Posing a model?

[zakabog]

I was searching the forums for posing, poses, stuff like that. I'm really trying to find some tips on how to get your model to pose. And a lot of the stuff I found was for portraits that seemed really boring. I'm doing my first shoot with a model soon and I'd really like to know what poses work best for a model's portfolio? How do you get the model to pose? Do you move her around yourself if she can't get it? Do you suggest things and let her move around a little? Do you make her hold a pose for a while until you get a good shot? I've never done anything like this and I'm going to practice on some friends first but I really need some advice.

Also, I'm going to probably end up shooting outdoors in NYC (Manhatten) and I was wondering what time of day is good for shooting? I only have a 420EX flash and a reflector, is that good enough? And is the reflector going to do anything with all those tall buildings around blocking the sun? It's been really crappy (raining) outside for a few days now so I haven't had much chance to get into the city and try stuff out.

[pski]

It isn't a tip...but you could try this to start off with

32921

http://www.shopomp.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=73

[zakabog]

Holy crap that's $60. Does anyone have experience with posing a model? How do you normally do it? Do you just tell them to move a certain way? I'm so confused in that area.

[tiziano]

Holy crap that's $60. Does anyone have experience with posing a model? How do you normally do it? Do you just tell them to move a certain way? I'm so confused in that area.

Hi Zak,

If you want, I can send you a couple of big pdf files with all possible poses.

[Big John]

Hi Zak, I am new to this too, but as a word of practical advice just read everything you can get your hands on about this topic. I have bought a couple of posing books from amazon.com for about $18.00, which I thought were pretty good. Also, just look at magazines, billboards, newspapers etc and take some mental notes on what you like and don't like. It's really important to build some rapport with the model and get them relaxed, your photos will show if the model is tense! Talk to the model beforehand and look at a few poses together and have fun with it!

I am still learning this all myself, but this is what I have gathered just from reading from this forum

[Ray Marrero]

I don't like posing books.

Go to the mall, or a park and watch people. Watch as they wait for a bus, a train or talk. This is natural, I used to sketch stick figures of the one I like and tried them on my models. Also give them something to look at. I have a very small toy or stuffed animal and place it where I want them to look and tell them to look at the animal.

I do a combination of telling them how to move, and showing them, like doing something and asking them to repeat it. Very rarely do I touch them, but sometimes I have to.

And finally, if there is a pose that I like very much, yes I do have them hold it for as long as I need to capture it.

Hope this helps.

[vinsun]

I don't like posing books.

Go to the mall, or a park and watch people. Watch as they wait for a bus, a train or talk. This is natural, I used to sketch stick figures of the one I like and tried them on my models. Also give them something to look at. I have a very small toy or stuffed animal and place it where I want them to look and tell them to look at the animal.

Hope this helps.

GOOD POINT, REALLY!

[Carzee]

Search pose pics at google or -if you can stand hard work- go surf that trashy.com website for ideas.

[cntry]

This might help...........
http://cgi.ebay.com/Alien-Bee-users-a-must-Pro-Glamour-Posing-Guide_W0QQitemZ7553282987QQcategoryZ43454QQssPageN ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
________
Ass white (http://www.****tube.com/categories/170/white/videos/1)

[Actionphotog]

I'm doing my first shoot with a model soon and I'd really like to know what poses work best for a model's portfolio?.
zakabog, How old is the model? These are the 12 basic poses you need in a portfolio:
1. Casual head shot (natural looking hair)
2. Full length evening gown, editorial type setting
3. Sporty suit or pants, taken outdoors, full length
4. Swimsuit or T-shirt and shorts, full length
5. Head shot, wearing hat, showing complete profile
6. Double shot in formal evening or sports attire, editorial style
7. A coat pose, three-quarter view advertising style
8. Double shot, catalogue style with another model of same gender
9. A three-quarter shot demonstrating a product
10. A well-styled head shot with accessories and perfectly groomed make-up and hair
11. Authentic sports clothes action shot, full length
12. A dress shot, advertising style, full length.

How do you get the model to pose? Do you move her around yourself if she can't get it? Do you suggest things and let her move around a little?Do you make her hold a pose for a while until you get a good shot?
The way I work is when the model sees the flash go she moves to another pose, unless I say hold it. Unless there is a pose that we need or I want I will pose her.

Has the model posed before?
Is she adding to a portfolio?

The equipment you have is good for shooting outside.
$60 is a steal on the posing guide
...take someone to help you.

Here at my studio we are working on a posing guide for models on DVD and tape. It teaches them how to go from one pose to another without thinking about it. It's like a dance routine. Should have it out by the end of next year.

[zakabog]

She's only 15, and it's her first photo shoot. I'm gonna try to give her as many usefull and different pictures as possible (I don't want her to have 20 great pictures that are all exactly the same.) My sister's coming to help me (hold the reflector and stuff.) Thanks a lot for the list too. And what's a double shot?

[Actionphotog]

"Double shot" means that you have another person in the photo, male or female.

[remilus]

HI tiziano ... I would love to see some of the files on that book ...

[KevC]

Unbalance.

That is one thing you must keep in mind. One arm up, one arm down. Weight predominately on one side. Never be square w/the model. (I'm talking about feminine poses, for masculine it's different). Head tilts, chin directions... start experimenting and you'll quickly catch on what works and what doesn't.

[Texsrt4]

i have a pose guide in pdf form. pm me with your email and i will send it to you

[remilus]

thanks tiziano for your files ... there were some like 150 positions ...
but what about this book "A Guide to Posing the Female Model" does have it someone?