When shooting women there are a few tips that I find I use on almost every client, big or small, as we for the part all struggle with body image at some point in our lives. Shooting body conscious is something I do all the time because the clients love how the images make them feel without photoshop or editing.
Below is an example of one pose, micro-changes, on 3 different women.
So here are a few tips to help you know I got you, I will coach and direct you the entire time.
1) Never pose a woman square to the camera:
When females are posing we want a slim, feminine look. Some poses bring this out others do the opposite. It’s not the size of the lady it’s more about how they are positioned. For example, positioning a lady square will make her look wider. A better choice is to have her turn her body away from the camera by about 2/3 while keeping her face straight towards the camera.
2) Shoot from slightly above:
Shooting from slightly above your model will help to define the chin and jawline. The camera should always be at least above eye level- never below it. Works amazingly for curvy gals.
3) Go for a strong jawline:
A strong jawline without a double chin is one of the main features of women. Shooting from above is one, also have a lower chin, next press your tongue to the roof of your mouth while smiling. It feels weird, but it lengthens the neck, accents the jawline, and helps avoid double chins or brings your head forward, like a turtle.
4) A mouth slightly open -
How your mouth looks will make or break a photo. Tight lips look angry, boredom, and defiant. A mouth slightly open with lips just apart, also helps elongate the jawline and lends much more pleasant energy to the photo.
5) Careful with the hands-
A person’s hands are almost the same size as their face, for that reason, it is important to avoid having the palms or backs of the hands in full view near the face. Instead place hands to the side, under the chin, or over the shoulder. Also important to not have the hands pressing against anything. Make sure the fingers are slightly apart, curved, and only just touching the hair or face.
6) Create space-
Create a gap between the arm and body with any pose to create space between the arms, legs, and body. Pressing the arms to your body is unflattering, and makes arms look thicker than they are. Create visible space between the arms and the body, bend the elbows, hand on the hip.
Stay tuned for more.
