How to Turn a Model Into a Glamour Model in 3 Easy Posing Styles

Have you ever been stuck behind a camera trying to make up your mind what your next move should be when posing your model? Have you ever had a challenging model that no matter how hard you try to direct her posing, it just seems you cannot get it right? Rest assured that you are not the only photographer that have been faced with such a situation. Today I would like to share three simple posing styles that will kick start your photographic abilities in those uncomfortable moments, when you are lost for poses.

Laying the Model Belly-Down on the Ground



This is one of the safest and most effective ways when directing a model to pose. I like this particular style of posing, for the simple reason that no matter what size or how awkward the model is with posing, the results more often than not, turn out to be brilliant. The way the model is posed naturally on a flat surface, it brings out beautiful curves through out the whole body, from head to toes.

I suggest you shoot the model from the same perspective the model is lying down i.e. shooting on your knees or flat on your chest. From experience, this is the best effective approach for this type of shooting.

Shooting From a Higher Angle



When your model is a big sized model it would be a good thing to shoot a couple of photos from a higher angle to play around with perspective.  You can guiding the model to sit or getting down on her knees, would be enough to get this perspective. You can always use a foot step, a ladder, a tree trunk or anything that would add those little extra couple of feet in height. This angle is of particular use if the ground, that in this case would be your background, is of interest, such as, sand on a beach or grass at a park.

Leaning Against a Wall

In this straight forward type of posing, your model should lean against a wall. Either with her back or face against the wall. The model can improvise a lot of different poses by using her hands on her hips, against the wall or behind her head. A wall can be very helpful, for those novice models that are still finding it difficult to find their balance when performing certain poses, such as, squatting or other off-balance poses. This way you do not limit your choice of posing styles.

In managing to guide your model to pose in a way that is both attractive and dynamic, it is vital to bring out curves together with expressive eyes. In order to achieve the best from your models it is crucial that you are capable to pose a model properly.  This is why I suggest:

Posing Secrets - The Photographer's Essential Guide Vol.1 

Malcolm Boone a master of photography will guide you step by step, in mastering the art of posing a model. I strongly suggest that you give it a thorough look. It is definitely worth the money!

Author: Michael Abela

 

How to Pose the Hands of Your Model

One of the most challenging aspects for a photographer when shooting a model are the hands. That's right. Where should the hands be placed? What should the hands be doing or holding? How should the hands be posed?  These are just a few of the many questions, that photographers come up with when directing model's hands.  So let me share with you a few tips, that I am sure they would help you to unblock and clear your mind when shooting your model.

Hands in Pockets

As a general rule, if you are directing a female model to insert her hands in her pockets (for trousers) then ideally, four fingers are placed in the pocket while the thumb is left out. On the other hand if your model is a male, the opposite must be done i.e. the thumb is inserted in the pocket while the other four fingers are left out.

Framing the Face

Diagram thanks to DigitalPhotographySchool

When you are shooting glamorous portraits it would be a thing to frame the face of your model with her hands.  Pose them in a way to direct the viewers eyes to the model's strongest features.  So if for example, the eyes are one of the model's best assets, the hands must be placed to complement her eyes.  In framing the face you add more interest to the portrait and find a purpose for those hands!

Proper Care of those Hands

The style of shooting you are doing should proportionally reflect the amount of attention the model's hands are given.  If you are shooting just a couple of straight forward, executive close up portraits than the hands are of no real concern, but, if your model is posing for a jewelry brand wearing bracelets, rings and other adorning accessories then it is a game changer. 

Having said that, if your model is not specifically modelling jewelry, I recommend that you do without any rings, bracelets etc as these tend do distract a lot since they add needless noise to your final photo.  Remember a basic rule; keep it simple!

Needless to say, the hands must be nothing less than perfect, meaning, that the model's hands must be manicured properly by a professional person.  

Props

The hands ideally are not left idle doing nothing during a photo shoot. If a model is wearing clothes for an advert it would be a good thing to hold a jacket over her shoulder or on her arm. Likewise she can hold the collar of her top or play with her hair.  Direct the model to do things and be playful.  Keep those hands busy! 

In order to help your model you can throw in some props in line with the theme.  This would greatly help a model that is uneasy with her hands.

In conclusion, you just need to be imaginative and create ways and means to make the model's hands work for you rather than against you.  With some practice I am sure you can get better as you persevere in you work.

If you would like to take this more seriously, I encourage you to have a look at this fantastic ebook by M Boone - Posing Secrets - The Photographer's Essential Guide Vol.1  Many have profited from the sound and professional advice this ebook offers.

Until the next, keep on shooting!

Posing Figures Under the Lens

Over these last few years I have received many encouraging comments about my blog and the way it help many photographers working in this field..For this I am very thankful. Also, I have been asked by many to get deeper on specific posing figures.

In view of this, over the coming weeks I will be presenting a number of posing diagrams so that together we will analyse them in more detail.

Over the Shoulder

This style of posing, though simple, it is very powerful and thrilling. It is practical for portraits, half-shots as well as full-shots.

              Diagram thanks to DigitalPhotographySchool

Models with sharp facial features tend to add a dramatic effect to this style. In addition, since the model is looking over her shoulder, from the corners of her eyes, it brings out a stronger eye contact with the viewer.

Particular attention must be given in the way the head is posed and the degree of inclination of the head, so that the model feels comfortable. The last thing you want is an uneasy model with a painful expression!

Another thing to watch out are shadowed areas such as under the eyes. Reflected natural light from the side or a softened flash will keep those dark areas away.

Moreover, make sure that the hair does not block your model's eyes.  Though using this style in a way to intentionally cover slightly or hide completely one of your model's eyes, might bring out a certain effect; this should be used sparingly.

Lastly it is good to mention that this type of posing is great for hair styling photography, make-up and fashion jewelry accessories photography.

Next time we will talk about combining the hands with the face with style.

Meanwhile, if you would like to expand your knowledge about this subject I invite you to have a look at this comprehensive product.  It is worth all the money!

Posing Secrets - The Photographer's Essential Guide Vol.1