Another sensitive area I look at when directing the pose (and some-
thing I often show new models) is the tendons found at the upper area of
the inner thighs where they connect to the torso. If your subject is in
swimwear, tight short-shorts, lingerie, or nude, you can position the body
so that one or both of the upper-thigh tendons near the groin area are vis-
ible. This gives the appearance of good muscle tone and adds a little extra
sexiness or “oomph” to the image. When this tendon appears, it will usu-
ally have light on top and a natural shadow in the concave area beneath;
this helps contribute to the feeling of depth in your image. If your model
has trouble envisioning this, show her an image of what you mean. Then,
let her try a few poses in front of the dressing room mirror, looking for
these tendons and identifying the poses that make them appear. While it’s
In these images of Tess you can see how a simple head tilt can change the look and feel of the photo. The head tilt back is more
playful and mischievous; the head tilt down is more sexy and seductive. (Camera:Canon 5D;Lens:Canon 70–200mm f/2.8L IS,
USM lens, effective focal lengths various in series;ISO:50;Shutter speed:^1 / 200 second;Aperture:f/8;Lighting:Hensel Porty
Premium power pack attached to a Hensel ring flash fitted with a Hensel OctaHaze attachment;White balance:6000K
36POSINGTECHNIQUESFORGLAMOURPHOTOGRAPHY