For a successful model photograph, head placement tells a story or creates an impression for the viewer even before the face gets into the picture. As the head turns, its very outline communicates mood and prepares the viewer for the message that expression will carry. A lift of the head may suggest hope or assurance; a drop … pensiveness or sadness; a tilt … concentration.
Extreme positions of lift, drop and tilt have an emotional quality usually associated with feminine or juvenile characters; conversely, conservative positions with but slight lift, drop or tilt give the impression of restraint, stability and strength.
Positions attained by combining the head movements, such as a lift-tilt are effective and add the style to a pose that distinguishes the work of the finished artist from that of the beginner.
Before we can note or direct head movement, we must establish the place from which we can define or distinguish all change: zero-position or true center-front.
From the photographer%u2019s point of view, zero is determined by the position of the model’s head as viewed by the camera. Her head is true center-front when, on the ground glass, a line through the lobe of each ear touches the tip of her nose, and her headline crosses it at right angles.
From the model’s viewpoint, zero position can be established when, using the camera lens as her target, she places her head-line parallel to the sides of the camera and aims the tip of her nose at the direct center of the lens.
With zero position mutually established, all movement can be directed and executed with synchronized precision.
THE FACE
functions mechanically and emotionally. The mechanical arrangement of the features creates the impression of character and attitude, while expression gives the viewer insight into the model’s mental and emotional processes. In an attractive model photograph, iImpression catches the eye, expression holds it.
To a helpful degree, expression can be planned and facial elements placed for the compatible effect of impression plus expression!
THE MOUTH
effects a change in the shape of the face when it moves. A round, laughing face becomes oval-shaped when the mouth opens to form words such as Hey! or Ah!, and a thin face appears rounder when the mouth is closed to say Mmmmm or Wheel.
The right mouth position can also correct facial defects. For instance, when a smile exposes the upper gum, you will find that when the lips form the word Gee, the upper lip is restrained and the smile normalized.
THE EYELIDS
in extreme positions, project impressions which can be combined with basic expressions for mixed emotions. Slightly parted eyelids add contemplation to any given emotion. Widely parted lids add a feeling of surprise if the white space appears above the pupil or an element of voluptuousness if it appears below.
THE PUPILS OF THE EYE
direct a viewer’s attention by their placement. Eyes are magnetic. Eyes gazing directly into the camera establish contact with the viewer of the finished picture, while pupils focused away from the camera direct attention to other areas.
The influence of the eyes’ directional message should never be underestimated. It is a well-known dramatic fact that in group scenes, figures of secondary importance must gaze at the main point of interest. No matter how large the group or how small the individual figure appears, the pupils of the eyes add or detract from the picture.
The eyelids normally part to disclose the pupils equally. Sometimes, due to an eye’s sensitivity to light, or poor muscular control of the lid, one eyelid droops more than the other. This inequality can be corrected if the other eye is closed for a moment or two and then opened slowly. As the strong eye re-accustoms itself to light, both pupils are revealed equal momentarily and can be photographed.
Except for comic effects, the pupils of the eyes should not disappear from view of the camera but should visibly aid expression and direct attention. If eyes leave the camera axis 90 degrees or more, (as happens easily in ¾ head and profile views) only the whites remain to startle the viewer.
Make sure your model understands how to use her facial expression for great model photographs.
Become An Expert At Model Photography
