Guidelines for posing Female ModelsAs a Photographer, How do I pose the Models ? or what are the guidelines one should keep in mind while posing as a model.There is no rocket science involved in posing a model whether it is for modelling or for a fashion shoot. It could even be for a simple corporate portrait or a formal portrait of a Bride. Once you gain some experience as a Photographer, it all comes naturally to you and you very instinctively guide your model, who may have been hired for a professional Fashion shoot or who may be getting her own professional modelling Portfolio made from you. In both the cases, it's very important and relevant to meet the model beforehand so as to understand her potential. Once I meet, I get an idea about the models expressions and overall body language. While shooting I do not have this list, which I kind of compiled for this article but these are the general parameters which are involved while a model is being photographed. The poses are also worked out on the basis of the objective you as a Photographer or a representative of your client or the Fashion designer have in mind. Sometimes posture is a part of what you wish to show or convey through your photograph, be it a look or an outfit. How one poses can vary a lot from model to model and depends on her Body type as well to some extent. What ever the case maybe, one should not be nervous and confidently pose without getting conscious about your body. Do it naturally and with spontaneity. Role of HandsUsing Hands affectively helps a lot in Posing. Many Models are clueless about the positioning of their hands.I generally ask my models to play around with their hands and mostly it helps. Models may not be able to make out but you should be careful in not showing absolutely flat palms which may not look very pleasing. A slightly curved hand looks better than keeping it just straight and flat towards the camera.
Photographed for New York Heritage Bags in an outdoor location around Delhi.
A broad classification for the Hands
Looking back over the ShoulderA very romantic and delicate pose, works quite well to emphasise the back, especially if it's bare. It could be a backless blouse or even just a bare shoulder or Back. This can be quite a revealing shot without actually revealing at all. As a Model, you should have the right attitude and confidence to pose with a Bare back.
Make the Model lie downSomehow, I love doing this as it puts the model at ease and there are numerous possibilities of shooting her around from different angles.
Full length ShotsMany models find it more difficult when it comes to a full length shot. Positioning the legs and balancing the body weight are key to good posing as a model faces the camera upfront. You may need to curve the body in the right manner, usually arched in an S shape helps but is not always essential. I generally tell the model to fine tune her posture by moving slightly in one direction and ask her to stop once I notice that the posture is looking appealing to the camera. Just as the right placement of Hands is important, the right positioning of the legs is equally important for a Model.Slightly bending one of the legs while suitably shifting the body weight helps a lot. It's difficult to explain and express but the following photographs will give an idea. Lean on to a WallSimply leaning against a wall helps a lot in confidently facing the camera as compared to when you are without any props or surroundings. |
