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How to Pose Curvy Women // Curvy Girl Posing Tips

english photography tips posing + portraits
How to Pose Curvy Women

Hey, fellow photographers! I want to share with you the incredible power of posing and lens choice when it comes to photographing curvy women. I often hear people say, "Stop photographing stick-figure models; photograph real people." Well, that's precisely what we're doing in this video. I'm going to introduce you to Victoria, a stunning curvy model who embraces her curves. And while you're here, don't forget to hit that subscribe button. You won't believe the difference that proper posing and lens choices can make. Stick around to discover some image editing tips as well, an essential part of the photography craft. It's not about what's right or wrong; it's about delivering what your client desires.

Before we dive into the art of posing curvy women, let's start by understanding our subjects. No matter whom you're photographing, whether it's stick-thin models, families, women, men, or anyone, it's crucial to capture the best version of your clients. Start with an open conversation. Ask your subjects about the parts of their bodies they love and want to highlight. This not only empowers your subject but also establishes a connection that leads to more natural and confident poses. So, always have that conversation.

Now, let's explore some posing techniques that emphasize the best features of our curvy models. If your subject loves their eyes, bring their face closer to the camera. If they're proud of their hips, emphasize them by opening their chest and bringing those features closer to the camera. Small adjustments can make a huge difference, especially when using wider-angle lenses. This leads us to our next tip – don't limit yourself to super-compressed telephoto lenses. Using wide-angle lenses, like 16mm, allows you to play with perspective and exaggerate or diminish certain features to your advantage.

It's also essential to consider your subject's preferences. If they're not a fan of their arms, subtly push them away from the camera. Remember, it's all about what your client wants and your ability to deliver it.

Another way to create an elegant and elongated look is by encouraging your subjects to separate their body parts slightly. For instance, having one foot slightly forward or one leg slightly away from the other can gracefully showcase their curves. When it comes to arms, ensure they aren't pancaked against the body; gently separate them to accentuate their natural curves.

Don't be afraid to get creative with props like chairs, experiment with different poses, and play with various angles. The angles you choose can significantly impact the final result, especially when using wide-angle lenses.

Additionally, lighting is a powerful tool for sculpting and defining curves. You can create a sharp jawline or soften it, depending on your subject's preferences. Always remember that your goal is to make your clients look and feel their best.

Now, let's move on to the editing process. I like to use Lightroom for the overall edit and have some presets that I use. However, the real magic happens in the retouching phase. I use Evoto, which provides incredible flexibility when editing portraits. It allows me to make subtle adjustments like elongating legs, thinning waists, and arms with a click of a button. But remember, always consult with your client regarding their preferences for retouching. Some may want to maintain a natural look, while others may prefer a more edited appearance.

In conclusion, I hope these tips have unlocked the secrets to posing curvy women and enhancing their natural beauty through photography. Remember, it's all about understanding your subject, embracing their preferences, and using the right techniques to make them feel confident and beautiful.

Happy photographing, and stay inspired!

 
 
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Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

With her practical and open-book style of teaching, she shares everything she knows with hundreds of thousands of photographers as an educator and influential sparker.

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