):
Fix this by directing the subject to use the "One hand down the rabbit hole, and the other hand up" technique. One hand is tucked out of sight, while the other rests lightly near the bicep. Direct the subject to gently bring their fingers together. This eliminates the distraction and provides an opportunity to subtly showcase personal details like a watch or ring, adding depth to the portrait. Ensure the crossed arms remain low to avoid a stiff, defensive look.
Mistake 3: The Exaggerated Lean ("The Barbershop Tilt")
Photographers sometimes instruct the subject to lean forward to create a dynamic angle. This "Barbershop" tilt, however, is unnatural, creates an off-balance feel, and often results in unflattering facial compression and neck wrinkles as weight is pushed toward the camera.
The Correction (Anchor & Adjust):
Achieve power and stability through the Boxer's Stance. This technique uses subtle shifts instead of large leans:
- Anchor: Direct the subject to shift their weight entirely onto their back foot. This prevents them from leaning forward.
- Stance: Turn the subject a few degrees off-center, with the shoulder closest to the camera slightly advanced (like a confident boxer's stance).
- Refinement: Use millimeter-scale head turns and chin movements (like the "lean in to listen" cue) to add visual interest while maintaining a straight, stable back. For a warmer look, a very slight, weight-shifted caregiver head tilt is preferred over a pronounced forward lean.
Resume: Headshot Posing Fixes
| Mistake | Key Flaw | Actionable Fix |
| The Groomsman Pose | Slouching, clasped hands, low confidence. | Stand Straight + "Lean in to Listen" (Chin Forward). |
| The Claw | Flat, distracting hand in the arm cross. | "One Hand Down, One Hand Up" (Show subtle details). |
| The Barbershop Tilt | Unnatural forward lean, neck compression. | Boxer's Stance (Weight on back foot + Subtle head turns). |
1 comments:
Posing clients with arms crossed is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when photographing someone. It signifies defensiveness and being closed-off from others. Crossed arms are also a sign of self-protectiveness, which no one should ever want to convey, especially business leaders or anyone wanting to project strength and competency.
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