How to direct your subjects while photographing them

Not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera, so it's the photographer's job to make the person feel at ease and direct the subject in such a way that it results in the best possible picture. Be gentle with suggestions so that your subjects don't feel like they are being criticized.

Before the client arrives, visually sketch out some poses in front of a mirror to provide later recommendations to the subject. Remember to have a hand mirror nearby you subject can see how the poses look.

Materials
- Background
- 2 stools
- Full-size and large handheld mirror

Step 1. Sit the subject on a stool in front of the chosen background.

Step 2. Direct the subject in various positions, such as chin up or down, head tilted to the right and shoulders back.

Step 3. Bring over another stool and demonstrate the positions for your subject. If you need to, practice various positions by yourself in front of a full-size mirror so you are prepared to show your subject later.

Step 4. Let the subject practice facial expressions and upper-body positioning in front of a large handheld mirror.