shooting a 40-something model

[ThomasOwenM]

I'm going to be photographing a 42 year-old woman in sexy lingerie. Fortunately, she's kept herself in very good shape and has a very nice figure and attractive attributes. However, she's also had three kids, and, as you would expect, does not have the body of a 22 year-old supermodel. I've been googling for an article to help me with strategies to make her look her best, but have not found anything. I googled, "shooting an older model" to no avail. I haven't done much glam shooting, but I want to learn a ton rapidly so that I can do this woman justice. She is a very attractive woman, definitely way above average for her age. I want to read up on how to emphasize such a woman's best features while de-emphasizing any of her weak points. I'll definitely be shooting her in sexy lingerie and possible other sexy attire, but I don't know yet if there will be any nudity.

Fortunately I have some time to read up and practice before I have to do the shoot. I've got several months, but I want to get started ASAP so that I can make all my mistakes in practice shoots and learn from there. I've shot her stunningly beautiful 21 year-old daughter several times with good results, but she's so gorgeous she makes it easy.

Any suggestions on what I should be reading?

[Sharpstat]

Thomas,

Why not ask her exactly what she'd like to shoot as far as poses or backgrounds? I'm still learning this art of glamour/lingerie but I'd start it very simple with clothes on and work your way to the lingerie. Why not start with a session before the lingerie attempt by shooting her without the "sexy" aspect of it to get her comfortable with posing? Since you've photgraphed her daughter what's wrong with using the same technique with the Mom? Sounds like you're making a big deal deal about her age and how she looks now compared her to her daughter. "Old chickens make good soup"! Good luck.

[RDKirk]

Unless it's specifically what she wants, "glamour" does not necessarily mean showing a lot of bare flesh. A lot can be done with a sheer negligee (or even a silk negligee that's not sheer at all) that will make a woman in basically good shape smoke the lens.

Women who have nothing but skin going for them have to show it; expect an older woman to have more to offer the camera.

[EOSBoy]

It's going to be hard to mask out what the unwanted in a picture. BUT! You could always emphasize the better parts with good lighting. Even lighting is going to expose more flaws. Hard light may create deeper shadows in the wrinkles...Hmmm! Sounds like a fun challenge!

Good luck!

[kelz]

EOSBoy is right, lighting is going to be the trick. You can also try using softening filters to mask some of the the unwanted features.

[ericski]

Google for uses of black-scarves/nylons over the lens.

[chrisvl]

First start by talking to her to find out what part of her body she likes and dislikes.
For instance my wife hates her lower legs because of a scar. I shot lots of 3/4 lenths and used boots, have leg warmers.

[chrisvl]

oops.
Look at my nude galleries on my site. Half of those women are over 40, 3 are over 47.
Use props like hats, scarves, and poses to conceal. See the Dove Real beauty ads. Love those for hiding the body while showing it off.
Good luck.

[Wilt]

What will tittilate is what you DON'T show clearly. Use of props, lighting strategically, and posing correctly. At 40ish she probably isn't suffering the jowls and double chin, but putting camera into a position which permits her to look into the camera while the chin is slightly upward more than usual helps there. Or shoot to length and slim legs, not squashing one so it spreads wider. Play up her best features, play down the imperfect parts. Don't allow the back of hand to be seen by the lens, show the edge of the hand by posing strategically. And have her visit the cosmetics counter at the department store, to have one of the makeup sylists work on her; many women don't really know how to apply makeup well for their face..

[Psychobiker]

I shot a middle-aged lady in a similar situation - while shadows are nothing to be afraid of, when you're dealing with one with wrinkles, folds etc, try (if possible) to bring shadows out slightly with reflectors. Shoot from slightly above?

[NickP]

Lighting lighting lighting.
I have 40+ yo Boudoir clients ALL the time.
I NEVER use "tricks" as in stuff over the lens or softening filters.
Use flattering light and poses. Don't forget "full body" shots are NOT the be all and end all.
Use flattering window light, allow them to be as comfortable as possible, look at different angles than you probably would normally. If they have longer hair position it to help out, pay attention to neck folds (they can be a pain), flatter her with soft and warm light and no harsh shadows.
unfortunately most of my clients don't like me using their images but plenty of others and 30 somethings are on my Boudoir site.