Posing is an art that glamour models perfect as part of their job. Photographers also should be well versed in the art of posing so that they can give clear direction and encourage the posing model in order to achieve a great shot. Posing the head is often the most confounding to many models and even some photographers. The weight that a head tilt or chin drop carries is vital to the integrity of the shot. The right head position will bring grace, beauty, character, expression or any combination of these qualities.
There are basically two main types of approach to model posing, Some photographers give their models free rein to pose in whatever manner moves them. They do not believe in placing the body in a pose, but instead to allow the model to move about freely while they shoot. Doing otherwise, photographers of this school feel, would undermine the natural quality and spontaneity of the shot.
On the other side are photographers who feel that the only way to get that great shot is to pose the model for each frame. The contend that allowing the model to just move about freely is not a reliable posing method because it relies on luck and conincidence.
Regardless of which school of thought the photographer subscribes to, if both he and the model have a strong working knowledge of the basic technique, then together they can decide hot to proceed with the posing for the shoot, whether they use a controlled method, a candid method or a combination of the two.
Seasoned photographers have a variety of techniques that they use to get the glamour model to act and react in a natural manner in front of the camera. They will have, over time, developed ways of controlling the model and getting her into the desired positions without having to actually force her into the pose. Using words, performing the pose themselves as an illustration, giving suggestions and providing motivation are all methods used to bring out the desired expression and quality. Often, with simple, clear, concise direction, the photographer can direct the model and guide her into the desired positions. With good direction, just about any model can achieve the poses and move in a manner that looks natural, spontaneous and relaxed.
The photographer leans heavily on the model’s abilities and skill as well as her own ability to inspire him by moving on her own and giving him more to shoot.
This places a part of the photographer’s success in his ability to keep his model motivated and inspired, keep her suggesting ideas and giving him new material to shoot.
Many times a model may become frustrated, feeling that she has exhausted all possibilities of achieving different head poses simply because they have turned their head slowly from side to side in front of the camera. This simple movement may lend some good shots, but it is in no was the only option for head poses. Using a series of tilts, chin lifts and chin drops will open a broader selection of poses for the model. So instead of becoming frustrated and irritated, the good photographer will instead make suggestions to the model in order to help her broader her range of positions.
At each of the head turn, you can instruct the model to life her chin, drop her chin or tilt her head. This gives a wide variety of posing options. Have her turn at various angles from the camera and perform the different head poses. This way she can do the poses and all you have to do is shoot.
If your model struggles with the head tilt, chin drop or other head poses, try to help her out by giving her good direction. Use your hand to illustrate the degree of head tilt, how deep or shallow to drop the chin, how far to turn the head. When she sees your hand gestures, backed by your words, her natural inclination will be to follow your direction. Show female model what you want with words and gestures.
By encouraging her and being supportive, you will give her the confidence and motivation to work on the poses you direct her to do as well as reach out and try new poses as well. This will make your photographer/model relationship very effective and you can work as a team. Just give her clear, concise instructions and use hand gestures to give her a clearer picture and the shoot should go quite well.
If you are supportive and instill confidence in your model, she will react well and give you the shots that you are working to get.
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In fashion, commercial and glamour photography, it is not just the posing model‘s face that makes the shot, it is her entire body. Every part of her body, every detail, that makes up the composition of the shot contributes its the overall appeal. While we often concentrate on the fact, it is actually every detail that contributes, including leg posing. You want nothing to draw the eye, to detract from the final shot. Photography is about angles and lines, so a foot that is poorly placed, or an ankle that is awkwardly cocked can ruin a really good shot.
The range of motion of the foot is the crux of foot posing. The ankle acts as a pivot point for the foot. It can roll in and out as well as up and down. The ankle is often used to convey various looks and attitudes by cocking it to one side or another. The best way to view this if from the front view where the ankle begins at position one – directly over the toes. From there, it is cocked in toward the other foot or out and away from the other foot.
Photographers and models often refer to this action of cocking the ankle as “rolling.” Rolling in means the ankle rolls in toward the other foot. Likewise, rolling out means it rolls away from the other foot. There are many points that fall between the extreme in and extreme out. Each point can convey many concepts and attitudes. Each point, of the three main positions, does have significance, but too much of an angle created from cocking the ankle can look awkward or unappealing.
A common female foot pose is with the ankle rolled in. This means that it is cocked toward the other foot, creating a graceful curve that gives an air of elegance,sophistication and femininity. The proper placement of the feet in relation to each other, though, is important to correctly execute this pose. One foot is slightly in front of the other with its heel at the instep of the rear foot. The toes of the forward foot are turned out slightly. This basic foot pose for models is often used in fashion photography. When the right foot is the forward foot, the pose is called a “right hemisphere.” When the left foot is the forward foot, the pose is called a “left hemisphere.” Modifications of this pose can be achieved by sliding the forward foot to the side or the front a few inches.
A straight ankle gives an air of arrogance, haughtiness and strength. In this strong foot pose, the ankle is lined up directly with the foot. In fashion photography this foot pose is usually found in shots where femininity is not necessarily desired or the garments are less feminine. This may also be considered a rather masculine pose also, but many commercial models use it when they are trying to move away from the ultra feminine style.
Rolling the ankle out generally conveys immaturity or a casual air. You will see this foot pose in high fashion shots when the photographer wants to achieve a more chic, funky attitude. In its place, this pose is very effective, but don’t overdo it. In many shots it just is not very attractive. It really depends on the image or attitude that you want to convey, what you are modeling and the tone of the set.
While the ankle has a great deal of range of motion, the foot itself also lends a great deal of motion as well. It moves in a arch, like a fan. It doesn’t matter if the model posing is sitting or standing, the placement of the foot and ankle are very important. You don’t want anything to draw the eye. When the model is in a standing position, she usually has most of the weight supported on one foot. This foot supporting the weight is the “basic foot” while the other foot is referred to as the “show foot.” To illustrate, the basic foot in the right hemisphere would be the left foot while the show foot would be the right foot. In this pose, the toes of the show foot may be moved at various angles to the body. They can point straight ahead, slightly to the right or at a 90 degree angle to the right.
Although the right hemisphere and the left hemisphere are the basic model stance, the starting point for walking and for other poses, there is another rather neutral position of the feet. The side by side position of the feet is universally neutral and from there the toes can point in toward each other, point out or point straight ahead.
The extreme of the range of motion of the foot is not usually desirable. Just because the foot can turn at a 90 degree angle does not mean that you should pose that way. Generally, the foot remains in the neutral position with toes forward or slightly fanned out.
Childishness or playfulness are conveyed when the toes point inward, giving a pigeon toed effect. This is also indicative of awkwardness, inexperience or shyness.
At the other extreme, when the foot is fanned all the way outward, the attitude is usually casual or unsophisticated. Teen models often use this foot pose, especially when conveying a nonchalant tone or rocker image.
A model should have a clear understanding that each part of her body is capable or conveying certain tones, moods and images. It is evident in every tilt of her head and every posing of her foot. It is because of this that she should have solid working knowledge of executing poses and controlling the different part of her body so that she can create the clean lines that photographers want.
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We communicate through a variety of methods. Of course, the most obvious mode of communication is verbal, but the body can reveal so much beyond what is spoken. It is the dance of body language that drives home what that pensive yes means or why he paused before saying “I love you.” The language of the body transcends all language barriers, allowing people to communicate on a different level. It reveals many things about a person, their state of mind, character, age and even health.
Different types of people are revealed through their body language. No matter where you go, this is true and consistent. Mental status, attitudes and physical characteristics are conveyed through a person’s body language.
Think of six characters, either male or female. They are about the same size and weight, maybe even the same hair and eye color and dress. Assign each a different character such as a vagrant, a factory worker, a corporate executive, a dancer, a teenager and a grandmother. Consider their stance only. How would their body language convey each character type? Take a moment to construct in your mind how each of these people could use their body language to become the character they were assigned. This is what models, actors and directors do every day.
Interestingly, it is the torso and shoulders that bear the brunt of the load when conveying the messages that the body emits. As a photographer, it is important to understand how to effectively use them.
The shoulders can create an impression of character and mood. They can reveal the spirit of the model posing and the mood with little effort but big results.
Neutral shoulders are the starting point for more advanced positions. They can be used to gauge just how much or how little emotion should be conveyed through the stance. On the other hand, they may not show anything at all.
Forward shoulders show weakness, illness, timidity and weariness.
Low shoulders relay grace and elegance. They reflect poise and a natural carriage.
Back shoulders give the impression of courage, pride, strength and physical vitality.
High shoulders reveal anxiety, strain, lack of confidence and fear.
Different and more complex emotions are conveyed when several different positions are combined.
Up and forward shoulders bring out a more playful attitude, one that is coquettish, flirtatious and kittenish.
Low and forward shoulders give off a more dejected attitude, emitting a sense of weariness, defection and discouragement. It can also indicate advanced age.
The movements required to bring the shoulders into these expressive positions may be dramatic and pronounced, or they may be slight and barely discernible. It is all dependent upon the character that the posing model is trying to portray.
The torso can also delineate moods and attitudes while depicting certain characters. Just slight angles of parts of the upper and lower torso can create dramatic emotional draw and impressions. If a model is facing the camera directly and her hip track (line from one hip to the other) is stationary, but her shoulder track (line from one shoulder to the other) is tipped to one side or the other, the female model may give off a feeling of interest, curiosity, alertness or concern. If, on the other hand, the hip track, or lower torso, is tipped to one side or the other and the shoulder track (upper torso) is square to the camera, the feeling is more flirtatious or casual.
Even body language in group shots can be very telling. If the people are leaning toward each other, it has a tendency to appear more friendly and fun then when the subjects are leaning or drawing away from each other. No matter where the body is in the shot, or where it is facing, the position and message it communicates comes through. It is vital that photographers develop an understanding of body language and how to interpret it. This will help them to achieve great shots that tell a story.
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