Digital Boudoir Photography : A Step-by-step Guide to ... - Ken Gilbert

52 Digital Boudoir Photography
Step 11: Posing
Posing can make or break a photograph. There is no question about that. While there
are always exceptions, these general suggestions will provide a very pleasing result. Also
look at the examples of before and after photographs with descriptions of what the
model did to improve the photo. Different poses will work better with certain body
types and styles. Try them out so that you will understand what each figure requires to
look its best. You want to play up the model’s best features and downplay any figure
flaws she may have. Posing is a powerful tool to help you accomplish that goal.
n Have the model curve her body.
n Have the model arch her back.
n Have the model point her toes to make her legs look longer.
n Make her waist appear slimmer by keeping her arms away from her body.
n Watch her hand placement. Use her hands to cover or hide areas.
n Have the model stretch her body to make it look longer.
n In general, don’t let your model bend her wrists forward. Either keep them
straight or bend them back.
n Have the model slightly in profile towards the camera, which will make her
look slimmer.
n Don’t let her slouch.
n Have the model put her hips slightly in profile and then twist her chest
towards the camera.
n Have the model tighten her stomach just before the photograph is taken.
n When standing, have the model place one thigh in front of the other, by
either bending one knee towards the other side or by putting the front foot
on the other side of the back foot. This curves the hips nicely and gives an
overall curvier look.
n Have the model raise one hip and the opposite shoulder to give you a nice
curve.
n Always watch for details such as hands out of place or awkward curves to the
figure.
n Look at your Idea Book for examples of good posing.
n Have your model practice in front of a mirror before the session so she will
have an idea of what poses make her look best.