Every professional or novice photographer understands that the key to making great photos is to master the art of posing the subjects. Whether you are taking a portrait, or a wedding picture or fun at home or even your pets, posing is important to the successful capture of the mood.

Your must first prepare for the photo. You have to plan on how you are going to take the photo so that it brings out the essence of the subject(s). You should decide on how the photos should be taken and where they should be taken. Give yourself room for deviations if necessary. If you are planning outdoor photography, you should take into consideration the best time to take the photos and the position of the camera in relation to the sun so that you capture the features of the subject. If you are photographing an event, you should ask the client for information that will help you make a run sheet of the type and number of photos that you are supposed to take and you can tick them off as you go along.

Ensure that your subject is at ease and comfortable before you take the photo. You should direct them on how to pose so that they look as natural as possible. Talking to your subject as you take the photographs helps them to be comfortable. It is better when you throw in a few anecdotes that will make your subject laugh or smile since this puts them at ease.

The background of the subject is also important when you are posing them. It should compliment the photo and bring out the subject clearly. If your subject is wearing a white dress, then a white background would take away the beauty of the dress and therefore water down the beauty of the whole photo. If you are taking photographs outdoors select scenery that will add to the appeal of the photo.

Do not just take a single photo and move on to the next scene or pose. Take many shots of the same scene and pose, but from different angles so that you end up with the perfect shot. Group photos should be taken several times, since one of the members may be blinking or yawning when you snap the camera.

A swipe file from photos that you have taken or cut out of a magazine can be helpful in posing your subject. Posing in photography can only be perfected through constant practice. Always analyze your work and see how best to improve on it.

Having a good knowledge of poses in photography can help you to improve your overall photography and it will also give you a new level of professionalism.

It's important to explore different photography poses and not be afraid to get it wrong, you'll find that making mistakes can often lead to new and exciting shots.