Model Posing Secrets: Glamour Photography
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.
Related posts: