Know Your Angles

As a model, you need to know what angles flatter your face and your body the best. You can figure some of this out by working with a mirror, but you can only see yourself from your own eyes point of view. A camera is going to be able to see you from many different angles.

Lieren seemed to know what would work with her body. She kept her body in a variety of angles and poses that flattered her already great shape.

You can notice her poses here, giving a sideways angle to the camera. This slight twist for her works, it makes her torso seem even more slim and shows off a very flat abdomen.  Twisting the torso does not work for all girls because some bodies start showing ripples in the waist. You should be aware of things like that and how your body reacts to bending in different ways.

Here, Lieren is doing two things, both a bit subtle, but both adding to her beauty. First she is bent very slightly to her right which keeps her from making a static straight and boring vertical line with her body. Second, she is turned with her left side slightly away from the camera and from the light. This lets her show that great abdomen, but lets the light create slight shadows that help give definition to her tummy. It also flatters her shape, making her look more slender.

Here Lieren has her hip cocked which creates a visually interesting, if slight "S" shape to her body. It stretched out the line on the left side of her body and creates a flattering curve on her right.

I am always amazed how many models never think to shoot with their back to the camera. While it may not be the angle you want all the time, it can be flattering and give you some variety.

By being slightly higher than the camera and with a bit of a turn back to the camera, Lieren flatters her butt and legs here. The bit of twist again helps diminish the size of the torso.

A model should be aware of how the camera is going to see her body. If you are a newer model, you may not have a photographer who understands or sees these things, so you need to learn it for yourself. Even with an experienced photographer, this knowledge will make your shoots more productive and save time.

After every shoot, go back and look at the images and see what worked for your particular body.

More of Lieren here.

Charly Aguirre, Model Reflection - Catwoman shoot

Charly Aguirre is an aspiring model. She is looking for opportunities to shoot and get experience. We discussed ideas together over Facebook and came up with a plan for a Catwoman shoot. We met and talked while Jillian Joy did her make up. This gave us a little better understanding of each other before we shot. I like to do this to help models relax and to help me get a better connection with models when we start shooting.

One of the things I liked about working with Charly was her willingness to be bold and try different things.  She didn't stand around waiting for every little bit of direction. Different photographers will have a wide range of how they want to lead or direct a model. My personal style is to build the idea before the shoot starts and then to wait and see what the model will bring to the shoot. I'll start directing poses after I see how much is needed. Charly didn't need to wait for me, and I liked that. Some models starting out stand their like a deer in the headlights, fearing to pose "wrong". This leads to very un-creative shoots.

To get the images we wanted, Charly had to be willing to work in a thin catsuit with nothing to keep her warm, at night in the middle of winter. We had her outside in the cold for over an hour and a half. 

After the shoot, I interviewed Charly. Here is the bulk of the interview:

Tom Sparks

What was it that made you decide to get into modeling? What are you hoping to achieve?

Charly Aguirre

Mainly the exposure. Getting out into the world, and expressing myself. The confidence in doing so. There is a certain respect and strength that you gain, when you are in front of that camera. For yourself, the photographer and all of those before you! It is a tough business, a little scary. But through it great self expression and confidence can be gained!

Tom

How long have you been modeling?

Charly

Honestly I wouldn't even say that i am a model right now. The last time that I was paid for a job was when I was 11.. I went to a modeling school.. wasn't anything really taught me about makeup, etiquette, I did a couple of odd end jobs. Money was great. Right now have been working on a portfolio, getting my stats, and preferences.. so.. with that I guess I have been working on that for the last month and a half.

Tom

Interesting thoughts.

I know that there are definitely some talented models that consider their career a hobby, but yet they are pretty good,

Charly

Of course, and personally for me it would be more of a hobby. I am just getting into the scene, but I honestly have other talents that I feel would get me further and I might have a better shot at. Don’t get me wrong I would love to be able to make something with modeling.  But as I have heard quite a few times on the Utah Models page... It isnt necessarily about the model, its about the product. Of course in time you learn the ways. how to sell it! To become comfortable. I personally feel that I still have some time with this!  I have been talking with other models. Learning a bit, watching Youtube videos. Reading your blogs. That helps a lot.

Tom

When you choose a photographer to work with, what is it that attracts you to their work and motivates you to work with them?

Charly

I look at their work, recent and past.. to ensure that we, together might have some similar tastes, ideas. I'm not going to want to meet with a photog. that only shoots things that I may not be comfortable with.  I read about what others have to say.. Their models, or even just spectators. I have been reading what you have had to say for a moment. And although as intimidated as I was, I felt that I could learn some things from you. And how else to break on through than to trust your own gut.

Tom

What would you say are your best features as a model?

Charly

hmm... physically or.. I can pretty much blend personality wise with everyone. Stand out physically or energetically when I need to.  I am a fast learner, and open to all suggestions and points of view. Can take on many different looks and personalities. Love working with people! I care about myself and all others.

Tom

I like that you saw your best features as personality traits.

Tom

What kinds of modeling are you interested in doing?

Charly

...couldnt tell you... only because I am not sure what all there is to do! Runway is fun, but I’m not tall enough or thin enough.  I’ve thought about fitness modeling, that might be an option!

Tom

I'd like to ask a few questions about the catwoman shoot.

To start off, could you give me an overall impression of the night and your experience?

Charly

Of course, it felt very professional yet, relaxed! I had a great time, and you all made me very comfortable. Felt like I had been there before. I was moved by all of your love, for the art!

Tom

As a newer model, I let you find your poses instead of telling you to do specific things. Do you think that approach worked for you?

Charly

I think.. if anything that it helped me to become more comfortable in my own skin.. if you know what I mean. Although at moments your point of view might have helped.. I am sure that you would have told me if my posture or pose was not looking so flattering 

Flexibility, creativity, willingness to suffer a little discomfort, helped Charly get this set of amazing and fun photographs.

If you are new to modeling, go out and find a trustworthy photographer and plan to have fun. Get some experience in front of the camera!