Book ~ "Posing, Composition, and Cropping Master Techniques for Digital Portrait Photographers" (2012) Christopher Grey

From Goodreads ~ Successful poses are shown to be achieved through a thorough understanding of the client's personality and their objectives for the image's use. Next, the mechanics of positioning the human body are thoroughly explained with special attention given to each part of the physical form to make it look its best. Specialized techniques for different styles of portrait (including head shots for actors, senior portraits, aand editorial fashion portraits) are offered, allowing photographers to better tailor the pose. 

Also covered are different approaches to directing the subject, from very hands-on in which the photographer refines every aspect of the pose to a more relaxed strategy of general guidance with only occasional instruction for selective posing refinement. 

Using the techniques presented in this book, photographers will be able to more efficiently and effectively present their subjects in flattering ways and in eye-catching compositions.

I like reading books about photography.  Gord and I have taken classes and I'd like to get better at it.  Books remind me of this.

This book's chapters include:

1. Conceiving a Successful Image - what is the primary use of the image, how much drama is necessary, what will the client(s) wear, what is the condition of the subject's hands and nails, etc.
2. Posing - working with the face, hands, arms and shoulders, posing an executive, posing of the feet and legs, secrets to working with couples and groups, etc.
3. Composition - rule of thirds, power of triangles, etc.
4. Cropping and Making the Most of a Large File
5. Avoiding Common Mistakes
6. Creating Attitude

This is a good book for beginners right up to pros.

There were tons of pictures to show what the author was talking about.  For example, showing the difference between the placement of the shoulders and/or the tilt of the head on the picture.  Or the placement of the legs and feet.  Or the effect on the picture if you crop it at a joint (an elbow, etc.).  These are probably things that pros do naturally but for some of us, we wouldn't think about it.