500 Poses for Photographing Women: A Visual Sourcebook for Portrait Photographers

by Michelle Perkins

Next to lighting, posing is the most challenging aspect of photography—with so many body parts to capture, the possibilities are endless, and it’s all too easy to make a wrong turn. This illustrated reference provides both amateur shutterbugs and seasoned pros with the perfect place to turn when in need of quick posing strategies and fresh ideas. Containing 500 contemporary images by leading photographers, this indispensable manual explains posing fundamentals as well as how to create a flattering, feature-specific photograph—one that focuses on the head, shoulders, arms, torso, or feet—in different levels of close-ups, from head-shots to full-lengths.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Reference

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Victor Alvarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting catalogue of poses for intermediate photographers and their female models.

You can create your own catalogue by choosing from the flood of portrait images that are posted on the Internet every day. What makes this book valuable is how the examples are carefully chosen and grouped by categories and similarities, making it a good material/handbook for consultation.

It covers the traditional categories and rules for posing, adding elements of originality, such as alternative perspectives and lighting, that can serve as example and inspiration.

At the end of the book the author incorporates a few paragraphs with basic shooting considerations. Novice photographers can - and should -complement this information by consulting the many tutorials and guides available for shooting, lighting and posing in portrait photography.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn’t actually call it a book. There’s approximately 3 pages of text. It’s all just images of women. I didn’t walk away feeling like I learned much. I wish the examples would have included the pros and cons of the poses, the highlights and shortcomings. Overall lackluster.

[Mike Guderjohn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This and the others in the series are more idea books. They show several different poses/photos to get ideas flowing. They aren't designed to SHOW how to get to the end result. There are enough of those out there already.

Sometimes coming up with a great idea of what to shoot isn't easy. These books just tickle the mind to get the ideas.

[Sugan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book doesn't teach you to pose for a photograph. It acts as a reference, you can refer to it if you need any pose ideas.

If there were some explanations given to each image it would be the best one.

[Sharada Prasad · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a book but a catalog! It doesn't explain lighting or any other technical details. Google search will yield better results!

Also, all of them are glamour photos... none of them are people centric or candid photos!

[Sam Chua · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cliche rubbish!

[Deven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Resource

This book is a good resource for posing with lots to do pictures and some detailed text. It helps photographers open up their creativity.