Posed or spontaneous photos?

This question has always divided the amateur world: should you prefer posed photos to spontaneous ones ? This short article provides some food for thought on the subject.

The spontaneous (or natural) pose involves a person who does not know they are being photographed. The success of the photo depends essentially on the photographer's ability to "press at the right moment", to capture an expression that is often fleeting.

Conversely, a posed photo shows a person who knows they are being photographed. The fact that the gaze is directed at the camera or not makes no difference. The pose will be less natural than in the case of a spontaneous photo, but it should still seem adapted to the person, and should not give the impression of discomfort.

The table below shows the differences between these two approaches to photography.

Family photos, photos with friends or reports (weddings for example)

Studio photos (workshops, private sessions, etc.)

The photographer usually spends a lot of time with the people present (a whole evening or more) and is free to take photos from time to time.

We rarely have more than 2 hours to complete a session, including make-up..

The photographer can be forgotten.

With two people in a room, it's difficult for the photographer to be forgotten.

People are relaxed and have something to do, even if it's just talking to each other.

People are uncomfortable and have nothing to do but be photographed.

We're interested in the making of memories, not particularly in the sophistication of the image.

The lights are much more sophisticated but at the same time impose a certain rigidity, particularly in terms of the positioning of the subject.

In certain situations, and particularly in studio photography, it is completely unrealistic to rely on spontaneous photos taken on the spot. Photographers therefore need to learn how to direct their models (or clients) so that the pose looks natural but is also suited to the physique of the person being photographed. In the "Tutorials" section of this site, you'll find a few tips on directing models.