We often turn to Los Angeles-based pro photographer Michael Sasser’s YouTube channel for gear tips including lens recommendations but in the below he offers something equally valuable: tips on how to pose your subjects for better boudoir images.

One of the key things that can make or break a portrait photo is body language. If the person who is posing for the photo is showing negative or awkward body language, your portrait will come out looking negative or awkward or worse: both.

One of the most common questions we get from Shutterbug readers is how do you take your photography skills to the next level to become a professional photographer. It’s not an easy question to answer because going pro doesn’t involve improving your photography skills alone.

Believe it or not, but you don’t need a ton of gear or a ton of time to shoot a professional-quality photo portrait. Indeed, if you want to take your amateur-looking portraits to the next level, all you need is a few basic tips.