Photography By Blair » Modeling Photography

Model Joanna Moja Winter Splender

Photos — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:47:51 +0000

An absolute pleasure having the opportunity to photograph Model: Joanna Moja again. The winter afternoon was more then you could have wished for. Spirits watching over us. The striking blue skies, the white pure snow with a hint of sand colors at times and the personality of Joanna. Hope you enjoy the essence of Mother Nature and the pure softness of the subject.

Did I mention Blue skies.

The Michigan hat was perfect and of course, warmth….

On the shores of Frozen Trout River Pond.

Intense:

and then the sun set…

Checkout https://www.facebook.com/photographybyblair FB for the full session.

Naturally beautiful models take naturally beautiful photographs. The truth is, without modeling poses and modeling tips, perfect photographs are harder than you think.

If you are a professional model, a photographer will most likely guide you through a variety of model poses throughout the photo shoot. But if you are an inspiring model and are still working your way up to the top, you may have to control your poses to ensure great headshots and sample modeling photographs.

Although sometimes concentration enhances a good photograph, obvious concentration can distract and often ruin a good photograph as well. Do not hold your breath for a modeling pose; always remember to breathe and appear at ease.

Bad posture is an unrecognized flaw in many people. However, for models, posture is a harmful flaw. Always remember to keep your back straight and your shoulders up. Slouching affects the mood of the photograph and enlarges the appearances of your stomach. In addition to your back and shoulders, always remember to flex your stomach muscles. Despite your weight or state of shape, your abdomen will appear more toned if you flex.

Symmetry is officially out in the modeling world. When posing, make sure to differentiate your arms and legs with asymmetrical poses. If you have one arm long and straight by your side, make sure the other arm is bent. Whether a big or small angle, the bend will make the modeling pose look more real, less artificial. Continue the asymmetry to your legs. If one leg is locked straight, give the other leg a casual bend.

Although the camera is the ultimate focal point of a modeling photo shoot, great models do not look directly into the camera. To enhance the quality of your photo shoot, look away from the camera with a mix of head and eye poses. Looking off to the right or left side, or tiling your neck to either side can help you avoid direct eye contact with the camera. In many cases, your head and neck can remain stationary in your modeling pose—and your eyes can do all the work. Head and eye positions, coupled with personable facial expressions make for great model poses.

If you are sitting down during your photo shoot—don’t think it’s ok to slack off. In fact, sitting photo shoots require a lot of extra work. If you are sitting down or reclining, it’s important to put your eight on the back of one thigh, rather than distributing your weight equally on both thighs. If you roll one hip up from the ground or surface, shifting your weight will be simple. This pose results in a slimming effect that you don’t want to miss out on.

To make sure your best assets shine, there are a few basic guidelines to follow. Based on two distinct poses, a forward lean and a backward lean, any model with any breast size can maximize cleavage. When leaning forward, either bring your arms together at your waist, keep your arms straight at the elbows and clasp your hands together below your waist, or simply cross your arms. When leaning backward, raise your arms about your shoulders and head, keep your arms apart, and always slouch for the best cleavage results.

If you have a naturally beautiful smile—show your pearly whites with pride, just not every time. If you smile in each modeling pose, modeling agents will notice your lack of versatility, not your smile. To add variety to your modeling poses, try switching up your smile with a cute frown, a bratty bout, a friendly laugh, or even an edgy scowl. Your facial expressions can make or break your modeling poses. Let your smile show, but make sure to show what else you can do.

In addition to these personalized tips for modeling poses, every model should be aware of the basics of posing. There are 4 main types of model poses: lifestyle pose, movement pose, portrait pose, and body pose.

The lifestyle pose evokes a sense of everyday living with common body movements and facial expressions. Throughout the day, moments of happiness, love, anger, and hope arise. To succeed at the lifestyle pose, each model must be able to recreate these everyday emotions.
The movement pose captures a specific action, such as running or jumping. Because this pose is most often used for a marketing photo shoot—the model is used to promote a product. Each model must be able to smile and laugh when using the products in the photo shoot.

This modeling pose emphasizes the face of the model—and relies purely on facial features. The model will be in modest makeup and relaxed hair and should pose with a casual, genuine smile. Many portrait photographs are close up and emphasize details of the model’s face. If you are scheduled for a portrait photo shoot, make sure to pay extra attention to your skin and drink at least 8-12 glasses of water a day.

Full-length photographs require body poses. Models are encouraged to shift weight between hips and make arms and lengths into asymmetrical stances. Although many body poses do not require specific facial expressions, putting your entire body into character during full-length poses helps your body find a natural balance.

Keep these insider model posing tips in mind during your next professional model photo shoot to ensure you blow the photographer away. Whether you’re a trained expert or an ambitious beginner, all models have the ability to excel in photo shoots. Focus on your posture, attitude, and facial expressions to succeed beyond your wildest expectations.

Photography Sessions for Models

Photos — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:25:30 +0000

It may seem obvious but it is so very important for a model to choose the right photographer. Most photographers have a certain style to which they always stay true to so, for the model to do this research is essential. Simply reviewing the photographer’s portfolio and trusting that gut feeling about what is there can be a great guide. Personality for me is one of the the most important bonds between the photographer and model. Without that bond it will be very hard to feel comfortable in front of the lens and it will show in the photographs.

Communication and Planning Between Model and Photographer

Even a quick casual meeting before the shoot builds chemistry and trust or provides the warning signs to cancel for either of the participants. With communication the model has a better idea about the photo shoot, more ideas to contribute and a chance to rehearse.

Planning is equally important to the photographer to ensure fresh new images and less dependency to find inspiration for every picture during the shoot. Some plans are never carried out, some plans become great photo shoot ideas or even evolve into something unexpected through improvisation.

Model Release – Ownership and the Use of the Photographs

This is not a cut and dry issue but one thing is certain: the photographer automatically owns all photos taken.

The future use of the photos can be determined by the type of release signed. Most importantly who can sell the photos and the possible changes in ownership of the photos.
There can be as many types of releases as photo shoots. It is up to the model and the photographer to agree on the terms. If a model refuses to sign a release the photographer has every right and a very good reason not to photograph that model.
Most photographers do not do photo shoots without a model release. The model release is not written to take advantage of the model, it is there to protect the interests of both parties.

Practicing in the Mirror

Experimenting with different facial expressions, emotions, poses, hairstyles, clothes in the mirror is very useful.
Knowing what one’s good side is important but trusting in the photographer is also essential.
If the photographer decides to shoot the “wrong side” let them, I have heard from models that the photos I took of their “wrong side” came out surprisingly to their liking.

Being Yourself

When it comes to modeling no experience is better than having bad experience. Once a model has learned bad posing it is very difficult and often impossible to “unlearn” it.

For the model being herself and being comfortable with herself is a great start. It can be built upon.
For a natural intimate setting my first instruction for the model is not to try anything special for the camera, no need to try to impress me, not to be overly cute or sexy, not to over exaggerate emotions or poses in other words at first do less or nothing for the camera.

The next step is to stop trying to do that nothing, because doing nothing for the camera IS doing something.
It is just the next level of being more comfortable or even unaware of the camera.

More expressive situations and settings can be built on this foundation of self confidence to create the story of the photo using the location, wardrobe, makeup, accessories, poses and emotions.

Uncomfortable Situations

If a pose is uncomfortable it will probably show on the model’s face on the photos. Some models can hide it better than others. The same is true with uncomfortable situations or requests.
The photographer might have a request which is within reason for him or her but unacceptable for the model. Planning and discussions before the shoot and communication during the session can often prevent or resolve these situations.

The Question of Nudity During the Photo Shoot

This falls under discussions but the subject is more personal. In the USA nudity is more taboo and frowned upon more than in other countries. The model and the photographer might have completely different ideas, value systems and upbringing considering nudity. An artistic photographer and an erotic photographer will certainly have different views, approaches and photographic results.

The question of nudity is best discussed and decided clearly before the shoot. Viewing the photographer’s portfolio is a good indicator. When in doubt ask!
Obviously the model has the right to change her mind during the photo shoot either way about this subject but setting parameters is most advisable.

A Good Night’s Sleep

One night or several good nights’ sleep can do wonders. It is obvious but often ignored.
Yes, there are ways to retouch the photos later but it is expensive, time consuming and not the right solution. Often lack of energy or bad mood can be side affects of not enough sleep as well.

On the other hand there is a time and a place to break every rule. Moody, dramatic, edgy black and white photos can benefit from tired look even dark circles under the eyes, having a more “documentary” feel perhaps expressing the hardships of life.
But not in the case of a beauty photo shoot.

Selecting the Best Photos

The selection can be done by the photographer and the model separately or together.
If done together it offers a chance to learn more about what worked and what did not using someone else’s view point.
Another person’s opinion can ensure a more balanced selection.

Much can be learned from both the “bad” and the good photos.
Honest self critique or listening someone else’s criticism requires self confidence and a bit of letting go of the ego. But the knowledge gained will benefit future photo shoots.

Digital Retouching

It is not always a speedy process to receive the touched up photos.
I have seen many photos in model’s portfolios which were not touched up but no matter what the reason is this should be avoided.

It is understandable that the model wants to display the latest and greatest pictures but in the case of digital images photo shopping is often a must. Otherwise those photos will look unprofessional and a model’s portfolio is as strong as the weakest picture in it.