Where is Your Subject Looking and Why Does it Matter?
When posing a subject, two important questions to ask yourself are:
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1. ‘where are they looking?’
2. ‘what impact does this have on the shot?’
Early in the life of DPS I wrote a series of tutorials looking at the impact that lines can have upon an image.
Lines are an important aspect of any shot and can draw the attention of your image’s viewer and lead their eye into the shot.
The gaze of your subject can have a similar impact. Here are a few examples:
- two people looking at each other - draws your viewer into ‘relationship’
- a child holding out a plate with a chocolate cake but looking at the camera gives a feeling of invitation - the child becomes the focus
- a child holding out a plate of chocolate cake and looking at the cake can give a sense of ‘desire’ - the cake become the focus
- Looking outside the frame can leave the viewer wondering what they’re looking at?
Here are a couple of considerations to keep in mind when making a decision on how to pose your subject:
Looking Away from the Camera
- If your subject is looking at something other than the camera viewers will naturally want to see what it is. You then have two choices - either to show them or not hide the object of their gaze.
- If the object is within the frame this will often create a focal point for your shots (example - in the picture of the ‘bubble boy’ above).
- If the subject looks outside the frame it can create either tension or intrigue. This can either spoil or make the shot!
Looking Directly At the Camera
- If your subject is looking directly at the camera it’s hard not to look at them - they become the focal point
- Sometimes when a subject looks directly at the camera it can create discomfort or tension for the viewer of the image - it can be a very strong and confronting pose. This is not necessarily bad - in fact it can really make the shot quite powerful - but it is something to be aware of.
The direction that your subject looks when being photographed can have a profound impact upon an image so give it careful consideration. Many different poses can work and will alter the mood and focal point of the image considerably.
The key is to know what you’re wanting to achieve and to experiment with different set ups to get those results.
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This was very useful for me. Thanks a lot.
I usually tend to ask subjects not to look directly - it gives the viewer more of a feeling of a natural shot.
Though there are some pictures where the eyes are looking directly at the viewer, but those are the only ones where eyes are the main focal point.
Good stuff. I generally tend to follow the “look directly into the camera” approach. But I will try to experiment combining this and the shoulders article for more interesting snaps. My friends are going to hate me! :)
Depending on the situation I’ve used all three types of poses. Good tips.
Interesting article! It all makes sense, now that I read it, but I never would have thought about some of the things mentioned!
Great article! Many helpful tips!
seems like dejavu to me.
Very useful information. I’m always glad to read good advice like you’ve given here. Keep up the good work.
Nice thoughts to learn. Will keep an ‘eye’ when next time composing the shot
nice article!!!!! specially when taking action shot… the eyes tells you where the subject is going!!!!!!
like these ones:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/232/471928705_b9b48b6d19_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/471928699_f09a6cd545_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/471928691_c2ba8c7ed6_b.jpg
Thanks. I might even be on the right track with this photography thing.
Thanks! Just when I thought I’m gonna pack it in and give up these kind of tips truly helps!
I generally shoot both ways. Although, I have to admit I am a fan of the intense look you get when the subject is looking straight at the camera.
This is something I always knew intuitively, but having read it now gives it a new sense of importance… Thanks for sharing.
By the way, I love the picture of the boy looking at the bubble!
Last week, amidst all the preparations for my wedding, I was with a group of friends who were all working together on various little projects. One was making some minor dress alterations, one was working on luminaries, etc. One of the bride’s nieces was with us, and I saw her observing the scene. I composed the shot and quietly asked her to look at me.
Her gaze makes her the focus of the shot, but it wasn’t until I read this post that I understand why I did that or why it worked. At the time it simply seemed like the thing to do.
Thank you! This was of GREAT help!
THANKS FOR THE TIPS! CAN YOU SHARE MORE TIPS ON POSES FOR ALL AGE GROUPS,AND FOR BOTH SEXES.
I PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN OLDER FOLKS. THE EXPRESSION LINES HAVE LONG BEEN AN INTEREST OF MINE.
WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE OF COLOR? HELP ME! I AM TRYING TO ASSEMPLE MY PORTFOLIO.
THANKS! AWAITING …