The Art of the Angle: Posing for Flattering Portraits

Unlock the secrets to posing with confidence and intention in The Art of the Angle, a three-part workshop designed to help photographers create more flattering, expressive, and professional portraits. Whether you're photographing clients, friends, or yourself, understanding how to guide poses can dramatically elevate your work.

As a photographer, knowing how to pose is essential to creating portraits that feel authentic, flattering, and visually compelling. This interactive workshop is designed to demystify the art of posing and give you the tools to direct your subjects with confidence and ease.

What You'll Learn:

The Foundations of Great Posing

• The key elements that make a pose look natural and flattering
• How posture, angles, and body positioning can enhance (or detract from) an image
• Universal tips that work across body types, genders, and ages

Understanding Body Language

• How to read and guide subtle shifts in expression and movement
• Using hands, eyes, and shoulders to communicate mood or emotion
• How to avoid stiff or awkward poses and bring out natural energy

Communicating with Your Subject

• How to give clear, confident direction during a shoot
• Phrases and techniques to make your subject feel comfortable and empowered
• Tips for working with shy or first-time models

Practice Makes Perfect

• Hands-on practice (with models or partners) to apply what you've learned
• Live feedback and real-time corrections to improve your eye and approach
• Tips for finding go-to poses and adjusting them on the fly

More to posing:

• How camera angles and lenses affect the look of a pose
• Posing for different styles: headshots, lifestyle, fashion, and fine art
• Creating movement in still images for a more dynamic result

Leave this class with:

• A posing toolkit you can use at every shoot
• A better understanding of how to flatter your subject through movement and posture
• The confidence to direct anyone — even the most camera-shy — like a pro!

Part 1: Online Seminar – Foundations of Flattering Poses

Date: Friday July 25th 6:30pm-8:30pm | Location: Live Online (recorded for playback)

This introductory session will set the stage for the full workshop experience. You’ll learn the core principles of posing for portraits, including how body angles, hand placement, posture, and facial expressions can impact your final image. We'll cover how to work with different body types, create comfort in front of the lens, and tailor poses to your subject's personality and style. Expect plenty of visual examples and practical tips you can begin using right away.

Part 2: In-Person Workshop – Guided Practice in Boulder

Date: Saturday July 26th 11:00am-1:00pm| Location: Mike’s Camera, Boulder

In this hands-on class session, you'll put theory into practice! With a live model and expert instruction in our Boulder classroom, you'll have the opportunity to direct and capture portraits using your new posing skills. We'll explore how lighting, perspective, and communication all play a role in making your subject look and feel their best. Each attendee will receive individual guidance throughout the shoot.

Part 3: Online Image Critique – Review & Refine

Date: Monday August 4th 6:30pm-8:30pm | Location: Live Online (recorded for playback)

Wrap up the series with a collaborative critique session. We’ll review images taken during the in-person workshop and offer constructive feedback on composition, posing, and execution. This is your chance to learn not only from your own work but from your peers as well. You’ll leave with a stronger understanding of how to refine your portrait skills moving forward.

Limited to just 10 attendees for maximum interaction and feedback.
All experience levels welcome, from emerging photographers to seasoned shooters looking to refine their portrait techniques.

About your instructors, Joe Klocek and Jennifer Pinckney:

Joe Klocek has worked in the photographic industry as a photographer, salesman, and instructor since 2005. Today he teaches courses on a variety of topics, including macro, wildlife, exposure theory, videography, and studio lighting. In the past few years he has been a guest speaker for photographic societies and travel expositions. He lives in Denver with his wife, son, and unmanageable book collection.

Jennifer Pinckney works for Mike's Camera as a content creator and freelance photographer. She received a BGA in Commercial Photography and Videography and has been creating and telling stories ever since! She enjoys teaching photography and sharing the knowledge that she has learned.

Also check out other Workshops in Gridley, Arts events in Gridley, Photography events in Gridley.