How to Pose People who are NOT Models
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- This video is so highly requested by you guys so I'm really excited to be able to share it with you all today! A big thank you to my sister for being our model, you can find her on Instagram here: / georginatrotti
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VLOG CAMERA SETUP //
Sony a7s mkii + Sigma 24mm f1.4
PHOTOGRAPHY CAMERA SETUP //
Canon 5dmkiii
Sigma 24mm f1.4
Canon 35mm f1.4
Canon 50mm f1.2
Canon 85mm f1.2
Canon 135mm f2
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Thank you so much for watching! xx
*2025 Update: if you enjoyed this video, I just shared a video on How to Pose Couples for Photos which you can watch here: ua-cam.com/video/sLQDUElb4co/v-deo.html
Check out the Lightroom Presets I used to edit the photos in this video :)
Here: www.digitalfilmactions.com/lightroom-presets/#/new-york-lightroom-preset/
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Happy Happy
Ask them what their favorite album is and play it on your phone. This makes them feel more comfortable while shooting and it broadens your musical horizons. 🤣
This tip is gold! ❤️
i find this to be very true
🤯🤯🤯🤯 so smart!!!!! Using this with my daughters. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾😍🔥
Very good idea thanks !
Thanks for the tips!!
A couple of things you didn’t mention, but you did in this shoot, are also super important (in my experience anyway) which is constantly telling them they’re doing a great job, the photos look great, “oh I love that!” etc. and also showing them the photos as you go along so they can see how great the photos are coming out. I found this so helpful, it seems so simple but honestly it’s so easy to forget how important it is to follow these tips for a great shoot. Thanks Julia for another fab video ❤️
dacastardust yes and that also shows the model like ” oh I looked good in that one or my hand looked awkward let me try something else!” Personally I love to see the photos because that tells me what I need to do in order to look good and look ”natural”
Contrastingly, I have rule about NOT showing them the photos. A lot of people have a negative self image and begin picking the images apart due to lack of confidence/unrealistic expectations set by photoshop & media industry. Some people also insist heavily on getting their "right side" which I find counter productive as I am trying to get as many angles & variety of shots to get the widest selection to choose final images from. So I sometimes hold off showing them until my images are finalised!
Took some pictures of my 15yr old nephew yesterday. I told he was model material and kept saying things like, "Yeeeesss this is fire!" Pretending like I know what the kids say these days and it at least made him laugh, which was great.
Covered right at the beginning of the video, actually. I.e. don't be silent, talk to the model, direct, show the photos.
Actually, sometimes it is more productive to not tell them that. If a person is shy and that kind of "I don't look good (in photos)", then you may want to try to more emphasize that the posture is looking good or the lighting in this photo is really what you like, so you tell them the photos are looking great but it is not (only) them in particular that is the reason for that. They will feel pressure reliefed from them.
This was really helpful. As someone who gets quiet when I focus, and also who isn't that good at photography yet, I appreciated the admonition to think out loud and communicate with my subject.
Oh yes communication is EVERYTHING. Photoshoots can be as awkward as we make them... so we definitely need to talk more haha
great video... loved it.. for those trying to remember the summary its:
1. communicate
2. environment
3. movement
4. sit down
5. don't look at the lens directly
Matthew Zamarron thanks
Thanks
Love that you are really making people look good by looking like themselves really, rather than canned “looks”. Everyone can be beautiful because they are themselves🙃. Being comfortable is so important!
Thank you! So glad you got that from this video :) Its my key in being able to take natural portrait of people - just getting them to be themselves in front of a camera!
I am always unsure about how to shoot non-models and you showed me a few tricks. i.e. I always liked that people look me in the camera but its pretty true that this is awkward for them and easier to look into a different direction. Never thought about it. thanks
Can you please do some male model tips because i think it is very different to work with male models vs female since you can not ask them to jump around and flip their hair etc...may be part 2 of this video can be with a male model :) Thank you for all the great content and tips.
Haha, flip the hair makes me laugh
Totally agree with you on this
I definitely agree that there should be more videos with male models.
Tip 5 is great advice! I think it also forces the subject out of their go-to/standard "look at the camera and smile/pose like every other picture taken of me" thing everyone does and feels less like a school yearbook picture lol :)
Haha I couldn't agree more! I feel like the movement thing also breaks away from that school yearbook picture idea as well, since it's a reminder that you can move around freely to get interesting and creative photos! And thank you :) Glad you liked it.
Tip #6:
If you wanna get rid of that awkward silence but don't know what to talk about just repeat the Squarespace commercial monologue!
"So... can you show me the photos?"
"Whether you need a domain, website or online store, make your next move with Squarespace. When I needed to..."
what's sguarespace mean?
ahahha i laugh so loud!!!
😂😂😂😘👌🏻👍
Hahahahahah
hahahh Bang on
I’ve been waiting for this! Thank you, Julia.
Request: posing tips when photographing curvy/plus size models
Glad you liked it! Honestly, I use the same posing techniques when capturing curvy models :) But I'll see if I can make a video about that in the future.
Thanks!
I have a shoot tomorrow that isn't one of my family members and I was a tad unsure of how to pose. I definitely was the "just start taking pics" guy a few times so, I appreciate you showing how to break the ice. Such simple but awesome tips, thanks again for all of your awesome videos!
YESSSS Julia...definitely want to hang with you and your sister now! Awesome tips. The sitting down tip and having the subject look off camera are super helpful. Marc and I did this same topic back in the winter, and the video just hit 100k views...hyped n that. Keep being awesome!
Thank you so much and ahh congrats!!! That's an amazing milestone :D I don't think I've checked out that video yet I guess since Marc uploaded it before I was subscribed, I gotta go check it out!
@@juliatrotti Yesss, definitely give it a watch!!
I like when you asked her to move around, swing her arms or even kick...that seems to work for me as it gets their nervous energy out and get some great shots along the way. I especially liked the one finished photo where she had her arms out (when she was swinger her arms around)...she looked totally comfortable and looking like she was having fun.
Thank you! Yeah those movement poses are always a great icebreaker :)
Yes it very important to give them directions a lot of people even the models sometime they have no ideas how to pose good too, Thank you for your lovely video.
Make the Men version! 😿😿
That's such a good idea, will work on it :)
yes please! I would be greaaaat!
Julia Trotti yes please do that ♥️
Yes! Yes! Pleasee!!
@@juliatrotti yess please 😍😍💝
This video was very helpful! And your sister vibes are out the roof! I love how she's so happy all the time!!
Nice vid. My extra tip for shooting folks who are not models is to get SOME shots of them with big wide cheesy grins but then also quickly tell them that they don't need to do those big fake smiles throughout the shoot and they can mix it up by looking thoughtful, emotional, whatever. I know your 'model' has a lovely big Julia Roberts smile but not everyone is blessed in that way ! Another nice ice breaker at the start of a shoot with someone who isn't a model is to ask them to show you some images on their phone of them that they like and don't like and get them to say why - it's a nice ice breaker but it also gives you insight into what they like and don't like about themselves. if they are a client this is really useful as you might like an image but if it accentuates a feature they hate about themselves, they won't order that image - it's good to have some intel in advance.
Another thing to add about the sunglasses I like how it can give context to where they are looking as well. You can also get interesting reflections in them. Bouncing unique lighting off them can make a shot really stand out.
Yes definitely! There's so much you can do with sunglasses, I want to start using them a little more in my work in the future :)
Sometimes great to have them walking towards you: very natural and free flowing, which helps people who aren't big into posing. Also great for couples shots at weddings :)
as a beginner portrait photographer, I have to say your videos are fantastic. thank you!
Looking forward to using this stuff with my friends. Also love the comment section. A lot of helpful comments from people. Thank you!
I used to follow your blog way back in 2009 & I still use your PS curves! So happy to see you on UA-cam. Thanks algorithm
I would love a part 2!! Just what I needed and helps so much!!
Okay, I'm taking this as tips on how I can pose in photos when people insist on taking one of me! Hahah look away, create some movement, etc. great video Julia :)
Great acting at the beginning, it even made me feel awkward watching it. Like many photographers I hate being in front of a camera, where my wife is totally at ease. I’m also never at ease directing, or making suggestions, to a subject which is one of the reasons I don’t do people photography. Though my love of nature is my main reason for doing wildlife and landscapes. Great video, and, like I suppose many others, I could tell Georgina was your sister before you introduced her.
Haha thank you! Gotta say, after all these years of improving my communication while taking photos it was really hard to stay completely quiet to get that shot! Luckily your wife is comfortable in front of the camera which makes it easy for you, it's interesting how it comes naturally for some people :)
Perfect timing, as I have a photo shooting today with someone who has never modeled before. I don't know what your experience is but sometimes I even like it more to take photos of people who aren't models as they just look so natural when they are comfortable.
Hope your shoot went well! And yeah I really love doing a mixture of both actually, it's fun to get into the flow of shooting if someone already knows how to pose, but it's also so much fun giving direction and getting someone to feel natural in front of the camera :D
I felt Tip 3 was the best. I feel candid pictures are the best.
I definitely agree, not looking at the camera is a good one. I also think stand in front of a full length mirror in your house first and practice which poses look the best for you. Your sister should be a model, she's very pretty and very photogenic. Thanks for the tips! 😄
Great tips Julia! 🙏🏼 I am very interested in taking some portrait jobs but getting someone to feel comfortable throughout the shoot and having “natural poses” for them is always a struggle. I will definitely put these tips to use for my next shoot 📸 thank you for continually sharing great content!
Really super helpful tips that I will certainly try. I have a friends 20 yr old daughter who I’m going to photograph, but who isn’t a model, so this video couldn’t have come at a better time. Up till now I’ve used professional models so this is going to help enormously. Thank you so much and please do a follow up to this video. Your sister was a really lovely model for you and I thought the chemistry between you was delightful.
So glad you found it helpful and thank you! Hope your shoot goes really well 😊
Yes, give us a part ii
Ty so much. Your videos have been helping us all.
I have bought the Canon 35mm f2 and I gotta say that the 35mm focal length is my favorite focal length. It stays pretty much married on my 5D classic 90% of the time. The other times the 85mm f1.8 is. Love your content!
Hey, can you make a video about how to find your clients and models? Etc.. thank you for the great videos!!
This helps so much! :D And your sister is so pretty! Lovely smile!
Movement is something I want to try in my next photoshoot, and yes please do a part 2!
You know that I don't know how to pose so that's why my friends don't like to click pics with me coz they think that I make their pic worse, but this video will definately help me have better pics...
I really loved the tips...
Thankyou so much
All very good tips! I would expand on the environment to watch out for power lines and other distractions such as other buildings that don’t have the feel for what you’re trying to capture. Now, for part 2, I would love to know how you can get models when you want to go out and capture something.
Your sister has such kind eyes. good tips.
Refreshing that about photography rather than equipment - more please.
Haha I love the beginning shot of how awkward it is when it's silent 😂 just laughing through it all
OMG you are a life saver i'm advanced photographer and i started photograph amature models thank you very much
ThanksJulia for this video, your sister is a stunner. Great tips! I’m fine with taking photos of objects, but people,8 have absolutely no clue..
I should have seen this video before my photoshoot!. Great lesson for me. Thanks Julia!
This is premium content! I’m a photography newbie and this was just what I needed! Thank you!!
Like your tips/video, I have only just started out since lockdown in the UK. so i will try a few of your tips with my daughter. Many thanks Jason
Thank you Julia for making this video!
Btw, that's so sweet of you both 😊
Your sister is such a good model and very pretty as well!!
your sister is soooooooo sweet and pure and lovely. you both are great :D loved the tips. i'm trying to get out of shooting with the 85 and be more creative with 35 and 50 and i'm glad i saw that here :)
Would love a part 2, or a similar video with how to pose guys!
Shutter speed? Click..pause..chunk lol, I thought this video was going to be iffy, but I was wrong, really nice useful tips and such a lovely upbeat attitude. Thanks for making it.
Thank you. As a new photographer, this gives me lots of ideas, and shows how much fun this is.
Hey! I just love your videos, this one seems really helpful as I’m just getting started with photography. Also, I have been inspired by your work and I purchased a 35 mm lens instead of a 50, just to get a fixed focal lenght that gives the person who is seeing the photo more insight about the location where the portrait was taken. I haven’t really seen many people to use a 35 mm lens for portraits but I think it is an interesting choice and your videos definitely helped me make that decision, so thank you!
omg your sister also pretty, nice video Julia you are absolutely right about it.
5 Years later and Julia this is still funny.
"Go stand over there"
*Awkward Silence while taking photos*
🤣🤣🤣
I love your Sister's fashion!!! So cute!
Omg. Haha. I thought she would cry in the beginning!! Great video thanks for the upload :)
I like the movement idea, and the not looking at the camera. Im going to try these.
I loved those tips! I'm gonna be going on a trip with a bunch of people I barely know but I'd love to photograph them. They are not models so now I have more information on how to direct them. Another great video, as always, thank you! 😊
It's really useful for me cause even my close friends feel quite awkward and don't know how to pose when I take photos ❤️❤️❤️
By the way I want to know "How to choose best place for photo shoots" Thanks !!!!
‘They can kick... they can do spins’ lol! Loving it though!!!! Looks more natural or funny depending on what they do. Either way fantastic idea!!!! As are the rest 👍
Just discovered your Channel and well done on all fronts!; have learnt more in 30 minutes of your meaningful tips than hours of YT videos..........Thank You...........
great video because I think more often the subjects are uncomfortable in front of the camera or at least to start out. You and your Sis make a great team!
This was super helpful in helping me try to pose myself for my branding photos! Thanks for the vid!
LOOVVE!!!! the movement idea....
The Best to you Best Julia!!!
The challenge is to have the person in focus if they are moving, particularly when shooting at 1.4. Same when they are wearing glasses. How do you avoid these issues?
AWESOME video, thank you very much, Julia!!!!!
just started to learn photography but I found out that the camera actually helps to conect with people. GO MEET NEW PEOPLE and start a convo, make sure they will think:" this photographer just made my day". enjoy the process rather than just taking photos.
I love love LOVE that you include all the information of each photo like ISO, f stop, etc! It helps soooo much for people just starting out.
Yay thanks for the feedback. I'm always happy to include my camera settings if you like to see them!
Awwwwww I LOVE the energy between you and your sis:D Hell yes to more videos with Georgina as the model....I also need the tips as I am really awkward when others take photos of me lolol
This was a much needed video to watch! Thanks so much Julia! Your behind the scene videos help me so much!
Thank you so much 💛
okay but your sister is like,,, FLIPPING GORGEOUS! so i feel like a potato, but maybe your tips will help me look like a fabulous potato!! :)) you're both so cute
Really helpful, Julia! Thank you! I love the pictures! I love the "over the shoulder" look, will try that!
This is so bloody useful!!! Do you have more videos like this?
Youre so awesome. This helped me realize I didn't have my people move around at all.
Thank you for making this video... I have a lot of friends who are generally shy in front of the camera and doesn't know many poses... This video really helps... Bdw you guys are my favourite duo now. Great video, have a nice day 😊
Thank you so much, I'm glad you found it helpful!
Men!!! Loved the shots!! Especially at the “sit down” and “no eye contact” tip. Really cool staff!!!
These tips are very helpful Julia!! Also, I didn't realise your website was made with Squarespace. It is really beautiful. I feel like movement shots are always very natural
Thank you!
Good tips and reminders. I really enjoyed the rapport you two have--the laughing throughout the shoot. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Hi Julia, which focal length do you usually use for portraits? Could you please make a video on how you prefer to use different focal lengths. :)
It really helps to those beginners.Love this video,hope you will do some other pictorials in the beach.I will try to do next time your tips on how to handle that awkward parts in taking photos.I am a beginner,not a model.But co-workers want to try his Photography skills.And I am glad to take the opportunity to become a model in my own.Thank you for sharing.
Tell Georgina she should definitely model! Great job!
Georgina!! Wait, is it already spring in Sydney?! Your winters are so short! I’m jealous! Summer is about to come to an end here in New York. The days are getting shorter 😭 great tips Julia! I’m going to work more on movement at my next shoot!
Haha yeah we are so lucky that our winters are very short and really not that cold! And thank you so much, glad you liked the video! 😄
Great video, looking forward to watching part 2 ☺️
Thank you for this post!
Julia, please make another video for shooting manual, advanced or intermediate. Including what picture profile your mark iv is set as. Thank you!
Thank you and yess would love to work on a shooting manual part 2 video :D
this helps me so much since my friends aren't models, but really have the beauty to do so! thank you once again for the great tutorial!
Thank you for all your lovely comments!
Great ideas ♥️ Your tips totally changed photography 👌👌
Wish I could like this video more than one time! I actually watch this everytime I have have a shooting coming. So helpful! :) ♥
Thank you! One thing I've noticed in your videos is that you always have a posing suggestion for your model right away. Have you already worked out the posing beforehand, or are you just giving them some basic suggestions to start, then seeing what works and tweaking it?
I think that's come with time for me actually, since I've been shooting for so many years I tend to always have an idea of where I want to start. Something I could suggest is to plan a little beforehand of a couple of general things you want to do. That way when you start or if there is ever a lull in the shoot, you can go to one of those ideas to get the momentum going again!
Definitely going to be using this as a reference in the future! Posing is my weakest skill!
Im gonna try movement in my tmrws shoot ... Thanks for some nice tips
These tips made so much sense and will definitely be trying them during m next shoot with my 'model'
This is a really good video, Julia! Liked it a lot! Thank you!
The music in this episode got really damn good near the end. Also great tips too!
Love the movement tip. Will definitely be trying that with my next shoot.
I've been a professional newspaper photographer for 37 years and I 100% concur the communication is 95% of the job. The rest is skill and ability.
Your sister is so sweet!