How to Pose People who are NOT Models

[@juliatrotti]

Check out the Lightroom Presets I used to edit the photos in this video :) Here: www.digitalfilmactions.com/lightroom-presets/#/new-york-lightroom-preset/ 💛

[@นัชนัชชา-ฬ8ฦ]

Happy Happy

[@anahywho3943]

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. 🤣

[@cOzeify]

This tip is gold! ❤️

[@xpikabuch3zx]

i find this to be very true

[@fluximagery6500]

🤯🤯🤯🤯 so smart!!!!! Using this with my daughters. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾😍🔥

[@Dardjiskien]

Very good idea thanks !

[@RudiPrihandoko]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@dacastardust]

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 ❤️

[@F1SHB1TCH]

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”

[@samiameah2836]

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!

[@geritisdale-brock7247]

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.

[@maksphoto78]

Covered right at the beginning of the video, actually. I.e. don't be silent, talk to the model, direct, show the photos.

[@Hubieee]

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.

[@mjztx]

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

[@AjayChorat]

Matthew Zamarron thanks

[@andrekaled]

Thanks

[@MichelleCoxPhotography]

Oh yes communication is EVERYTHING. Photoshoots can be as awkward as we make them... so we definitely need to talk more haha

[@asghiasughiqughbqwg]

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.

[@juanquispe3494]

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..."

[@5-moviein5minute6]

what's sguarespace mean?

[@axiom6947]

ahahha i laugh so loud!!!

[@atovenuh3055]

😂😂😂😘👌🏻👍

[@missautumn764]

Hahahahahah

[@johnrathee]

hahahh Bang on

[@johnherzel718]

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!

[@juliatrotti]

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!

[@Triplebuc50]

Thanks!

[@sidhup77]

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.

[@rebelwarrior8444]

Haha, flip the hair makes me laugh

[@StudioMyron]

Totally agree with you on this

[@denitahouse1791]

I definitely agree that there should be more videos with male models.

[@ktwo08]

I’ve been waiting for this! Thank you, Julia. Request: posing tips when photographing curvy/plus size models

[@juliatrotti]

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.

[@ChristianCampo]

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

[@Naufal-sq3oo]

Make the Men version! 😿😿

[@juliatrotti]

That's such a good idea, will work on it :)

[@andrescastillo07]

yes please! I would be greaaaat!

[@atovenuh3055]

Julia Trotti yes please do that ♥️

[@mr.90s81]

Yes! Yes! Pleasee!!

[@kamleshbarah9899]

@@juliatrotti yess please 😍😍💝

[@lesliejones8767]

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.

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! Yeah those movement poses are always a great icebreaker :)

[@bekuseku]

Hey, can you make a video about how to find your clients and models? Etc.. thank you for the great videos!!

[@TylerEdwards]

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 :)

[@juliatrotti]

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.

[@jasonthompson2364]

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

[@BoudoirbyYA]

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.

[@susanscherr3836]

Julia, thanks so much for all of your great teaching videos. Can you help me understand how you focus your camera with your subject moving as much as they move? In one of your videos you were using live view and shooting while your subject moving, how did you maintain focus? Appreciate your help. Susan

[@PhilippPley]

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 :)

[@seanballacchino3117]

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!

[@dingbat19]

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.

[@TiffyJay56]

Hey Julia, any chance you could explain to me why you use a 35mm lens for portrait shoots? I love the shots, I was just wondering what the reasoning behind it is? I just bought an 80mm as I thought this is what I needed for portraits, so would love to know your thoughts on why you use a 35mm in this situation

[@MadcapMatt]

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.

[@juliatrotti]

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 :)

[@markharris5771]

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.

[@juliatrotti]

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 :)

[@MiBackpacking]

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!

[@shayhemdee77]

OMG you are a life saver i'm advanced photographer and i started photograph amature models thank you very much

[@revanthkumar1183]

I felt Tip 3 was the best. I feel candid pictures are the best.

[@alias4577-f5q]

as a beginner portrait photographer, I have to say your videos are fantastic. thank you!

[@SteveNgynn]

I should have seen this video before my photoshoot!. Great lesson for me. Thanks Julia!

[@BreakyourboundariesTv]

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!

[@juliatrotti]

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!

[@BreakyourboundariesTv]

@@juliatrotti Yesss, definitely give it a watch!!

[@laurabaumel689]

I would love a part 2!! Just what I needed and helps so much!!

[@abelgreeve3641]

Hey julia. i just bought your preset ¨yaaay :) im just a bit confuse, do you have any tips on what type of weather or environment you would use your preset? :)

[@amelshaoui6742]

Hello. I really love your shots. I have a question for you I'm a beginner in photography and l wanna buy a camera so what do you recommend, my salutations from Algeria ❤

[@user-ow7bi3se2b]

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 :)

[@VenTimofey]

Looking forward to using this stuff with my friends. Also love the comment section. A lot of helpful comments from people. Thank you!

[@juandiegov]

Thanks for the video! Are you using back button focus? And I think I see you pressing it continously, so are you using continuous focusing? Thanks!

[@juliatrotti]

Nope, I use the shutter to focus. The thing I am touching on the back is the joystick to move around my focus point to always be on the eye of my model :)

[@sangeeta.atray02]

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

[@tonyasieg8176]

I like the movement idea, and the not looking at the camera. Im going to try these.

[@beverleyroberts1025]

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! 😄

[@brietoujours1343]

Movement is something I want to try in my next photoshoot, and yes please do a part 2!

[@baisakhsreevidyamadhu9404]

@julia Trotti all u r tips are so good nd effective 👍👍...nd can u pls tell wht focusing mode u used to take these photos (MF or AF)? especially in the 3rd tip(movement)??

[@MissWeerdo]

This helps so much! :D And your sister is so pretty! Lovely smile!

[@saulmirandaaliaga]

AWESOME video, thank you very much, Julia!!!!!

[@julianmclean3869]

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...........

[@adrianlw2010]

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.

[@juliatrotti]

So glad you found it helpful and thank you! Hope your shoot goes really well 😊

[@Ohanaloveu]

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!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you and yess would love to work on a shooting manual part 2 video :D

[@Sandeepmr]

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. :)

[@jasone2240]

Refreshing that about photography rather than equipment - more please.

[@edus82]

‘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 👍

[@kriscu16]

How do you set up your settings for movement photos? Shooting at TV or M?

[@coolpix807]

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.

[@noneyabusiness2501]

Julia, I might sound silly but I’m Just starting to do photography! I own a Canon 80d..it’s what my husband surprised me with! I’ve been taking a lot of natural light photos and mainly of moving kids..how do I prevent any type of motion blur like from their arms moving or hand waving..? Like I noticed your pics aren’t blurring at all when you snap shots of your sister walking..I did that with my sister and her arms/feet blurred..I do only have the basic lens on, If that matters though...any recommendations. ??? Thank you so much. ❤️

[@raventree7707]

Im also just a beginner but try to to make the shutter speed faster

[@noneyabusiness2501]

Raven Tree I do have it up but I still tend to get a blur or then it’s too dark?

[@raventree7707]

@@noneyabusiness2501 well then i dont know what to do :/

[@juliatrotti]

Try shooting outdoors or somewhere where there is lots of light so you can make your shutter speed faster! If you are shooting indoors or when it's darker, this might be what's causing blurred movement. A faster shutter speed (something over 1/200 or more) when shooting moving subjects should help :)

[@earlmcnulty4665]

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!

[@RWeber-tz5yu]

LOOVVE!!!! the movement idea....

[@cmck1777]

This is so bloody useful!!! Do you have more videos like this?

[@KyleCWong]

Haha I love the beginning shot of how awkward it is when it's silent 😂 just laughing through it all

[@PearlDsouza30]

I used to follow your blog way back in 2009 & I still use your PS curves! So happy to see you on KZbin. Thanks algorithm

[@shaileshphotographyfilms4812]

Im gonna try movement in my tmrws shoot ... Thanks for some nice tips

[@ciprianumbrarescu3099]

The Best to you Best Julia!!!

[@jayleeroseneal]

I loved this I'm going to start photography , what was the apture you were using with this shoot? i'm a newbie to all this!

[@gollywoodgossip6675]

Please tell us that by which camera u cover your videos . Do u use tripod or some shoot you while giving tips about photography???

[@Ranblv]

Your sister has such kind eyes. good tips.

[@nikilson]

Great ideas ♥️ Your tips totally changed photography 👌👌

[@philipgranger6918]

I just watched your video, thanks. I am doing the wedding pictures for sons wedding at the end of the month. It is a responsibility, because you only get one bite at the apple, there are no do overs. I have done wedding pictures before back in the day with my Ricoh SLR 35mm film camera. Do you have any advice for when I take pictures of the bride on her own, like should I do mostly full shots two show off the dress, and less head shots? There are trees at the venue , where I can place her.

[@juliatrotti]

I like to get as many varying shots as I can of a bride, full body so you can see the dress, closeups as well because I think its important to have both! My best tip is to look for some inspiration photos and make a list of all the poses you want to capture so you're prepared on the day :)

[@philipgranger6918]

Thanks for the advice, it was really helpful.

[@asdrsdgfdgfhgh]

Omg I love this video. It’s so helpful. Also what is the name of the background music you used at the beginning until like 3:18. Thank you.

[@hemendrapatel3719]

Nice tips, also like you put camera settings for pictures. Just wondering which filter used?

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! I used my New York Lightroom Preset to edit all these photos: www.digitalfilmactions.com/lightroom-presets/#/new-york-lightroom-preset/ :)

[@Carkysunt]

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.

[@johnnabreault]

Hello! I noticed that your 35mm lens seems a lot “longer” than most... is it an extender you put on it? Thank you so much!

[@allandrinoquitalig5558]

omg your sister also pretty, nice video Julia you are absolutely right about it.

[@mdh2006]

Thank you. As a new photographer, this gives me lots of ideas, and shows how much fun this is.

[@Ultrarmx]

Yes, give us a part ii Ty so much. Your videos have been helping us all.

[@tonysammut3799]

Hi, great stuff Julia, I love your videos. Question - in the settings listed by the side of each shot in this video the aperture is pretty much always listed as f1.4 whereas the exposure times and and ISO vary. Are you changing these manually or are you using an aperture prioritisation mode with Auto ISO? Cheers, Tony

[@jennifermills1979]

I had the same question!

[@remsatroy]

This video was very helpful! And your sister vibes are out the roof! I love how she's so happy all the time!!

[@orangekabrown]

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.

[@juliatrotti]

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

[@bernadettegaton2221]

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.

[@marieyau9814]

Fantastic video and great tips. Julia do you shoot on manual or aperture priority? Thanks

[@juliatrotti]

Thanks! I use manual :)

[@PhilC_Adventures]

Great tips!! Thanks for sharing!... Have you done posing tips for couples? Those are just as challenging. :)

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! I haven't made a video about that yet but I would love to in the future! I do a lot of wedding photography, so I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve :D

[@jonathanwarren959]

5 Years later and Julia this is still funny. "Go stand over there" *Awkward Silence while taking photos* 🤣🤣🤣

[@DaveBellPhoto]

This is wonderful! Curious if you were switching the settings during the shoot or on auto. Seemed like a wide range of settings for the same light. Very fun moments! Thank you

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! I always shoot on manual. It doesn't look like the lighting was changing much, but since the sun was setting it was getting darker and darker very quickly! haha

[@DaveBellPhoto]

Thank you Julia!

[@ngocanhhoang7040]

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 !!!!

[@dashamatyskina4429]

Great video, looking forward to watching part 2 ☺️

[@pablodoncor]

Hi, I wonder how to focus perfectly well when the subject is moving around. My camera doesn't have continuous eye auto focus. Any tips? Greetings from Argentina!

[@kamea4023]

Hi Julia, very informative videos. What are your thoughts on candid photos? And how to shoot in super crowded places like New York streets? Please help. THank you.🤗🥰

[@TAGxT]

Would love a part 2, or a similar video with how to pose guys!

[@ronvillarrealphotography]

Good tips and reminders. I really enjoyed the rapport you two have--the laughing throughout the shoot. Thanks for sharing.

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@saurabhshastri9549]

julia can u tell me for background music in ur video which site ur using ?

[@Selfpowered]

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?

[@juliatrotti]

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!

[@user-mb7jj1op1d]

Your sister is such a good model and very pretty as well!!

[@mateiplescan9311]

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!

[@12345648610]

Wow... she is so cute. Love you, i’m from Brasil. 😍😍😍😍

[@simonsen7621]

Yeah, Brazil loves you! :D

[@rahilsheikh8542]

O hellooooo julia is mine...pakistan loves u...

[@revanthkumar1183]

Hey Julia. Can you make a video on how to pose while having more than 1 person in the frame?

[@yitzchallevi8208]

Tell Georgina she should definitely model! Great job!

[@heynuna1911]

how did you photoshopped these photos, I love the filter you use with it and it is so cool!

[@magdakossowska7900]

Very helpful! I never though of not having the subject look at the camera.

[@cjazzfountain5666]

Men!!! Loved the shots!! Especially at the “sit down” and “no eye contact” tip. Really cool staff!!!

[@zhihar1]

Hello Julia! It is nice video for people who take camera first time in hand and also good for people who is taken. I have one question - what kind of settings on your camera you have when you take model when they are moving? One short or Ai servo?

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! I have a video about how I focus during movement here in case you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmLIh6WCn8l2sKM&t but basically I like to use one-shot as it works for me and the way I shoot!

[@TanyaKatherine]

I love your Sister's fashion!!! So cute!

[@insidefeelings9434]

Mam are you using aperture priority mode?

[@ashtoncorfios7692]

Would you make a video on how to know where to set your aperture, shutter and ISO quickly in different lighting situations during your photoshoot?

[@juliatrotti]

I have a video about shooting in manual made easy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3rVp4hrr6iSgNk in case you're interested :) But I'd love to make an updated version as well!