The Secret to Model Posing
It is not possible to be entirely precise, for definitions vary, the meanings change with the times and a good deal of healthy controversy exists.
The dictionary says it is, first, a position of the body ...an attitude. Its secondary meanings, however, have negative connotations of artificial appearance - placing or putting, mere affectation, pretense, rigid stance, etc.
The modernist winces and avoids its use, for photography has advanced with the speed of its lenses and films and left the word pose - as it maintains inflexibly its old meaning - draining life and vitality out of action.
Although, we too, must use the word -we ask you to accept it in its new and broadest sense. Pose (or Posing) today includes something more basic, a state of composure, balance ... poise before the camera.
A pose may be deliberately assumed with gestures and attitudes designedly adapted to mood or position but to become a professional model practically overnight you need to learn the following:
- What 'Hand Stops' are and how to position the person's hand's in the most natural way.
- How to study people and observe their movements---how this technique done properly will help you know when to snap that perfect shot.
- What do silhouette's have to do with photography—in the book there are numerous pictures showing you different postures and how to determine how and when to take the best photo.
- How to position hair and clothes in such a manner that the flow of body and clothes fit geometrically into you photo.
- Tips & Tricks when sorting out the body parts in your photo, like the 'arms' and what to do. Like when soft flesh presses against a hard object, learn how to adjust this for the best possible affect.
- 4 steps to building the pose—learn how to direct the candidate and how to get the best pose. Knowing these little-secrets means the difference between a average photo and a beautiful professional looking masterpiece.
- The three basic head movements. Discover how to work the camera and head in 'unison' with each other. Resulting in turning a stilted subject into a sympathetic and creative model.
And there's loads more:
At this point, you might be wondering how you can get your hands on a copy. Well here's the good news - To learn more about model posing, just go to this URL:
http://www.modelposing.net
Let's Free Ideas That Sometimes Freeze When Modeling Posing Starts!
Has it ever happened to you? That moment when your mind stopped and you asked yourself 'Now what? Where should I begin?'
Posing begins with the body...
So let's forget all else and focus our attention on the body in a new light... a shadow!
A shadow devoid of detail...
no buttons...
no bows...
no pockets....
Simply begin to think of the body in terms of its silhouette.
THIS SILHOUETTE
is an actual black-and-white photograph. All graduated tones have been eliminated, leaving only the true outline of the model.
The figure has been sliced to two dimensions height and width
IT'S TRUE
That in silhouette you can't see the model's features, what she is holding in her hand, or the expression on her face...
But...
Notice how the stark simplicity of the silhouette carries your mind's eye directly to the position of her
... body
... legs
... arms
... and head!
To learn more about model posing, just go to this URL:
http://www.modelposing.net/modelposing
Model Posing & Creativity
is here presented for those who are curious about how the illustrations for this book were made.
A roll of seamless paper, like the one illustrated below, was rolled down and forward to provide a large expanse of white surface. The lights were set on either side of the model to silhouette her figure against the background.
When feet were included in the shadow-gram (the model wore dark stockings and shoes in these shots) a back light was focused on her feet to separate them from the background.
Film and paper
Contrast process film and top contrast paper were used for all pictures.
Props . . .
were the very ordinary things around any studio. They were eliminated on the negative, and replaced with a line.
Costume . . .
was varied according to the effect to be recorded. A full-length black leotard and black bathing cap was used for all the full length shadow grams, but there is still more.
To learn more about model posing, just go to this URL:
http://www.modelposing.net
Model Posing on Amazon
Hot Rod Pin-ups
Amazon Price: $23.07 (as of 11/18/2008) 
The Great American Pin-Up (Jumbo Series)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/18/2008)
Elvgren : His Life & Art Limited Edition of 1950
Amazon Price: (as of 11/18/2008)
Cowgirl Pin-Ups (Artist Archives)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/18/2008)
Playful Pin-Ups (Artist Archives)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/18/2008)
Modeling Posing Pictures on eBay
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Model Posing Links
Well here's the good news - To learn more about model posing, just go to this URL:
http://www.modelposing.net
- Vertical 'I' Silhouettes
- Vertical 'I' silhouettes have an exacting quality overlooked by the casual eye. They are the most inflexible of all poses and require experience and skill. Contrary to common belief, an interesting straight vertical silhouette is difficult to execute without giving the body a stolid appearance. However, when expertly used to express strength, masculinity, elegance, regality, it is a very effective long-line silhouette.
- Vertical 'S' Silhouettes
- Vertical 'S' silhouettes are interesting to work with and, although they require more practice, they are worth the extra effort. The slight shift of the head-line or the leg-line to the opposite side that changes a 'C silhouette to an 'S' makes a rewarding difference. The graceful line created by the 'S' silhouette appeals to the artistic eye. It flows with femininity, flexibility and symmetry.
- Vertical 'C' Silhouettes
- Vertical 'C silhouettes are simple to execute with effective results. They form the basic poses that the beginner can use without encountering complications and are the basis of creative posing for the more advanced. 'C silhouettes tend to lighten the body and manifest a feeling of femininity, grace and ease.
