8 cents from an occasional stylist:
The main issue with posing models is to remember that you are working in two dimensions instead of three and that everything you see will flatten out. This is where you get the old adage of the camera adding 10 pounds.
The most frequently used trick is to have the girl turn her hips away from the camera, and her shoulders toward the camera. This provides an interesting line and skinnys up her waist. Limbs should always be extended so they appear long and beautiful. Too much constriction and they look short in two dimensions.
Often the problem inexperienced models have is what to do with their hands. Try to avoid having them hide them behind their back or balling them up into fists. Keeping them relaxed and having a good time is usually the best way to deal with this, because then they don't get so uncomfortable and self conscious and they sort of forget about their hands. In headshots, sometimes, but not always, it's best to keep hands out of the shot, as they draw almost as much attention as eyes do.
It really helps to have a stylist or an assistant for modeling shots. It's good to have a second pair of eyes to worry about hair in the face, or hands that look like claws, or bra straps hanging out, so that you can worry about the mechanics of photography. |
