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Sharon Knettell · 02-25-2003, 07:54 PM

Hi,

I see this has become an all SOG project!

I have been photographing models for over 30 years, stemming from my various lives as a fashion illustrator to illustrator to portrait artist and now to my current work based loosely on ballet. I can tell you that this is one of the most frustrating and difficult things to learn and do. You just want to go in and bend arms, fingers and legs to the positions you want, unfortunately you often find a human attached to them.

I find the best way to approach it is to have a rather firm mental visual of what you want, and thumbnails to show your model. Once you have a good basic pose do subtle variations on that, do not make drastic changes, a simple head change or finger movement can change a picture from ordinary to magic.

The model does not always have to be comfortable, some of the most graceful poses can be somewhat difficult.

When you look at Sargets languishing women, especially Mrs. Agnew, remember she was wearing a corset as well as all his female subjects. This gave the torso form and design. Today we have to substitute a little more erectness of posture so stomachs don't stick out and to prevent the midsection from getting scrunched.

With that said, try some more sitting poses,have her legs turned more to our right. Importantly in sitting pictures shoot a little higher than you have. This would minimize Gwen's full chin also. You can have her legs crossed, arms on either side, just don't let her slump. Some of the pictures will have a more relaxed look anyway. Replace the white scarf with a deeper lavender one to match the flower. Go for subtle changes in expression. If the dog shows up fine!

Get in there and move draping around, tuck fabric under thighs, whatever you have to do. You have to have good knees. I had to do a book cover once of two lovers lying on a couch with fur coats, silk pillows, you name it. I got them all posed and the couple started sliding off the edge of the couch. I had to crawl on my hands and knees to push them back up.

Don't be so anxious to get to the picture, use this as a very necessary learning experience.

By the way your lighting is beautiful!

Sincerely,

02-25-2003, 07:54 PM	#29
Sharon Knettell Approved Member Joined: Sep 2002 Posts: 1,730	The model as a Gumby Doll Hi, I see this has become an all SOG project! I have been photographing models for over 30 years, stemming from my various lives as a fashion illustrator to illustrator to portrait artist and now to my current work based loosely on ballet. I can tell you that this is one of the most frustrating and difficult things to learn and do. You just want to go in and bend arms, fingers and legs to the positions you want, unfortunately you often find a human attached to them. I find the best way to approach it is to have a rather firm mental visual of what you want, and thumbnails to show your model. Once you have a good basic pose do subtle variations on that, do not make drastic changes, a simple head change or finger movement can change a picture from ordinary to magic. The model does not always have to be comfortable, some of the most graceful poses can be somewhat difficult. When you look at Sargets languishing women, especially Mrs. Agnew, remember she was wearing a corset as well as all his female subjects. This gave the torso form and design. Today we have to substitute a little more erectness of posture so stomachs don't stick out and to prevent the midsection from getting scrunched. With that said, try some more sitting poses,have her legs turned more to our right. Importantly in sitting pictures shoot a little higher than you have. This would minimize Gwen's full chin also. You can have her legs crossed, arms on either side, just don't let her slump. Some of the pictures will have a more relaxed look anyway. Replace the white scarf with a deeper lavender one to match the flower. Go for subtle changes in expression. If the dog shows up fine! Get in there and move draping around, tuck fabric under thighs, whatever you have to do. You have to have good knees. I had to do a book cover once of two lovers lying on a couch with fur coats, silk pillows, you name it. I got them all posed and the couple started sliding off the edge of the couch. I had to crawl on my hands and knees to push them back up. Don't be so anxious to get to the picture, use this as a very necessary learning experience. By the way your lighting is beautiful! Sincerely,