Poses and Photography

MC310: Basic Photography Mass Communication

Ateneo de Davao University

Poses

§  Introduction §  Tips for Models §  Choosing Models §  Test Shots §  Time for Prints §  Photoshoot §  Model Release

Tips for Models

§  The Photographer as an artist §  Photocomposition §  Use of Lights and

Shadows §  Use of Lines and

Shapes §  Forms and Substance

Model of the Golden Mean

§  The Farmer and the Rice Field

§  The Balance between two extremes

§  Over-Confidence vs Lack of Confidence

§  Golden Mean: finding the center which is your true self

Model as a Subject

§  a composed image of a person in a still position.

§  As an art form, it is a stylized depiction of the face or body with the line and form of the human figure as the primary objective.

Models

Models

§  Most important element in glamour photography

§  Need special talent: projection, confidence, mood and expression

§  Need to know different

types of models, their strengths as photographic subjects

Choosing a Model

§  First Model: TFP (Time-for-Prints) arrangement

§  Test Shots: establishing a relaxed working relationships; shots not for use

Test Shots

§  Take note of §  Successful poses §  Visible defects §  Remember model’s

best and worst features

§  Objective: make the model feel relaxed and confident

Assessing the Model: Front

§  Hair: shiny and healthy

§  Watch for collarbones §  Wait for pressure

marks from underclothes to disappear

Assessing the Model: Side

§  Makeup blends with body color

§  Watch for creases around armpits

§  No stomach bulge §  Watch for veins in hands §  Watch for dry skin on

knees §  Watch for dry skin on feet

Assessing the Model: Behind

§  Back muscle should not be to tense

§  Watch for dry skins on elbows

§  Watch for veins in legs

Model/Photographer Relations

§  Photographer never presses an unwilling model;

§  Talk to your photographer, establish as many meeting points as possible;

§  Photographer usually describes what he wants you to do, why and what he wants you to do.

Chaperones

§  Models may want to be accompanied;

§  Try to discourage this without actually refusing the request;

§  If it is necessary, make sure he is not within eyeshot of the model and is asked to keep quiet.

Posing

§  Concentrate on the models best attribute

§  Make mental notes on where the hands are, how the legs are positioned, and what will be shown to the best advantage

Warning

§  Pay very close attention to: §  Knees §  Elbows §  Collarbones §  Armpits

§  Over-prominence spoil the photograph

Problem & Angle Solutions §  Short legs: low angle shot §  Low viewpoint:

photographer has to lie down

§  Watch out for exposure especially if background is very bright (e.g. sky)

§  Make sure secondary lighting (fill light) is available

Problem & Angle Solutions §  Calf Muscle §  If model lies or

sits down and raises her legs, calf muscles will relax downward.

§  Calf muscle creates a beautifully smooth line.

Thin or Too Plump Legs

§  Let the model sit on her legs or tuck them under her.

§  By tucking one leg under another and leaning back, the whole body is stretched to produce slim like look.

Heavy Hips

Heavy hips can be corrected by asking the model to lean toward the camera

Heavy Hips

§  Heavy hips can be corrected by asking the model to lean toward the camera --

Wide Waist

§  Take a side view angle while model is positioned at a three-quarter angle

§  Narrows the waist, accentuate the chest, bottom is emphasized by curvature of back.

Lying Face Up

§  Lying up is not particularly flattering, since it tends to flatten the chest.

Background

§  Rule on Background: §  It must not dominate the

model. §  It is often the

background that creates the contrast that works best

Poses Standing Position

Side Poses

Side Poses

The Art of Makeup

§  Most vital tool in glamour photography

§  Important: have a clear idea of how you want your model to look

§  Need: basic knowledge of cosmetics

Makeup Kit §  Cleansing cream §  Skin tonic, freshener,

moisturizer §  Eye makeup remover §  Foundation and Face

powder §  Eyedrops §  Mascara and Blusher §  Eyeshadow & eyeliner §  Lipstick, lip gloss, lipliner

Camouflage and Precautions

§  At times, photographer has to resort to camouflage

§  Cover sticks: covering blemishes, concealing dark circles under eyes

§  Powder: use only to take shine off the face or body and not to alter face or body color

Props and Accessories

§  Can create mood, enhance feeling

§  Contextualizes the subject §  Rule: “less is more” §  Examples: sunglasses,

scarves, shoes, stockings, soft translucent fabrics and garments, umbrellas, sunhats, caps, vizors

The Shoot

The Shoot

§  Important: Model is relaxed and at ease to obtain natural results.

§  Be courteous and polite at all times.

§  Be positive in your attitude.

§  Clarify instructions on poses required.

The Shoot

§  Ask the photographer to explain concisely what he wants you to do.

§  He can show you a picture to demonstrate the pose to you.

§  You may ask the photographer to try out your own ideas.

The Shoot

§  As a rule, photographers do not touch the model unless absolutely necessary.

§  If they need to adjust a garment or the model’s hair, they explain their intentions before they do it.

The Shoot

§  Keep the conversations going throughout the shoot.

§  The model should know what the photographer is doing and why he is doing it.

§  Appreciate the praise and encouragement of the photo crew all the time.

The Shoot

§  Tell her how a particular pose look.

§  Have short breaks from time to time and provide cool refreshments.

§  Good idea: to have background music to set mood.

Post Shoot

§  Payment of fees in cash (if it requires payment)

§  Print or contact sheets for model’s portfolio

§  Model Release Form