Body expressions

​As important as the model’s facial expressions are when posing for a photograph, what she does with her body is no less critical if it's going to be seen in the shot. Therefore, it's important she be comfortable coming up with appropriate and interesting body poses.

I'm rarely looking for any pose that's too dramatic or intense, however. It's subtlety that usually works best (though not always, as seen in one or two of the photos below). Of course, it's also important that both her facial expression and body positioning complement each other.

Coming up with good body poses is more of a team effort when the model is inexperienced and a non-actor. For example, I may request that she change her body pose from shot to shot, but she instead unknowingly repeats almost the same one each time. If that happens, I might hold up a portable mirror for feedback as she tries a variety of poses. Together, we can be sure each one is indeed different.

I may also suggest a specific emotion ("joy", for example) that I want expressed through her body pose. If she's having difficulty doing this, I'll help her out, perhaps by giving specific directions for specific placement of her head, arms, legs, etc. This can take time, but good results are usually guaranteed.

Occasionally, the model will create a body pose that's too extreme or too overwhelming for the shot I want. If this is an issue, I'll ask that she reduce its intensity. Let me note that it’s usually easier toning down a model’s pose than trying to intensify it.

Many times, how her body is positioned is of minor importance in terms of the whole picture. This may be the case when things such as props or setting are more important. In fact, sometimes a more neutral pose can immensely benefit the photo by not taking anything away from what the picture is trying to depict.

Gwyneth convinces us that what's really an empty attaché case is actually something quite heavy. That's emphasized by her pretending to support it on her chest and her wonderful grimace. Added together, she gives a very believable performance of someone acutely struggling.

This photo speaks volumes of Dora’s emotions. I love the twists and turns of her body, especially the way she holds her left arm. Combined with the knock-knees supporting her arms, which in turn support her hanging head and hair, everything points to someone seriously unhappy.

Several elements work together to create what could be a picture of a marginalized teenage girl. She looks shocked and confused. She’s relegated to the corner of a small, empty, stark room. The fact that she's shot from a high angle further diminishes her. But perhaps the most powerful element is how she’s scrunched up, clenching her arms, and squeezing her legs and feet together.

​​​​FREE T-SHIRT
​​...when you sign up for a One-To-One Workshop​!! This is a Fruit-Of-The-Loom, 98% cotton shirt. It has my absolutely gorgeous logo (see top of page) printed on the front. Available sizes are men's medium, large, and extra-large. These shirts may also be purchased.

This is a setup that many of my stock photo agencies request. So, if there’s a window at the shooting location with appropriate outdoor scenery and lighting, I’ll usually try a few shots. This image of Gretel, I think, is something special. Not only is her expression convincing, but I think her body positioning is perfect. I like her placement by the window, the tilt of her head, and her ponytail resting on her shoulder. In addition, the bit of hair falling over her face and the shadow under her eye, perhaps mimicking tears rolling down her cheek, make the photo even more interesting.

This is what I find appealing about Miranda’s pose:
Head and body slightly twisted in different directions.
Slight tilt of the head.
Hair covering most of one eye.
Unusual positioning of her fingers.
Door opened only enough to contain her.
Intense expression.

Toni is a fine performer. The drama she creates lying on the bed with one arm close to her and the other outstretched is, I think, quite amusing. The 28mm wide-angle lens being fairly close to her helps emphasize the left arm by elongating it.

Ariana looks nervous but in control. She's poised for action if necessary - ready to fling off the blanket and jump out of bed. I wanted only a small amount of nudity. To that end, she strategically covered her breasts with her long hair. The gun was carefully positioned in front of the blank wall so as to be clearly seen.

CONTACT PETER
to schedule a class or
​for more information