Rolando Gomez's Posing Techniques for Glamour Photography

Literally working from head to toe, the images in this essential guide to glamour photography demonstrate how to flatter models’ assets and downplay any perceived flaws when there is no clothing to hide behind. Detailed instructions on recreating classic poses and a thorough discussion of the three main sections of the body—upper body, lower body, and backside—are coupled with ample photographic examples. Abundant illustrations reveal how to manipulate a model’s tresses, garner the best possible views of the face, and visually enhance the appearance of the breasts, arms, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, calves, feet, and toes. Best-practice techniques for maximizing curves and minimizing bulk will make each subject look her personal best. Because of the intimate nature of nude and semi-nude photo shoots, suggestions for easing into the shoot while staying on task and ensuring a subject’s comfort are also discussed. Table of Contents Preface Foreword Introduction 1. Factors That Impact Posing Cultural Perceptions The Subject’s Experience Models Non-Model Subjects Gentle Corrections The Model’s Self-Esteem The Story to be Told 2. Posing Basics The Subject’s Comfort Being Sensitive to the Subject Taking an Individualized Approach Tall Subjects Short Subjects Thin Subjects Heavy Subjects The Three Main Body Sections 3. The Hips, Legs, and Feet From the Waist Down The Waist and Hips The Buttocks and Upper Thighs The Lower Thighs and Calves One Support Leg, One Accent Leg Bend It Slimming the Legs Lengthening Shorter Legs Bare Legs The Feet and Toes Direction Point the Toes Avoid Distortion Grooming Keep an Eye on the Clothing 4. The Torso, Arms, and Hands The Torso Abdominal Areas Creases A Belly or a Six-Pack The Navel Clothing Marks The Bust Accenting Size and Shape Uneven Breasts Natural Breasts Augmented Breasts Other Concerns The Shoulders The Collarbones The Arms Bend the Elbows Separate the Arms from the Torso Slimming the Upper Arms Using the Arms to Hide Problem Areas Framing the Face The Hands Side View Hands with Props Jewelry Hands on Hips Hands to Conceal Fingernails 5. The Neck, Head, and Face The Neck The Ears The Hair The Nose Don’t Break the Line of the Cheek Nose Size The Nostrils The Lips Set a Relaxed Mood Encourage Variations The Perfect Smile Lipstick The Teeth The Eyes Avoid Canoeing Direction of the Eyes Uneven Eyes One Eye or Two Catchlights Makeup 6. Sit, Stand, or Lie Down Sit Hiding the Stomach Area Posing on Beds The “Page Three” Pose To Accent the Legs Stand Look for S Curves Raise a Foot Rear Views Lie Down Try Different Settings The Breasts On Hands and Knees Watch the Lines 7. Composition Lines Implied Lines Imaginary Lines Inherent Lines Diagonal Lines Leading Lines The Camera Contrived Framing Move In, Move Out Get Creative Switch Lenses Direction of the Pose Natural Direction Cropping Action and Motion 8. Communication and Art Direction Rapport Starts with Your First Communication What to Say (And What Not to Say) Be Observant and React to What You Learn On the Phone or Via E-Mail Helpful Details Vague Communications Working with Models Art Direction The Bottom Line 9. How Do I Get That Pose? The Headshot The Bust-Up Pose The Three-Quarter Pose The Full-Length Pose The Backside Pose The Traditional Page-Three Pose The Implied Nude Pose 10. What to Look For, What to Avoid Ten Qualities of the Ideal Glamour Model Correcting What’s Less Than Ideal Lack of Muscle Tone Larger Noses Disproportionate Height and Weight Visible Hair Roots or Extensions Poorly Groomed Nails Tan Lines Discolored or Crooked Teeth Thin or Uneven Lips Dark or Small Eyes Round or Square Faces Resources Commercial and Informational Web Sites My Sponsors and Supporters Conclusion Index