How to Make Men Look More Masculine Using Posing Techniques

    While women generally want to look thinner in pictures, men usually want to look stronger, more masculine. The poses are basically opposite. While you may have a woman turn at an angle to the camera with her weight on one foot in the back, you'd have a man plant his feet shoulder width apart, weight evenly distributed and squarely facing the camera.
    You can shoot from a lower point of view to make him look more powerful. Don't shoot from above or he'll look weaker.
    For a casual look, have him put one hand in his jacket or pants pocket. For some attitude, have him cross his arms or put his hands on his hips.
    Stark lighting can make a more chiseled look. Place a bright light to one side of the face to create greater contrast and make the facial features appear more masculine.
    Sports poses can bring out the masculine look. Have your subject dress in the outfit of his favorite sport and hold the sports equipment, be it a football, tennis racket, soccer ball or what have you. You can get him in an action shot throwing the football, hitting the tennis ball or kicking the soccer ball. Have him play the game, or pretend to play it, to capture a variety of poses.
    For a seated pose, put him behind a desk or table sitting up straight and square towards the camera. He could cross his arms and lean forward onto them for a more casual look.
    If your subject has muscles, show them off with a tight fitting shirt or no shirt at all.
    Keep the background and surroundings simple so the focus will be on the subject. Any objects in the picture should relate to the subject's personality or point of view.
    Facial expressions also denote masculinity. A scowl, of course, is masculine, but there is a wide variety of looks. He could look stern, could look friendly, he could look pensive. Ask him to think about something that makes him feel good if you want a smile, or think about something that concerns him if you want a worried look.
    You don't always have to try to make a man look masculine, but when that's the look you're trying to achieve, these tips can help. For more tips on taking better photos, go to howtophoto.net.