**Posing Techniques for Beautiful Portraits: Achieving Perfect Harmony with the Subject**
1. **Avoid having the head and body aligned in a straight line.** When the head and body are perfectly aligned, it can make the pose appear stiff and lifeless. If the body is facing the camera directly, the head should be tilted slightly to the left or right, making the portrait look more elegant and dynamic. Similarly, if the subject is looking directly at the lens, turning the body at an angle will add energy and movement to the photo, enhancing the three-dimensional effect. (Source: Nanjing Photography Training School [http://www.njainisi.org])
2. **Avoid parallel positioning of arms and legs.** Whether the subject is sitting or standing, their arms and legs should not be parallel. Parallel positioning can make the pose look rigid and mechanical. A better approach is to have one arm or leg straight while the other is bent, or to position them at an angle. This creates a sense of motion and adds variety to the pose.
3. **Emphasize the body's curves as much as possible.** For female subjects, highlighting their attractive curves is essential. Typically, this is achieved by having one leg bear the weight of the body (Nanjing Photography School [http://www.njainisi.org]), while the other is slightly raised and rests against the supporting leg. The hips should be turned to show their narrowest side, and the chest can be accentuated by bending at the waist to highlight its fullness. Additionally, placing one hand on the hip can provide necessary width to the composition.
4. **Avoid a slouched sitting posture.** When posing a subject in a seated position, avoid letting them sit deeply into the chair as they would normally do (Learn Photography in Nanjing [http://www.njainisi.org]). Doing so can cause the upper part of the thighs to relax, leading to the protrusion of excess fat, making the thighs appear bulky. The correct approach is to have the subject sit closer to the edge of the chair, maintaining good posture with a straight back and tucked abdomen, which helps prevent the appearance of drooping shoulders and a protruding stomach.
5. **Prefer a longer distance over a shorter one.** Generally, when taking portraits, it’s better to keep some distance between the camera and the subject. When the lens (especially a short focal length lens) is too close to the subject, distortion can occur. Therefore, it’s important to choose an appropriate focal length and maintain a proper distance between the lens and the subject. Through practice, we’ve learned that for headshots using a standard lens, the optimal distance is between 6-8 feet; for upper body shots, 8-9 feet; and for full-body shots, 13-22 feet. Additionally, keeping the hands and feet close to the body helps avoid distortion. Once they are more than 1.8 feet away from the body, they may appear disproportionately large or small.
6. **Pay attention to hand positioning.** Although hands occupy a small proportion of the image, improper placement can disrupt the overall aesthetic of the portrait. Ensure that the hands are fully visible and not distorted, broken, or incomplete-looking. For example, when the hands are placed on the hips or in pockets, make sure that some fingers are visible to avoid giving the impression that the hands are cut off.
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