Posing Techniques by Billy Pegram: Book Review

In Posing Techniques for Photographing Model Portfolios, author Billy Pegram caters to photographers who are looking to make their pictures better outside of the usual aspects of in-camera settings and lighting configurations.
Let me start off by saying, as a mid-level photographer I found this to be one of the more helpful books on posing techniques that I've had the opportunity to read. This is especially important because posing techniques are often overlooked as new photographers can become preoccupied with camera settings and positioning subjects (in reference to light) or lights accordingly.  This results in neglect of the model's pose, and forgetting about giving them feedback on what would work better towards achieving the desired outcome. Now take into account that many who are new to photography won't be working with experienced models. Now you begin to see a real need for a book like this. Pegram's structure of the book is easy to follow as he provides clear examples of the different variables that make up each posing technique. The result is an interesting and extremely educational experience.

There are also several posing techniques explained that can help more experienced photographers as well. I have seen some of the posing mistakes mentioned, committed by photographers whose work I follow and admire greatly. Obviously you will have to buy the book to get the full details, but I'd like to share some of the areas of the book I found most helpful.

Key points covered include :

• changing small elements per shot. (no dramatic posing changes.) 
• creating flow and directing the eye, yet stopping the gaze of the viewer.
• 3 Rules of posing: taking into account the spine shape, shoulder level, and hip position 
• paying close attention to the position of feet, hands, fingers, and proper bending of the wrists. 
• lip placement and helping nervous models by using a few tricks and providing plenty of positive feedback

The elements mentioned which are covered in Posing Techniques might seem minute when thinking about them alone, but when the variables are combined, the difference they make can change the entire dynamic of a photograph. Pegram provides plenty of great examples to make sure these points come across clearly as pictured examples make up a good portion of the book. This is in no way a negative mark on the title, but the main reason I recommend it. [If for no other reason than the value of the second read being just as helpful as the first.]  Posing Techniques is an asset every photographer will want to have on their bookshelf to revisit when examining photos and critiquing their own posing techniques when practicing with models. 

Take a look inside Posing Techniques and other great photography books by clicking on the links below, and remember to check back soon for more reviews on books I've found helpful. 

           

Location portraits with the Westcott 6 in 1 Illuminator

As a new photographer it is easy to forget about the basic elements of lighting a portrait on location. There are already several things to consider, and many new photographers get caught up in their camera with getting the proper exposure or focus instead of also taking light quality into account. This added attention one should give to the quality of light is what I believe hurts many new photographers.
I am referring to the quality of light falling onto your subject. This includes the direction of light in relation to your subject or whether they are in direct sunlight or a shaded area.

These factors can be used to your advantage, but are often overlooked by new photographers when at a location filled with distractions. They are also extremely important to understand before moving onto adding a flash for fill, or in an attempt to over power existing light with flash. As you can imagine these things just add to the variables and make the balancing act of a photographer even more difficult.

So let's start from scratch with just our camera, the subject, and our light source. In the picture below I wanted my subject backlit by the setting sun as it came through the trees of the park. This seemed like an obvious choice since my only other option was to face him in the opposite direction facing the sun. This would result in a "squinty" unnatural look from the direct sun in his eyes. Not to mention an unhappy model.

Richard Ducat is the drummer for the progressive metal band NACIREMA.
 Click on the picture above for more information . 

I then told Rich to angle his body towards me. Now, rather than having him completely backlit by the sun, it is wrapping around his face and onto his nose. By doing this I was using the sun as a backlight and what is referred to as a "kicker."

Now I brought in another light source. The rest of the light was still provided by the sun, yet redirected by a reflector or "bounce". I use the Westcott Illuminator 6 in 1. This is a priceless piece of gear that I always carry with me on location. Reflectors require virtually no set up time. Great results can be as easy as directing an assistant where to stand while holding it at the appropriate angle. In this case we used it as a fill to avoid a lot of shadows on the left side of the photograph (the right side of his face). It also provided a unique catch light and lessened the shadows under the eyes and chin. You can see this catch light at the 8 o' clock position in the subject's eyes. 

So don't make things more difficult than they already are, and don't underestimate the value of a reflector. There are many other uses for reflector kits like the Westcott Illuminator. With this kit you have the option of 2 diffusers to soften the light falling onto a subject. It also includes 3 covers for reflective surfaces, as well as a black surface that can be used as a flag to block light. You can learn more and order the 52" Westcott Illuminator kit at B&H Photo.