My comments or suggestions below are not a criticism of you, your model, your talent or skill. I offer them in a friendly tone of voice and with the sole intent to help you with a second POV and set of eyes. If you read sincere questions and simple suggestions as \"criticism\" of you, then you will miss how I am trying to help you.
Of course this may be your own \"style\" or your own \"vision\" and I suppose we can assume that the images look just like they do because that is exactly how you like them. That is OK too. It just shows that there are differences of \"opinion\" on what looks good. IF these are exactly what you want and like, then by all means continue making your images look like that and have fun doing it. As I always say: \"Follow your own muse.\"
This is a particularly interesting post because it shows the same model photographed by two different photographers but using the same poses (as one would see from a workshop or joint shoot). This should \"help\" the photographers see clearly how their own style of \"seeing\" things may differ even if they were both photographing the same model at the same time.
I can see a difference.
And the difference is significant in my opinion. So much so that one photographer produced images that \"fit\" the description of what i would have tried to recommend (in writing). Here we have the different images that allow a quick visual comparison. I think if the right attitude is taken, BOTH of the photographers could learn something by seeing the images \"together.\" And while the second photographer captured some images that are \"better\" than the first photographer, the second photographer also missed a few important things too. So, BOTH can learn by looking at the images together.
But...it may be a bit hard to do that \"objectively.\" So I will offer a few \"objective\" observations below to draw attention to a few things that caught my eye immediately. Remember, this is offered to help you and is not a criticism of one photographer.
When I first saw the images originally posted by revhappy, a few things caught my eye:
1. In 9 of the images, the model appears to be missing an arm or hand or both (arms or hands).
2. In one image #4, the model is missing her feet (or it appears that way).
3. There is the use of the \"Tilt\" effect (camera angle) that caused me to think \"Why?\" and wonder what \"benefit\" the photographer thought the Tilt added to a photo of a woman sitting with her back against a wall. Compare that same \"pose\" with the second photographer\'s \"level\" shot and see. Here is what I see: The \"Tilt\" is unnecessary and draws attention to itself (not the model) and it looks \"unnatural\" with a static subject.
I was about to start typing some tips when I saw the second set of images (by another photographer Khan). Those images had several of the same \"pose\" and shot, but with some clear differences that \"solved\" the problems seen in the same \"shot/pose\" posted by the first photographer (revhappy).
Overall, the second photographer captured the model with both arms or hands showing in more images. This is a significant difference to me when looking at the visual harmony of the figure in the compositions/shots.
My Simple Suggestions:
1. Avoid the Tilt on static subjects
2. Avoid taking the shot if the hands or feet are not showing. Wait until they are showing or change your POV or the model\'s pose.
3. Rotate the camera to a \"vertical\" or \"portrait\" orientation to prevent cutting off a foot or leg (see khanhfat\'s image #10). Conversely, rotate to horizontal or \"landscape\" orientation to avoid the same mistake. Look at Khan\'s #8 image to see why. In short, \"frame\" the model using either camera orientation to avoid cutting off the head/arms/hands/feet. Simple, but important to notice prior to pressing the shutter release.
4. Avoid the use of a long white scarf as shown in most of the photos here. It is an \"awkward\" photo element that if not properly used causes the figure to look like an \"octopus\" or the woman to look \"bound\" and...it is \"overexposed\" in several of the shots, causing an exposure weakness in the images. In short, see the problem with the wardrobe accessory and remove it prior to going forward with the photo session.
5. Look for the strengths of the model and USE them. IF the model has long slender legs and arms, then use them effectively and so they don\'t look \"crossed\" \"missing\" or \"awkward.\"
6. Avoid the \"Girl hugs pole/post/tree pose.\"
7. IF the girl is slender and wearing a form fitting garment, then don\'t let it get wrinkled because of poses (see several images including Khan\'s #10 image).
8. Avoid \"gratuitous\" or \"fake\" poses that are unnatural. Take a look at Khan\'s #4 image. That is the classic \"Bend down and pretend to tie your shoe\" pose. But....she is wearing boots that have no laces. Try to avoid that \"mismatch\" or unnatural looking pose.
Like I said, I hope these comments, observations and tips or suggestions help you both (and others here too).
Nov 27, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Previous versions of Steady Hand's message #6424735 « Natasha »
Try to avoid that \"mismatch\" or unnatural looking pose. 