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 :
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.
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.
1 comments:
Nice blog post, posing is a close second to lighting!
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