Model Posing Techniques: Foot Posing

Although many would say that the most vital aspect of any good fashion shot is the model’s face, in reality, it is an intricate combination of fine details that make up the composition of the shot. From face to feet, no part of the posing model must detract from the final shot. Photography is about lines and angles, and a poorly placed foot or awkwardly cocked ankle can ruin an other great shot.

The foot pivots on the ankle, rolling in and out, up and  down.  A common aspect of leg posing is moving the ankle from side to side. This is best seen from the front view of the foot. The ankle begins at the starting point of directly over the toes, and “cocks” in toward the other foot, or out away from the other foot.

There are many different terms to describe how the ankle moves.  Models and photographers tend to refer to the action as “rolling” in (toward the other foot) or “rolling” out (away from the other foot).   The various points between the extremes of in and out can convey many different concepts.  Each of the three main points does have its own significance and care should be taken to refrain from creating too much of an angle because the break interrupts the flow of the line of the leg.

When the ankle is rolled in, meaning it is cocked toward the other foot, the line is a graceful curve.  This lends an air of femininity and sophistication.  It is considered a very elegant foot pose, particularly when the cocked foot is placed slightly in front of the other foot.  The heel of the forward foot is placed at the arch of the rear foot with the toes of the rear foot turned slightly out.  This is a very basic foot pose.  When the right foot leads, it is sometimes referred to as a “right hemisphere,” whereas when the left foot leads it is called a “left hemisphere.”  The pose can also be modified by sliding the front foot to the front or side a few inches.

Arrogance, haughtiness and strength can be conveyed by keeping the ankle straight so that it is directly in line with the foot.  This is a strong foot pose in the fashion world and is typically reserved for less feminine garments.  It may be considered somewhat of a masculine pose as well, but it is used by commercial models when the ultra feminine style is not desired.  

When the ankle is rolled out, it is usually to convey a casual air or immaturity.  It is also often used in more high fashion shots for a funky, chic impact.  If you go with this pose, though, do so sparingly.  It is not aesthetically pleasing in many types of shots.  It all depends on what you are modeling, the tone of the set and the image that you want to convey.

The foot itself also moves in a fan like arch.  Whether standing or sitting, ankle and foot placement are important.  When standing, the model typically has her weight supported on one foot, the “basic foot,” and has a foot in front or to the side, the “show foot.”  For instance, for a right hemisphere, the basic foot would be the left foot because it is bearing the model’s weight while the show foot would be the right foot.  In this pose, the toes can be moved at various angles to the body, straight ahead, slightly to the right or at a 90 degree angle to the right.  

While the right hemisphere and left hemisphere are considered to be the basic model stance, the starting point for other poses or even walking, another somewhat neutral position of the feet is side by side.  From there, the toes can go anywhere from pointed in toward the other foot to pointed out.

Although the range of motion of the foot is rather wide, 90 degrees in either direction, it is not often used to the extreme.  Usually, the foot is either pointing straight ahead, in the neutral position, or slightly fanned out.

When the foot is fanned in so that the toes are pointing inward, the effect is pigeon toed which is usually associated with childishness or playfulness.  It can also indicate shyness, awkwardness or inexperience.

When the foot is fanned outward to an extreme degree, the effect is generally that of casual or unsophisticated.  This is a popular pose for teen models, particularly when conveying a rocker image or a nonchalant tone.  

It is important that a model understands that each part of her body conveys a certain image, tone or mood, whether tilting her head or posing her foot. Because of this, the model posing should have a strong grasp of how to execute the poses and how to control the various parts of her body to create the clean lines that are desired by photographers.

Model Posing Techniques: Glamour Model Photography

Glamour photography can create images of beauty, expression, beauty or any combination of the three qualities.  While getting the best out of the posing model is the primary goal of directors and photographers, there are contending ideas regarding the best way to accomplish the task.  In the end, though, there are some basic elements that are fairly consistent in every photo shoot.   However, the placement of the model’s head can be the most challenging.

One point of contention is the methodology of the execution of the shoot.  Some photographers insist that their models have a series of set poses, where the head is placed in a particular manner, the mouth just so and just the right tilt.  The other side of the fence, however, argues that this control undermines the spontaneity and natural feel of the shot.

While each side has valid points to support their beliefs, it is advisable that a photographer just starting out try both ways before deciding on which route to take.  

It is important that both photographer and model have a working knowledge of posing technique.  It will be up to the photographer, model and even the elements of the individual job that will determine the posing technique: controlled and posed, candid or a combination of the two.

The experienced photographer will have many little tricks up there sleeve to get glamour model posing to act and react in the ways that they want for each shot.  They will have developed way of controlling the model without having to physically place her in the position.  Each photographer will be a little different from the next.  Some will use words or show the model the pose they want by doing it themselves.  Others may use suggestions or psychological motivation in order to achieve the expression that they want.  Some will dictate every pose while others will suggest a starting point and encourage the model to move while they shoot.  Regardless the techniques a photographer uses, as long as they communicate clearly and intelligently, any capable model can take direction and pose correctly while appearing natural, not showing discomfort and without losing spontaneity.

Photographers tend to rely heavily on the skill and model talent to inspire, create her own poses and move on her own so that they can capture just the right shots.

This means that part of a photographer’s success in capturing that perfect shot lies in his ability to make the model feel at ease, relax and feel comfortable enough to make suggestions and try different poses on their own.

During a shoot, many models may experience frustration as they come to feel that they have performed every possible head position available when all they have actually done is slowly turn their head from left to right.  This can be frustrating to the photographer as well, particularly the one who is allowing the model to move freely and create her own poses.  In such cases, you may try suggesting other positions that will give her different angles, thus lending a wider variety of head tilts and turns.

If the model is full face, shoulders squared to the lens, try turning her 45 degrees to the left or right.  From there, you can direct her to perform a series of head turns and tilts, lifting her chin or dropping her chin, tilting her head to one side or the other.  You can rotate her further so that her shoulders are perpendicular to the camera and do the same tilts, chin drops and chin lifts.  Turning her further so that her back is to the camera, have her lean on one arm or hand on a second posing stool and have her look over her shoulder, will give yet more options for great shots.

The head tilt, right or left be performed at three different chin levels.  The chin can be raised slightly, dropped or straight, parallel to the bottom of the frame.  If you find that your model has trouble with the head tilt, you can try use your hand to illustrate the level of the tilt.  If you hold your hand up straight with the side of you hand facing the model, you can tip your hand slightly in the direction you want her to tilt her head.  She will naturally be inclined to move her head the same way you are moving your hand.  Combining verbal cues with your hand gestures will help her achieve the desired poses.  Using your hand to show “down” or “drop” for her chin or “raise” her chin, will prompt her to follow your gestures.

When she hit the mark, let her know she is doing well.  Encourage her by saying “great shot!” or “that’s the one!”  This will build her confidence and she will feel more comfortable in front of the camera as well as be more inclined to try other movements and poses.  If you see she is faltering or struggling, just use your hand to signal her and help guide her into a new set of poses.

Work with your glamour model, be supportive and encouraging to her, give clear direction and you will get the great shots you want.

Model Posing Secrets in Fashion Photography: Understanding Body Language

The science of body language is really quite simple.  The messages that the body gives off can reveal the character of the person inside.  The language of the body can reveal the person’s health, age, state of mind and even station in life.  The language of the body is universal, it can cross language barriers and bridge cultures.  When you see the body as more than just hands and feet, arms and legs, and see it as a means of communication, you can take communication to another level.

Anywhere in the world, it is all the same.  People give off certain impressions about themselves regarding their moods, health and station in life.  Physical characteristics of a person can reveal much about them and it is often what sets them apart from others.

Line up six people, same sex, same height and weight, same hair color and style, same physical characteristics and create differing characters for each: 

Young, old, rich, poor, smart, not so smart.  Dress them alike and have them assume their characters.  What do you suppose you will see?  Each person will have their own body language that will convey the unique characteristics that each person has.  This concept is used by models and actors everyday as they bring characters to life on the screen, in print and on the stage.

The shoulders and torso are greatly responsible for carrying the messages that the body conveys.

Mood and character are revealed through the shoulders.  The little effort that it takes to manipulate this area of the body can yield big results in how the person is perceived.  When combined with other parts of the body, like the shoulders, it can be very effective in revealing the intended character.  The clever photographer will know how to best use this part of the body and can direct the posing model to effectively move and pose to bring the character to life.

Neutral Shoulders:  are not really expressive in their own right.  They are a good starting point for determining how much expression should be used for each character.  In some cases, they may not even move from this position.

Forward Shoulders:  indicate a state of weariness or weakness, poor health or a shy or timid personality.

Low Shoulders:  reflect grace, elegance and poise.  They can also mean a casual attitude or natural stance.

Back Shoulders:  give an impression of pride, courage, strength and physical vitality.  Happiness is also shown through back shoulders.

High Shoulders:  generally have a rather negative connotation such as lack of confidence, strain, fear, stress and anxiety.

Combining several different positions can lend an entirely new dimension to the shot.

Up and Forward Shoulders:  this presents a more flirtatious, coquettish, kittenish attitude. 

Low and Forward Shoulders:  this shows a state of mind that is dejected, weary, discouraged and advanced in age.

When creating these movements of the shoulders, the movements themselves may be slight or they may be dramatic.  The depth and forcefulness of the movement is entirely contingent upon the role or character that the model is attempting to portray.

Even more is communicated when the torso is brought in to play.  Adjustments to the position of the upper and lower torso, also known as the shoulder track (line drawn from shoulder to shoulder) and the hip track (line drawn from hip to hip), convey mental attitudes, convey moods and depict characters.  When  the model has her hip track square to the camera, but her shoulder track tipped at an angle to the camera, the feeling is that of curiosity, interest, concern and alertness.  Swap this positioning where the shoulder track is square to the camera and the hip track is tipped at an angle to the lens and you get quite a different emotion, one of flirtation and casualness.

Body positioning is just as crucial in group shots.  When there are several subjects in a shot, their body language tells a story.  If all the people are learning towards each other, it gives a feeling of friendliness and camaraderie.  However, if those same people are leaning away from each other, it tells quite a different tale.  Even in shots where the subject isn’t facing the camera, the body positioning can convey certain feelings. In model posing it is important that photographers understand body language and how to use it to achieve the shots that they want based on model talent and posing skills.