Use The 1-2-2 or The 1-3-2 Posing Technique.

[tania622]

What does 1-2-2 or 1-3-2 mean. Sorry for the ignorance :oops: :D

[PacAce]

Are you taking about a posing techique or lighting ratio?

[tania622]

posing

[Longwatcher]

I was curious so I did a fairly good search and all I could find was a small number of "How To" books trying to pawn techniques off on people. Although nothing actually specific to that numbering system. This includes searches on the two popular model sites I participate in.

They probably work fairly well just like the 5-standard shots for Glamour Shots does in my area or the limited number of generic poses for other "Portrait" centers like sears.

However, these impart no individuality. Each person is different and what looks good for one person does not look as good for another, the generic poses get you a mostly good pose, but won't get you that fantastic pose for that person.

Just my quick research and opinion,

[liza]

I just pose 'em in whatever way looks good and try to individualize each shoot when I do my senior sessions. Never have used a number system, although I am mindful of composition and backgrounds.

[tania622]

Longwatcher, I agree with you. I was just reading this on how you should only use the 1-2-2 position on males and stuff like that. But I don't know what they mean by 1-2-2...

[cyclone]

This is language that Benji uses quite often. He says he read it in a particular book that is now out of print. He describes it more over in the PhotoCamel forum, under the Tutorials area in the Lighting section.

[RTMiller]

This is the 1-2-3 posing technique...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=190878

I have never heard of the 1-2-2 technique but then again I don't get out much.

[cyclone]

The 1-2-2 is similar to the 1-3-2 position, except the head and eyes are aligned in the same direction (i.e. straight at the camera - the 2 position, I believe).

[Longwatcher]

What examples I could access with out registering for other sites, just looked wrong to me some how. I understood the principles involved, but it looked wrong as in not natural.

Could be me though.

I will stick with the rule that says;

Keep the hands at different heights, at least one of the legs bend slightly, never everything straight on to the camera and occasionally looking away can be good.

Followed by:
The above rule was meant to be broken at times if it works and try lots of different things.

That number system is definately not for me.

Just my opinion,

[Wilt]

What examples I could access with out registering for other sites, just looked wrong to me some how. I understood the principles involved, but it looked wrong as in not natural.


Every time I see the senior boys graduation photos, which attempt to avoid the 'floating head' by putting the clenched hand up to the chin, I barf at the 'formula' appearance of every shot. This is so cliche and so unnatural!

[PacAce]

Every time I see the senior boys graduation photos, which attempt to avoid the 'floating head' by putting the clenched hand up to the chin, I barf at the 'formula' appearance of every shot. This is so cliche and so unnatural!

I've always wondered about that. It would look more natural, with the hands under the chin, for the eyes to be looking upwards as if they were doing some really deep thinking, no? :mrgreen:

[Wilt]

I've always wondered about that. It would look more natural, with the hands under the chin, for the eyes to be looking upwards as if they were doing some really deep thinking, no? :mrgreen:

'Natural' would be a lust-driven look while peering at a copy of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. ;)

[Alissa Morris]

Here's a great explanation of this:

http://www.photocamel.com/index.php/topic,15099.0.html