Posing for Pin Up Shots

There are so so many different things to consider when trying to capture that perfect image. Many clients of mine have an idea of what they want in their photos but struggle to express their aspirations in words. The thing I hear most is, "make me look good". Well, "good" means something different to each one of my clients. What I do, is apply a few basic principles when shooting different poses. I'll explain...

Triangles! They are the strongest shape when composing a piece of art, they also work for pin up as well. What this means is, when posing, make sure that you are creating triangles with your body.
Notice the triangular shape shes making with her right leg  reaching behind her left. Notice how this elongates her left leg.


 


Again, (to the right) her legs as well as the triangle she creates with her elbow to knee and her side. 

Now, not all poses have to have each point of a triangle touching, it can be suggestive, as long as you are creating the look of three angles. Example...
Her knees are touching, making the top point of the triangle, then her feet, but the invisible line of the triangle is the floor.

Now, not all poses have to have this, I just have seen from experience that the ones that my clients LOVE and that I find the strongest happen to have these kinds of poses. 

Next, some more subtle  basics...

1. when lying on your back, don't suck in your stomach, you'll look like Skeletor.  

2. when lying on your back or side, don't draw your chin to your chest, instead, arch it back slightly to alleviate a "double chin"

3. when lying on your back and you don't know what to do with your hands, push your lady bumps together (don't over do it). When you're on your back, your you're breasts will separate and sag to the sides so they could use a little support. 

4. arch those feet and point those toes as much as you can stand, and when it starts to hurt arch and point a little more.  

5. make sure that if you have someone taking your picture that they don't shoot from too high above you (this will make you look super disproportionate)  or from too low, which will add about 5-10 lbs instantly. 

6. If you want that seductive look, ei... position your lips (smile, purse, etc...), close your eyes, have the photographer count to 3 then shoot. When the photographer says "3" open your eyes. This helps with those who get "deer in the headlight" expressions when trying to look sexy. 

7. If you pose on your knees, don't actually rest on your knees. Can someone say cellulite? First rest on your knees and then raise yourself up so that you are supporting your weight only looking as though you are sitting on your knees. Your upper thighs will burn but it makes for a more flattering pic.

8. Never never never pose with your arms down to your side. It will add weight to your upper body. Keep your arms away from your side, plus it's not easy to make a triangle with your arms if they are down to your side. 

9. You can experiment with this one. Instead of sucking in your tummy, which is always obvious, try stretching to lengthen your torso. This will flatten your abs tremendously.  

                          (above pink swimsuit)This is me stretching my torso upwards, not sucking in. 

(to the left) This is a great example photo. Notice the "triangle" leg, arm left arm is away from her side, right arm is a triangle, left foot is extremely pointed. 


More to come later...