A beautiful face means nothing without proper positioning. The difference between amateur and professional portraits often comes down to pose and composition. In AI image generation, mastering these elements unlocks dramatic improvements in your results.
This guide covers everything from basic pose terminology to advanced composition rules that will transform your AI portraits from ordinary to extraordinary.
Shot Types & Framing
Understanding shot types is fundamental to portrait composition. Each framing creates a different emotional impact and visual story.
📷 Close-Up Shots
🎬 Wider Shots
Shot Type Keywords
Camera Angles
Camera angle dramatically affects how subjects are perceived. Different angles convey power, vulnerability, intimacy, or distance.
Low Angle (Worm's Eye)
Camera looking up at subjectCreates power, dominance, heroic feeling. Makes subject appear larger and more imposing.low angle shot, looking up, heroic pose, powerful stanceEye Level
Camera at subject's eye heightMost natural and relatable. Creates connection and equality with viewer.eye level shot, straight on, natural perspective, direct gazeHigh Angle (Bird's Eye)
Camera looking down at subjectCreates vulnerability, innocence, or diminished power. Makes subject appear smaller.high angle shot, looking down, from above, bird's eye viewDutch Angle (Tilted)
Camera tilted on its axisCreates tension, unease, dynamic energy. Used for dramatic or artistic effect.dutch angle, tilted frame, canted angle, dynamic compositionHead & Face Positions
The angle of the head relative to the camera creates vastly different moods and aesthetics.
Front Facing
Direct, confrontational, powerfulfacing camera, front view, direct gaze, symmetricalThree-Quarter View
Classic, flattering, dimensionalthree-quarter view, 3/4 angle, turned slightly, classic portraitProfile View
Artistic, dramatic, silhouette-readyprofile shot, side view, 90 degree angle, silhouetteportrait of [subject], [head position],
[gaze direction], [head tilt if any],
[camera angle], [framing type],
expressive pose, professional photographyBody Language & Poses
Body language communicates emotion and character. Different poses create entirely different narratives.
💪 Confident Poses
🌸 Relaxed Poses
🎭 Dynamic Poses
🎨 Artistic Poses
Hand Positions
Hands are notoriously difficult in AI generation. Specific positioning keywords help achieve better results.
✅ Reliable Hand Poses
- • hands in pockets
- • hands clasped together
- • hand on chin, thinking pose
- • hands behind back
- • holding an object
- • arms at sides, relaxed
⚠️ Challenging Poses
- • spread fingers visible
- • complex finger gestures
- • interlocked fingers
- • multiple hands overlapping
- • hands near face edges
- • pointing with fingers
Composition Rules
Apply classic composition principles to create visually compelling AI portraits.
Rule of Thirds
Place subject at intersection pointsrule of thirds composition, subject off-center, balanced framing, eyes at upper thirdCenter Composition
Subject dominates the framecentered composition, symmetrical framing, subject in center, powerful presenceGolden Ratio
Natural, aesthetically pleasing flowgolden ratio composition, fibonacci spiral, natural balance, harmonious proportionsLeading Lines
Guide viewer's eye to subjectleading lines, directional composition, visual flow, converging lines to subjectGaze Direction
Where the subject looks creates powerful narrative and emotional effects.
Direct Eye Contact
looking at camera, direct gaze, eye contact, engaging expressionLooking Away
looking away, gazing into distance, contemplative, lost in thoughtDownward Gaze
looking down, downcast eyes, introspective, pensive expressionComplete Pose Templates
professional headshot of [subject],
three-quarter view, slight head tilt,
confident smile, direct eye contact,
shoulders at angle, clean background,
eye level camera, medium close-up,
corporate photography, polished lookfashion editorial portrait of [subject],
dynamic pose, contrapposto stance,
dramatic three-quarter angle,
looking over shoulder, intense gaze,
full body shot, high fashion,
dutch angle composition, vogue stylecandid lifestyle portrait of [subject],
relaxed natural pose, genuine smile,
leaning casually, hands in pockets,
environmental portrait, soft lighting,
rule of thirds, authentic moment,
warm atmosphere, approachable feelQuick Reference
📷 Framing Keywords
🎥 Angle Keywords
Master Portrait Composition
Browse professional portrait prompts with perfect poses and composition. Create stunning portraits with proven techniques.Keywords: AI portrait poses, composition techniques, camera angles, portrait framing, Gemini3
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