I feel the "trick" might not be the posing but rather (1) getting a good wardrobe stylist to ensure most flattering cut of clothing (2) avoid sleeveless or short sleeves, showing legs (3) MUA and hairstylist experienced on plus size models, Once these are tackled, confidence of the couple also boosted and makes for better photos in general.
As I read a book by a well known glamour photographer who said that the most often
asked question by participants at his workshops is, "How to pose ".Posing can make
or break a photo, do not underestimate it's importance. I hope Zeisser does not mind
if I use his photo for a tutorial.Emphasis on sharing info..haha.
AS it is the photo is shot on location so the background had many distracting details.
It would be better to find a suitable place somewhere else in the building?
1. About the lighting - Bounced flash from ceiling.Direction of light is high above so
this would create shadows under the chin of big sisters which I think Zeisser brighten
photo to reduce shadows.There are shadows on face of seated position girl in black dress
because of high cheek bones too.
2. The viewer's eye will naturally see the brighter areas first and because photo is
quite bright the eye will tend to wonder all around the photo/place.
3. I have cropped out the reflection of the glass at the top.I would like to crop out
the window but I have to give context to the blown highlights of the 2 girls
( front seated and behind ) at the window.This is a question of exposure.Which would
be better, ambient + flash or flash alone?
4. This is group photo so naturally either line up subjects in a row or stagger them
like this, back row standing and front row seated.Since wide angle lens is used there
is distortion of big girl in black dress standing at extreme left.(Can see the verticals
are distorted.) Lens perspective could make seated girls look bigger than they
really are.
5. Is this the best option? Would it better to let handsome boys be seated and big girls
standing? ( can hide behind the boys).Advice given by glamour experts say do not shoot
from high angle above subject's eye level this will make subject look squat and short
and in the case of big girl, a big lump especially not in the seating position.
6. Now the most important, lighting can be used to highlight or hide parts of subject
(using shadow) photograper does not want to show.His job is to make subject look good.
7. I have increased contrast to have more dark areas.In glamour it's always about the
girl/face.Same for guys if females are viewing..haha. Notice the dark areas surrounding
big sisters, it make big girls faces lighter/brighter so viewer's eyes will concentrate
on their faces ( away from the other parts).This is the key.Creative lighting.
8. In glamour photography colours are more saturated especially the reds.It gives a
warmer glow.More intimate.
9. Posing of bodies and hands are also important.For big girls and same for normal ones,
Direct frontal or passport shots are not used.Always at some angle with respect to camera.
Hands should use the karate chop profile and not the banana fingers type as seen on girl
seated in red dress.Good examples are big girl at extreme left and Miss Teen seated T
left armrest.Closer spacing of fingers recommended.
10. Lastly with shadows on boys and girls have more detail scuptured look and shape,
more 3D.Most importantly big sisters look slimmer don't you think? Also notice big girl
in black dress at extreme left, the dark areas blend in so her profile is less obvious.
This is how it's done.Light and shadow.Look at big girl's ( in blue gown) face and girl in
black dress seated at the window,why do they look more attractive? Now you know right?
11. Granted clothing and styling do have an impact for subject.