Posing women for portraits. How to position them without touching them?

9 years 3 months ago #425984 by Gene.Culley
A big challenge I face is posing women without touching them.  I was told never ever touch women, just tell them how you want them to be positioned.  Honestly, I have some that pick up on what I want quickly, then I have others that are, well... just the polar opposite of that.  And it's frustrating. 

Can you make any suggestions around this please?  How are you getting your woman clients positioned with out touching them?


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9 years 3 months ago #426008 by icepics
You could try showing them by demonstrating it yourself, or maybe show them sample photos (ones that you have permission to use or have releases from the subjects to use for this purpose). Or what about tape to mark a spot where to sit or stand, or where to look, etc. Some people might need more prompts or visual examples or cues than just telling them and giving verbal instructions.

Sharon
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9 years 3 months ago #426027 by Sean Lewitts
I was told to ask permission than you guide them by touching non offensive positions of their bodies with light touches.  


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9 years 3 months ago #426041 by effron
If you have a wife or girlfriend, take her along on the shoot. There are a few reasons it would be a good idea.....;)

Why so serious?
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9 years 3 months ago #426050 by RobWood

effron wrote: If you have a wife or girlfriend, take her along on the shoot. There are a few reasons it would be a good idea.....;)


Amen!


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9 years 3 months ago #426059 by garyrhook
"Never, ever touch women"? I think that means "without permission."

It's okay to ask for permission, if modeling and directing doesn't quite get what you want. I focus on verbal direction in an effort to get what I want but sometimes it's easiest to just "fix 'em".  With permission, of course.

And for what it's worth, this applies to men, children, everyone. It's just common courtesy.


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9 years 3 months ago #426261 by Alan Nunez

garyrhook wrote: "Never, ever touch women"? I think that means "without permission."

It's okay to ask for permission, if modeling and directing doesn't quite get what you want. I focus on verbal direction in an effort to get what I want but sometimes it's easiest to just "fix 'em".  With permission, of course.

And for what it's worth, this applies to men, children, everyone. It's just common courtesy.


+1

If this is a common issue get a female assistant. But as Garry says it goes for everyone. Advise them before the shoot that you will there will be physical contact during the shoot to achieve the required pose and that they should advise you if they are not comfortable


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