tilted too far down and is very unflattering to any model. To fix the prob-
lem, simply have the model lift her chin (and/or shoot from a higher cam-
era angle).
The second problem occurs as the neck begins to turn and lines will
start to form. One option is to keep these lines from facing the camera as
much as possible. This is normally impractical, however, because the lines
form on the side of the neck toward which the face is turned (i.e.,the side
of the neck that is toward the camera when the subject is facing the cam-
era). Neck lines are also more visible with older subjects or heavier sub-
jects, but everyone can turn their head in such a manner as to form
necklines. As the photographer, you just have to know when to tell
your model to stop turning during the posing.
There are three ways to hide these lines when the pose creates
them. The first is to adjust your lights to create more dramatic
shadows in that area of the neck, subduing the lines. The second
is to use a scarf or some type of clothing to help hide the lines. The
third method to help hide these lines is the most common and easiest: pull
the model’s long hair across her neck. Even better—have her drop her
hair in front of her neck, letting it flow down toward her cleavage. On
some rare occasions you can even use the hand to hide these lines, too.The Ears.
From the neck we move on to the ears. Technically we’re not posing the
ears, we’re creating a pose or conditions to help reduce their impact while
still being able to show any accessories, like earrings, if necessary. Nor-
mally, the model’s hair hides her ears. On some models, especially ones
with short hair or protruding ears, the best pose involves turning the head
slightly to the side. In this pose, her far ear disappears and the ear closer
to the camera is flattened out by the lens perspective.
If the model has more average-looking ears, you can add diamond,
pearl, or gold-hoop earrings to accent them. (Note: Jewelry always draws
attention in a photograph, so it’s best to avoid it on the hands or wrists.
Earrings, however, can add a little sparkle that draw the viewer’s eyes right
to the model’s face.)The Hair.
Hair works great to help cover a variety of areas—that is how hair “poses”
in your favor. As discussed above, it can be pulled over the shoulder to
hide a problematic neck, or employed to conceal the ears. Sometimes long
hair can also be used to cover the breasts, giving the model that “implied
nude” effect.Thewrong positionof
the neck can create
unflattering problems.THEHEAD,NECK,ANDFACE61