This document provides guidance for photographers on posing models and conducting photo shoots. It discusses choosing models, test shots to establish the working relationship, assessing the model's appearance, posing techniques to minimize flaws and emphasize strengths, using props and background to set context, the importance of making the model comfortable, and procedures after the shoot like providing prints and getting a model release form signed. The overall aim is to give photographers tips to direct models in a relaxed manner and compose flattering images.

1. Poses and Photography
MC310: Basic Photography
Mass Communication
Ateneo de Davao University

2. Poses
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Introduction
Tips for Models
Choosing Models
Test Shots
Time for Prints
Photoshoot
Model Release

3. Tips for Models
§ The Photographer as an
artist
§ Photocomposition
§ Use of Lights and
Shadows
§ Use of Lines and
Shapes
§ Forms and Substance

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Models

7. 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

8. Choosing a Model
§ First Model: TFP
(Time-for-Prints)
arrangement
§ Test Shots:
establishing a relaxed
working relationships;
shots not for use

9. Test Shots
§ Take note of
§ Successful poses
§ Visible defects
§ Remember model’s
best and worst features
§ Objective: make the
model feel relaxed and
confident

10. Assessing the Model: Front
§ Hair: shiny and
healthy
§ Watch for collarbones
§ Wait for pressure
marks from
underclothes to
disappear

11. 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

12. Assessing the Model: Behind
§ Back muscle should
not be to tense
§ Watch for dry skins on
elbows
§ Watch for veins in legs

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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

16. Warning
§ Pay very close
attention to:
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Knees
Elbows
Collarbones
Armpits
§ Over-prominence spoil
the photograph

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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.

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

21. Heavy Hips
§ Heavy hips can
be corrected by
asking the model
to lean toward
the camera --

22. Wide Waist
§ Take a side view angle
while model is
positioned at a threequarter angle
§ Narrows the waist,
accentuate the chest,
bottom is emphasized
by curvature of back.

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

24. Background
§ Rule on Background:
§ It must not dominate the
model.
§ It is often the
background that creates
the contrast that works
best

25. Poses Standing Position

26. Side Poses

27. Side Poses

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. The Shoot

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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.

38. Post Shoot
§ Payment of
fees in cash (if
it requires
payment)
§ Print or contact
sheets for
model’s
portfolio
§ Model Release
Form