Posing Techniques for Glamour Photography

subject has a larger gap between her breasts, you must utilize clothing,

such as tight-fitting lingerie and/or a bustier, to help bring the breasts

closer for a more natural look. Sometimes you can get away with the

model crossing her hands in front of her breasts or using her arms to help

create normal cleavage. Another method is to have the model on her hands

and knees or on her side so one breast naturally leans toward the other.

Also, be weary of certain poses that expose the shape of the bag, rather

than the body, on the sides. This can be a problem with poses where the

model is on her hands and knees, or in standing poses where she twists

strongly in one direction.

Other Concerns.If a model has pierced

nipples, you must determine if the studs or

rings are distracting—particularly if they are

visible through her top. If so, many models

carry temporary small studs that are not as

visible to the naked eye and don’t protrude

as much through clothes.

For glamour photos, models usually go

braless. This eliminates the potential for bra

lines appearing through their blouses. Keep

in mind, however, that some models will

feel more comfortable wearing a brassiere

for the underwire support it provides.

The Shoulders.

As you move past the breast and feel satis-

fied how your subject appears so far, study

the appearance of her shoulders. If a model

has broad shoulders, ensure that her body

is slightly turned away from the camera;

straight-on poses accentuate wide shoulders

and could make her look like a football line-

backer. If her shoulders are small-framed,

you can capture some straight-on shots

Don’t place the shoulders straight like a

horizon (i.e.,parallel with the floor). If the

shoulders form a straight line across the

frame, the pose will have a rigid and stiff ap-

pearance. Avoid this. Instead, ask your

model to relax her shoulders to one side.

Tilt one shoulder slightly and pair it with a

Here, Playboy Playmate Holley Dorrough avoided squaring her shoulders
and bent her arms to fit the prop, which created pleasing diagonal lines.
Because of the slight turn of her shoulders away from the main light source
(a Hensel EHT1200 head fitted with a beauty dish), a natural shadow was
created that helps emphasize her cleavage. Holley’s hair was also accented
by natural light from the sun. The toy car reveals Holley’s youthful side,
while the sexy pose reveals the woman in this young lady. Notice how the
lipstick and the outfit Holley is wearing match the colors of the toy car. Such
styling of a pose helps make for more powerful images.

THETORSO,ARMS,ANDHANDS49