How To Learn Posing Techniques - Mike Browne

Posing, positioning hands and feet, telling people how to stand for a photo all takes time to learn. One shortcut is to hire a professional model and ask them to teach you, because believe me - they know!
And I mean a professional. Don't just ask the boy or girl or attractive couple from next door to pose for you because unless they're pro models, they won't know what they're doing and can't teach you. You'll have to direct them which is not what this exercise is about.
Trust me. If you want to learn about posing, body shapes, how to stand, position hands and feet this is a great investment.
Mike Browne
See all our free videos - www.photographycourses.biz/videos
Subscribe to our channel - kzbin.info

[@ghw7192]

I was lucky. Decades ago, when I'd first opened my studio and I finally got a chance to work with a professional model, I explained to her that I was an experienced photographer, but I'd not had an assignment like this before. Her response was "Don't worry about it. I'll teach you everything you need to know to make me look good." She kept her word and I kept my studio for 32 years. Thank you, Julie!

[@MikeBrowne]

That 's just awesome! - Melissa pp Mike

[@ghw7192]

I'm enjoying your videos a lot! 2017 will mark my 50th year as a photographer and I still find that there is always something new to learn. One of the things I enjoy about being a photographer is that unlike some professionals, photographers always seem to be willing to help one another. I can't think of any other profession where folks are willing to help potential competitors solve a problem or do a better job. I still want the assignment, but I want to get it on my own merits and not because I'm afraid of competition.Great job, Mike, and thank you for sharing! ~G

[@wcsdiaries]

@@MikeBrowne Can you do a video like these for us gents?? I need to look good in some pictures for my profile haha

[@stephierebello9126]

Thanks for all the compliments. It was great to work with Mike and I am glad you guys have found the video helpful. :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey Stephie Rebello - Look forward to next time and sorry i'm not going to be here when you and Dave are done again next week.. MIKE

[@twentyoneplusvideo0472]

Stephie - Great video, I learned a lot, but I have heard from other photographers that the armpit is one of the more undesirable parts of the female body that women prefer not to have shot. You had no problem. What are your thoughts on armpits on film. Personally I'm not a huge fan. You are great!

[@shafaiyat]

Nice job Stephie!

[@oc2phish07]

Took me a long time to come across this video Stephani but your tips will really help. Thanks to you and of course, to Mike.

[@theosolberg]

Nearly 5 years after this video was posted, it was helpful to me today (June 20 2020). I am mainly a concert photographer, but at this point in time there aren't any concerts to shoot. So I decided to shoot landscapes with a model, as a personal challenge to do something completely different. Usefull tips in this video, thank you!

[@avs4365]

Using the video function on Mike's camera to show POV was imaginative and so enlightening. To see how one slight change in stance and posture completely changed the composition through the lens shows just how output can increase at a saving of time, on shoot and in post processing. Many thanks (again)

[@ThePhotoShow]

Great video Mike, you're right, with photographers and models it is their experience you are paying for.

[@cliffephoto]

An absolute awesome video packed with tips. Can not explain how much value this is to a beginning amateur. Expertly made and the wind noise is forgiven when I consider the things I have learnt. Mike you are truly a great mentor and tutor. I have watched your videos for 3 years and you inspired me to begin photography. With that note I would like to say a massive thank you for all your hard work and once again well done for the uTube award.

[@bkingpaul1144]

It's refreshing to get the perspective of the subject in this case the model, it just makes you think again about what works and maybe your not always right great video Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Gixxer 14 happy you like it. Please continue helping me make more by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc. - MIKE :-)

[@obiemad]

Another great one, Mike! I especially like the fact that you, the photographer, asked Stephanie to become more than a model - to stand by your side as your co-teacher. I learned so much from both of you. Thanks!

[@mml3140]

I was on the fence about trying this. But this video walk through and the reverse engineering premise are fantastic. Thank you!

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Angel Rodriguez for those kind words - MELISSA ( for Mike )

[@johngarroch]

So much information in this short video. Thanks Mike and Stephie

[@petermoeller5901]

I can see Steph is an experienced model, confident, pretty, she would be great to work with. Great video, I wish this would have been around when I started with models... Yes, HANDS!!!! That's really a tough one! I find that even some semi-experienced models I worked with struggled with hands and needed help... and I hardly know what I'm doing. I find what really helps is to take 3 seconds, look at the image and "read the body language". If the image looks "tense" or "uncomfortable", what creates this look and address it. Often is clenched hands, crosses arms, that kind of thing. My advice for photographers, use websites (like maybe StarNow or ModelMayhem) and do a casting call for models who are willing to work with you on TFP basis on a portfolio shoot. Be honest about your level of experience. My first casting call led to two Saturdays with 3 or 4 shoots each, and that in the small city of Christchurch with about 300.000 inhabitants. These two Saturdays were very exhausting, but I learnt SOOO much. I'm very proud that one of the experienced models still uses two of the images from our session in her professional portfolio. The two head-shots: www.nzmodels.com/models/julia No hands in those, though :) and not much posing either.

[@Bobbylopezcreative]

Thanks for taking us on your journey!

[@AlexandraStarr1974]

I do miss working with models sometimes, fashion shoots were always my fav subject, specially with an intelligent and confident model to work with. Your model is spot on, she has a slightly boyish body but she knows how to pose to make herself look more feminine, and it looks effortless, thats the mark of a true model! Well done Stephie and Mike, great advice here =)

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Alexandra Starr I agree ! Stephie Rebello did an amazing lovely job! She'll be delighted by your kind words - MELISSA ( for Mike )

[@mike_spotter_cr]

Excellent class! Beautiful model

[@ericgeorge5483]

Every day is a school day, thanks Mike and Steph, this was great.

[@rjvermaak]

I haven't watched one of Mike's vids in a long time, and I honestly don't know why not, they're all very, very intuitive and I really like watching them. Thanks Mike for posting these things, they're awesome.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you +Riaan Vermaak Please help me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc. - MIKE

[@MikeDewisBaritone]

Brilliant, three awesome people. Dave the camera man is a legend too. Learned so much from this video. Thank you!

[@rotamota33]

Most of the work I do is with models, and I've worked with some great ones and some not so great ones, but I've not thought before of asking the model to teach me stuff. So that's what I'm going to do. Thanks for pointing out such a simple but effective idea, Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

You're welcome Colin D Just make sure the model is experienced - MIKE

[@rorycampbell7360]

More of the same Mike. Clear, concise and interesting. Thank you.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Rory Campbell - MELISSA ( for Mike )

[@andrewfrost8866]

Mike, this is video gold! So much truth from Steph, and DKP on video, pure value.

[@DaveKaiPiper]

Andrew Frost Whooop !!

[@tomgee887]

Very helpful tutorial your the best Mike, Tom G

[@Trader-CL]

Absolutely priceless. Thanks Mike and Steph ... and Dave ofcourse!

[@xidzenturres]

Such a great model. She knows how to pose and how to not. Very good idea with hiring model just for practice. Great video Mike!

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Solid gold Mike! ... and thanks Steph.

[@PostColorGear]

wonderful video! I've been looking for a bunch of these videos of lately and this came at a perfect time! And you make such a good point. No better place to get advice on posing than actually talking to someone who does it professionally! Thanks Mike!

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries The Post Color Blog Happy you like it - MIKE

[@stephierebello9126]

The Post Color Blog I glad you found it helpful, :)

[@Brummiejohn200]

Great video Mike the model really knew her stuff.

[@DaveKaiPiper]

John Wellings Steph is great !!

[@Joniene]

Thank you! Steph rocked this!

[@Juan_Hernandez_Jr.]

These are great tips. I'd really like to do model photography, so this really helps. Thanks for sharing.

[@DenisAhmet]

Informative and entertaining - Love to see passionate people expressing themselves. Keep them coming Mike - your doing just great!

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you +Denis Ahmet for the really nice comment ! - MELISSA ( for Mike )

[@minhtruong6990]

Mike and Stephie, I am a painter who works with models, and learned a lot from your video. Thank you both ! Nonetheless, Mike, I partially disagree with you. An experienced photographer, or painter, may benefit from precisely the inexperience of an amateur model if natural poses are what it's about. With some adjustments, I have succeeded in creating , with first time models, images that appear convincingly ''non-posed'', ie, strongly spontaneous. So, I'd say, let's keep the options open, and have confidence in the creative moment ! Thanks again, and all the best !

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Minh. I think you missed the point. I'm saying INEXPERIENCED photographers can learn a lot by hiring PROFESSIONAL models... Hope that cleared up any confusion... MIKE

[@jaytube227]

Best beginning video on modelling I've seen...thank you for uploading.

[@JamesMeyer]

Thanks this is a great help as my photography career continues evolve and grow.

[@MikeBrowne]

Happy to help +James Meyer - MIKE

[@vimalneha]

Mike, you are a great photographer and teacher, i love seeing your instructive videos! Forgot appreciating Steffie, she taught a whole world of difference.

[@amthunder1]

Great teaching tool. I'm also impressed that you did this in the middle of the day! (harsh light) Thank you for taking the time to teach us something great.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks amthunder1 - MIKE

[@ElectricCelluloid]

Only just got round to seeing this. As Mike says: "Gold dust". Thanks Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks. Yep - a professional model can teach us a lot about posing...MB🙏

[@Oozywolf]

Very helpful! Posing is one of the hardest things for me to get the hang of now, so this was beyond helpful :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks, happy to help Oozywolf - MIKE

[@stakstonkvinge]

Very nice and helpful video. I've learnt quite a bit from it. Beautiful model! Thank you!

[@MikeBrowne]

Happy to help +Lars Kvinge . Please continue helping me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc. - MIKE

[@jcorona25]

Mike I would like to give you a million likes for this video! Thank you so much!!!! And thanks a million Steph for shearing your knowledge

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries jcorona25 happy you like it. Please help me make more videos like this one by sharing it with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc. - MIKE

[@caballeroPL]

Good stuff Mike, as always.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks ***** - MIKE

[@Berus7777]

Really informative. Great model, great presenting, great topic! Cheers for another helpful video, Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Berus7777 , glad you like it, - MELISSA ( for Mike )

[@minh-dungtruong4970]

Great tips from Steph ! Thank you both ! I must say, though, that in my experience as a painter, I have had the opportunity to work with first time models, and their spontaneity and authenticity , along with my experience, result more often than not , in high quality creativity.

[@pauld7522]

Great advice! I'm new to portrait and head shot photography. Now, I have some starting points to optimize my results.

[@MikeBrowne]

glad it helped Paul - Melissa

[@52701970]

Thank you to you both..I learned a lot.

[@iShaneel]

Very informative video! Thanks Mike!

[@pedrortega]

Very good Mike! Hope theres a sequel e.g you and Steph in the studio with headshot poses. Would love too learn more style tips from her. Cheers!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Pedro Ortega I don't shoot in a studio - all my work is environmental. How ever there is a full on fashion shoot video with Steph and her fashion photographer boyfriend Dave Kai-Piper coming in a few months - MIKE

[@DaveKaiPiper]

Mike Browne Looking forward to the video coming out !! Very excited !!

[@pedrortega]

Mike Browne Glad to know. Thank you both!

[@ZoBadr]

It would be very interesting to know how can someone dislike any of your videos , great stuff as usual thanks for sharing

[@MikeBrowne]

hi +Badr Elsammani. thank you for the lovely comment! -MELISSA ( for Mike )

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

Great video Mike.

[@PunctualPothead]

That was an awesome video...I have a hard time knowing what to tell my subjects to do and none of them are professionals so they don't know either...now I have a huge advantage in making my portrait shots so much better. Thanks again, Mike!

[@KB_Lincolnshire_Photography]

I've shot both beginner and pro models and pro models make the job of the photographer so much more easier but having done so I can help the beginners pose better. So yeah I agree with everything in this video

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks +KB Photography - MIKE

[@davidatkin5498]

Thanks Mike. I loved the poses however I don't altogether agree with the negatives against the "Classic" poses. Some look good and yes some look bad. But I've learned on this one Thanks again.

[@cozmiccaptures]

yeah she really is very good and friendly on camera. nice pose guidings

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Ali 🙏🏻

[@norgerichard]

She really have a lot of knowledge. Beautiful modell

[@Bananaboogiebone]

brilliant extreamly helpful vid thank to the model n yrself

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you +peter wilson - Melissa pp Mike :)

[@thelining4078]

9:04 he’s like the annoying uncle at the christmas party who just can’t stop talking... :) informative video.

[@Smarty3853]

"So - Teach me Shit!" Did he really say that?

[@Smarty3853]

"I'm coming a bit" Did he really say that?

[@janiceburke6037]

@@Smarty3853 TRUE!

[@adrianhydephotography]

Oh my she knows her stuff. Great video thanks for uploading Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks +Adrian Hyde Photography she sure does. I'm going to be running a workshop day with Steph and her fashion photographer partner Dave Kai-Piper in Amersham near London later this year. If you're in Uk please keep an eye on the Facebook page and website where we'll announce it.. BTW have you seen the other vids I did with Steph and Dave? Links to part 1 (which is an interview, parts 2 and 3 are a shoot) below. Yo'll see links to other parts on the video... - MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/videos/tips-and-features/features/fashion-photography-1

[@adrianhydephotography]

I do not plan to be back in the UK this summer but I will share your information on your workshops. You do a workshop in Zurich It is my home city. You would be very welcome to have coffee and cake with us anytime you are over.

[@MikeBrowne]

Adrian Hyde Photography Thank you - I'm in Zurich in 2 weeks time for the workshop. Thanks for the offer to drop in for cake, sadly i'm going to be pretty busy with everyone. maybe another time.. MIKE

[@luyfljf862]

This was really good and healpful !!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Minessa, please do share it too so we can make more! - Melissa pp Mike

[@wiinick71]

I love to shoot people, and always struggled with direction, I`ve recently become good friends with a free lance model, and I`m learning so much! good vid!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks wiinick71 - CHRISTINA

[@wxtornado]

Great tips in this video, thanks for doing this, and awesome name by the way!

[@tomlee812]

Cracking and really helpful video. For us "enthusiastic amateurs" out there videos like this are really helpful and we can learn so much. I'm impressed....

[@kartikeyvats]

Great video Mike ... Please do one with male model as well... 👍👍

[@KRShaw242]

Excellent and informative video Mike and Steph is a gorgeous legendary model.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Kevin Shaw - she sure is. Steph's a very interesting, intelligent and adventurous lady too. - MIKE

[@stephierebello9126]

Thank you Kevin Shaw :)

[@jaykanyi]

she is a wonderful teacher. Can we she teacher us more?

[@DenisThibeault_inci]

Very informative and full of useful tips, will re-watch the video a few more times before I even attempt to work with a model! Thanks Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Denis glad you like it, please do share it too so we can make more - Melissa pp Mike

[@smurfrock]

This was a good video. Thanks.

[@Knappist]

Thanks Mike and Steph for this tutorial very useful, top marks 👍

[@joecerda630]

great stuff...thank you for sharing

[@Oggiwara1]

Great video as always, Mike! You point out something very important here. It maybe cheap(or even no cost) to get a TFP model or neighbor when you start shooting models, but you won't learn much from it.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Svein Arne Grønnevik - MIKE

[@davesharp5197]

as always a good honest video. thank you.

[@iaingeoghan2548]

Got really, really lucky to shoot with a current ballerina/actress, and previous model. I was on holiday, visiting my sister in Europe. I must say that Super model Rebello is nailing all the bits I was petrified of at first!! AND more. great stuff. I model can do a lot to improve your own photography massively in so many ways; so many that I cannot begin to list them or I may be a year late for work. THANKS Stephie Rebello

[@NdudePYTC]

How does this video not have a million views! Thanks Mike!!!

[@artlopez1311]

It will after I get through with it

[@VErandom]

Cous it's 16 minutes long

[@kennethchanSG]

xcellant works as always & beautiful background

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks +kenneth chan - MIKE ;-)

[@kennethchanSG]

Cheers mate.

[@adrianhydephotography]

In Zürich city and Pfäffikon again. The weather is lovely and warm at the moment.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hope it continues whilst I'm there +Adrian Hyde Photography - MIKE

[@GrahamTaylorScotland]

Enjoyed the video and loved the compliment to Steph at the beginning :). How about a follow up with the "girl/guy next door" and ask Steph to show them how while you shoot.

[@MikeBrowne]

I like that idea Graham Taylor - I'll see what Steph says. Thank you. - MIKE

[@GrahamTaylorScotland]

You're welcome.

[@stephierebello9126]

Graham Taylor I think that would be a lot of fun, I have taught quite a few amateur models and it is always fun when they see the results on the back of the camera after being taught a few tricks.

[@GrahamTaylorScotland]

Stephie Rebello should make an interesting video if you and Mike can get together on it. Good luck.

[@martinbenford3442]

Mike excellent

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks +Martin Benford - MIKE

[@richweaving349]

Hi Mike, long term fan and I guess I have you to thank for getting me (or rather giving me the confidence!) to get into photography and but my first DSLR. Please keep up the good work! :) P.S. Good to see you shooting vids on Hythe waterfront. I lived a 5 minute walk from there for the last 3 years and recently moved to Oxford, so I'm missing it terribly! It's a great place to take pics.

[@MikeBrowne]

Sure is Rich Weaving Happy you like the vid - MIKE

[@truptirajput538]

very informative... n liked d line 'Dont touch d model'..

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Trupti Rajput - MIKE :-)

[@prcole18]

Mike your videos are excellent. I think I have watched most of them and have learned so much. Thanks. Have just bought a Panasonic Lumix FZ330 which I am practicing with. Thanks again.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Paul - MIKE

[@MrLeopard5]

Thank you Mike, compliments

[@milkbread5036]

Very helpful thank you!!

[@MaxRunyon]

Great info. Thanks so much! The model is so sweet. I vlog about my travels, art and life in New York if anyone is into that kind of thing. Cheers!

[@valdanomorgan977]

Excellent stuff Mike. Wonderful stuff and great idea on how to learn posing. I just made a few phonecalls, though one of them happened to be a lovely lady in my community :). Hopefully she knows a thing or two.

[@TomalBhattacharjee]

that's really a superb video tutorial... can you make a similar video with a non model... and a different body type . and in which you will be giving directions to your subject...

[@MikeBrowne]

Good idea for a future video - CHRISTINA

[@EWELINABLACHUT]

Great video!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you +EWELINA BLACHUT - MIKE

[@artlopez1311]

Brother u got the best job !

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks +Art Lopez - MIKE

[@theumpire]

Hi Mike, Another great video with excellent pointers. Only problem is that it makes me think, maybe that is a good thing. So I was wondering if it was possible to suggest some similar video clips. For example some tips on how to pose the average person in a casual setting (i.e. you're at a picnic say and you only have your camera and want to get a nice photo of your better half against a nice background without it looking like a snapshot), or is this covered in your 7 building blocks course? Alternatively how to pose & take flattering photos of people who aren't as photogenic or polished as a model. I had better stop there, before I get too many other ideas. Thanks again, now to find a model and go and practice...

[@d3c4d3]

really enjoy this video..nice

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you +Griffinsky 林 :) - Melissa pp Mike

[@jaynishmakwana]

Thank you for sharing quality information

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Jaynish, please do share so we can me more! - Melissa pp Mike

[@manjistharawat9144]

I enjoyed it!! Thanks :)

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries - happy to help Manjistha Rawat - MIKE :-)

[@AlexandreLollini]

What a lovely video ! In fact it could help both ways, sometimes the don'ts make great shots, and not only when you want to make a 60's like pin'up theme shooting. "The model is an actor", and also the poses around 10:40 talked a lot to me. I would add to the video that if the model is an actor, the director is both the photographer and the model, it does not work if both are not open to learning.

[@veselinvasilev9362]

Thank You!

[@MikeBrowne]

You're welcome!

[@wandererstraining]

Very massively interesting, thank you! :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you wandererstraining great to know you like it. Please continue helping me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc.

[@TheBobby600]

Very interesting !

[@DiiZeh_]

I enjoy your videos Mike :) I like any tips and tricks :D I have the Nikon D7200 now - I LOVE it! :D

[@vicky197805]

i find you good teacher:-)

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Mike, There's some right posers in Swindon Wiltshire. You should come here and take some photo's of them:) LOL On a serious note. Thanks for all the videos. They are a great help. Sandy

[@vicky197805]

hey nice video mike but why are you not posting some video on high key and low key photography that would be great

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks street photo hunt I'll make some though they'll be environmental not studio based because i don't shoot in a studio - MIKE

[@uptownphotography]

Great video Mike...I liked the way you clipped the wireless mic transmitter on Steph's back....I thought her audio sounded too good not to have a wireless setup, so I started looking for it...

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you +Uptown Photography you sussed it. Crappy sound means no one can hear what's going on so we always use radio mics. Well spotted - MIKE :-)

[@uptownphotography]

+Mike Browne Yes, I agree. I started w/wedding videography in 1994 (before switching to photography my current profession) and the wireless mic on the wedding vows was an absolute must. Audio can make or break a video. You guys always have great audio....even on the cows in the field video (one of my favs). Well done.

[@MikeBrowne]

Uptown Photography Thanks. Yes I worked as a camera man / editor for a TV production company for a while where I learnt that audio is more important than the picture. We can always get shots to cover what is being said, but video with no dialog for the kind of vids I do is useless.. - MIKE

[@atrisharma1184]

Fantastic video Mike - exactly what I was looking for. Could you do a similar one for Male posing? And thinking about buying your video tutorials - do you go more in depth with them? thanks.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Jungli 999 yes the paid courses are more in depth depending on what course it is, and yes we are now thinking of " how to pose for male ' so keep your eyes peeled! - MElISSA ( for Mike )

[@UGV88]

My god, she is so gorgeous and I love her accent *.*

[@adiferaro4917]

Great video

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks - MIKE

[@ragilmalik]

i am new into this photography thing, and coming from recommendation of tony & chelsea. for the first 30 seconds, i think i'm gonna fall hard for your channel. nice way of opening & presenting content, sir. thanks for the knowledge 👍

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Ragil Malik. Are you saying Tony & Chelsea suggested my channel? Please let me know if they did so I can say thanks and do the same for them. All 300+ free vids are categorized and searchable on my site and most have an article with them which explains more. Please pop by the link below and see what you think... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/videos