Hey everyone, I'm writing to ask for help posing yogi's. I've done a very impromptu set as a test to find out what works and, if it's not too much to ask, would like ideas on how to best capture the poses. Here's some from the quick series we took.


IMG_6105 by Pete the Irish Guy, on Flickr


IMG_6060 by Pete the Irish Guy, on Flickr


IMG_5469 by Pete the Irish Guy, on Flickr


IMG_5177 by Pete the Irish Guy, on Flickr


IMG_5094 by Pete the Irish Guy, on Flickr




Feel free to comment on the lighting/exposure/setting but what I'm really looking for is advice on better angles and a more interesting perspective. Thank you for all your help.

Peter

General, uninformed comment: I like #3 the best, otherwise the backgrounds compete with, and in an instance or two, overwhelm the subject. But then I have no idea of your goal....

Regards,

Bob

The main goal for these shots was to find out what angle/perspective to best photograph the poses. I'll find a better background (or do it in the studio like 1,2,&3) but would like suggestions for other angles.

Thanks

What a talented young lady. I agree with Bob that the backgrounds are competing for attention with the main attraction. Also, I think that this subject matter is more effectively photographed black and white. Getting closer to the subject will also help. And last, correct lighting of the subject is the most important element, emphasizing the contours of the body.

Thank you, that's a great point -lighting to emphasize the contour of the body. I'll do some reading up on lighting and try again. btw i agree she is extremely talented!

Before reading the comments my first thoughts were that she needs to be in better environments (or remove the environments from the photos), and the lighting could be improved. So I agree with those.

I love black and white, and think it could work well here. Color could also work well with the right lighting.

The first two have problems with shooting through visual obstructions that distort the image. The third would benefit from a crop. The backgrounds in the last two are rather cluttered and could also benefit from even less depth of field and some judicious cropping.

AuntiPode wrote:
The first two have problems with shooting through visual obstructions that distort the image. The third would benefit from a crop. The backgrounds in the last two are rather cluttered and could also benefit from even less depth of field and some judicious cropping.

true, I was trying to portray the "through the yoga studio mirrors" imagery. It's how the person practicing sees through the mirror. I do agree that it came up short of my expectations, and yes the background is very distracting. We were out for a walk before she went to work and decided to see what we could come up with spur of the moment. Other than the background (which is easily changed) I'm more concerned about photographing the body in flattering ways while the yogi is posing. Yes, that is something I will have to work out on my own but would still like to hear any FM suggestions to spur my creativity.
Thank you for looking and please keep the suggestions coming.

Try getting closer. Perhaps a wide angle lens. Consider a view/lens choice/lighting that doesn't an obvious snapshot look. Unless the scene is exceptional, you need to use other aspects to make an exceptional image of an unexceptional scene.