POSE FEMALE SUBJECTS

Discover how to work with female models to create seductive and sensual captures

The perfect pose is key for creating a good portrait, both for flattering your model and also for conveying the mood and overall feel of your image. Lighting, hair and make-up are very important too, however the pose and positioning of your subject will arguably have the biggest effect on the final image.

When photographing a female subject your aim should be to enhance her natural beauty and features, so you must pay close attention to any unflattering and unforgiving angles. having a chat with your model before the shoot is always encouraged and can help you with your setup and pose. if the model is experienced she might already know her best and most favoured side, or the most flattering angle to position her head. asking about this first will help you to quickly understand what works best for your subject.

as always the body part closest to the camera will appear larger, so you must be aware of what that is. You should also focus on how the model’s arms are positioned, as even the thinnest of models can look larger due to a misplaced arm.

Your goal should be to work to define the jawline. if your model’s jawline isn’t clearly defined then shoot from slightly above looking down, as this gives the jawline more definition and will also slim the body. it might even be a good idea to ask the subject to lean into the camera. Leaning her face towards you will elongate the subject’s neck, define the chin and should encourage her hair to fall beautifully across her shoulders. it may also help you to emphasise the size of the model’s eyes, which can be a very attractive and desired trait.

To create a more seductive image get the model to tilt her head downwards slightly, asking her to look up at you with her eyes. ask the model to relax her jaw so that her lips part, then get her to press her tongue into the roof of her mouth. asking her to play with her hair or touch her face will also create a more sensual and alluring image.

“poses are always chosen in accordance to the image in mind,” explains beauty fashion photographer Oleg gekman (500PX.COM/

HECKMANNOLEG). “an important factor is the choice of the best angle for every model. i try to avoid hard light for women’s portraits. i create a soft lighting that enhances the beauty of the model’s skin and her make-up and hair. To achieve that i use softboxes and a beauty dish with a scrim. To soften shadows i use a deflector and white panels.”