Makeover - Posing for Perfection

on-line makeover

"Striking the Pose for the Camera"

just say "cheese"

"Renee" - is dedicating an entire section - to "posing"?

Absolutely!

"Why's she doing that?"

Simple - I've found "this" - is where many beginners face the greatest trouble with "pictures". Even worse, most don't realize "the problem" - until long after their makeup is removed and their opportunity to "re-shoot" pictures - is months away - when the "wife" is once again "on vacation". *Laugh*

Don't feel bad - I stunk at "posing" early on as well - and I still create a variety of laughable poses. The first times my camera "clicked" I had absolutely no sense of "what to do with my hands", how to "turn" my body - even "smile" - let alone how "any of this" would equate - to better photos.

section overview

Here I'm going to show you how to:

Learn to pose like a model
Maximize your strengths in a picture
Avoid common mistakes with posing
Create "sexy' poses

posing for perfection

In a "perfect" world - you'd simply don that favorite ensemble - snap the pictures - send the results to Vogue for a " cover shot" consideration - and wait foe the accolades. Alas, we 'gotta hone your skills a bit before we can get you on that "cover".

posing "preparations"

I'm no "expert" at photography - far from it. However, I've taken enough bad pictures - to garner a basic idea of what will come out good - for you!

An important prerequisite for taking quality photos is learning how to strike "sexy poses". I started off having trouble knowing what to do with "my hands" and "body position".

Do you ever face "that" challenge?

To enhance this "skill", I saved about ten issues of Victoria's Secret's catalogs. (I'm sure you "look" at such catalogs now & then....*Grin*) I subsequently cut and pasted about 100 example photo's into a binder i including with all sorts of poses. I reviewed it before taking pictures. I noticed the exact placement of their hands (and fingers), I observed how they "turned" toward the camera's, how they positioned their lips. Also, notice the position of their arms - relative to their bodies. Most men stand with their arms "bowed outward". Women - tend to keep their arms "inward" - along the lines of their bodies. They pose "gracefully" - versus powerfully. Get the idea?

These girls and their photographers are professionals - and know how to get a good shot. Learn from them. Besides - what could be a better "homework" assignment than looking through women's catalogs? *Smile*

planning your poses

Ok - now you've got a few ideas on "how" to pose like a girl?

"Are we ready?"

Almost...but first - we want to determine what to "show" - and what to hide. Unfortunately - we're usually not quite as "perfect" as those models included in our favorite catalog.

Your next consideration is "what are your strengths" - and weaknesses. If you have great legs - make them the focal point of the picture. Have a great smile? Then "smile" your ass off, girlfriend!

I'm a big believer in focusing strengths - versus worrying over weaknesses. You know the concept...."a good offense - is the best defense. ((hugs))

Although I hate to bring them up, there's a host of "problems" we typically face as t-girls - short of cosmetic surgery and ten years worth of female hormones. First, we're usually pretty "flat-chested" - and possess hips more narrow than our genetic female counterparts. Sometimes - our belly is wider & larger than our hips (damnit) - our biceps are oversized...need I continue?

Study the picture to the "right". My right arm (which is larger and a bit more muscular than my left) is pulled back from the cameras view. My hips are "cocked" to my right - adding width to my narrow behind. I'm bending down a bit - which takes away from my height. My fingers are spread which adds a more sultry image to the photo.

Think - as you begin shooting photos. However, don't dwell on what's wrong. There's never anything "wrong" - with just being "you". ((hugs))

"tricks" of the trade

Although I still take more "bad" photos than good - I'm not above trying to tip the scales in my favor to improve this ratio. "Here" you'll find a few tricks that might cause some of your pictures to come out - even better...

hands

The first challenge most people face in posing for the camera is "what do I do with my hands"? The answer: a lot!! The hands play a key role in shaping the contour of your body for the camera. Almost always, your fingers will be "open" and on display. Don't "bunch" them into a fist - that's a "guy" thing.

Likewise, the position of your hand can draw attention to a certain spot in a photograph. Point a finger? People will look "where" you point. Caress your inner thigh - that's where the viewers eyes tend to "look".

As "humans" - we use our hands to dramatize and explain ourselves in daily conversation. They can serve that same important function in your photographs.

Another option? Put your "hand" to good use. Namely, give yourself a mini facelift by positioning the fingers at the side of your face and pulling the skin more taught. This is exceptionally useful for close up & "profile" shots.

mouth

The second challenge - what to do with your "mouth". That - sounded silly - didn't it? *Laugh*

Again, look at our models in Victoria's Secret Catalog. Almost always, you'll notice their lips are slightly "parted" in photographs. Their mouths aren't hanging open - rather - they look like they're ready to be "kissed".

When I've taken pictures of other beginners - they're usually rather "tight lipped". When I ask them to open their mouths a bit - they usually open them too wide at first. I don't want "you" making these mistakes. Unfortunately, I won't be there to get you to "close it". *Grin* Practice this - while looking at a clothing catalog & a mirror - you'll get it.

Another idea? Gather / pucker up - your lips for a kiss. This offers another "look" - and has the effect of "slimming your face" - always a nice option. However, it gets old - if you do this in too many photos - so just try it now & then. Again, don't over do this "move" -and subsequently look like a six-year-old girl "reaching" for the first kiss of her life. You needn't "pout" your entire face and neck - just the lips...Get the idea?

Smiling? Most t-girls hate smiling in photos as it tends to "thin" their lips and widen an already oversized jaw bone (when compared to women). This is a very "individual" thing. However...one thing you need to "note". As men, we tend to squint our eyes when we smile. Women - leave their eyes "open" - as they grin. Take special note of this important point - it makes a huge difference in your smile - whether in front of a camera - or thousands of people. ((hugs))

hips & ass

If you're one of those t-girls with a nice full behind and narrow waist - I hate you! *Smile* Most of us are forced to contend with a belly wider than our hips - and shoulders wider than "that". Still - there's a few ways to create a more feminine look - even with these shortcomings.

First off - suck that tummy "in". Make no mistake - women do "this" all the time. As men - we often get lazy about good posture. I usually try to remember to suck mine in "extra tight' - right before the camera "clicks".

Second - try "poking" your behind out a bit. Actually - try "poking" it way out. *Smile* See if you can create a more feminine ass - with "poking". You can enhance the look of your "poke" by situating your hand on your hip just above your rear and turning sideways. This newly created "angle" - tricks the eyes into seeing a bit more ass - than nature gave us at birth. Works for me...*Grin*

faceless photos

If you're not yet comfy with your skill in make up and the results of your "face" - I understand. Early on - I felt the exact same way. try turning away from the camera. While an occasional "leg only" shot is ok - it gets old and removes the most important feature of your picture from the equation. Namely - you.

the tease

In case you're not aware - I love "teasing". I fact - I feel a teasing photo is far sexier than all-the-way "nude". Learning to "tease" in a photograph takes a bit of practice - but it's one investment of your time you'll probably enjoy immensely. *Smile*

The key to "teasing" photos is to create a picture where the observer breaths deeply and says: "God, if that camera had just been a little more to the left". Know the kind of photo I'm talking about? Try lowering your panties "right to the edge". If a bit of your genitals or pubic hair ends up "showing" - you can often remove it with a graphics program. Let your bra strap or dress "fall down". Hold your hands over your "breasts". Get the idea? I knew you did, girlfriend. ((hugs))

music

Some gals find playing a bit of their favorite music keeps them in the right "mode" to strike sexy poses. Certainly, the ideal "female" lyrics can help you achieve the sort of inner attitude that often equates to good pictures. Whether you "shoot to music" or use it to get "pumped up" - you'll find tunes to be a welcome addition to your posing routine.

primp

An important "trick" not to forget is good ole fashioned "primping". For every shoot I'm even half way serious about - I keep a tube of lip gloss nearby, a hair brush, and a compact with pressed powder. It doesn't take much time getting up & down from setting your timer & a few "licks" of the lips - to trash and otherwise perfect appearance. Half way through a set of pictures - trot over to a mirror and "touch up" a bit. It never "hurts".

over posing

A common error I made "early on" - was what I term "over posing". In other words - I tried so very hard to look sultry - that I looked like a gal "trying" to look sultry. *Laugh*

Again, take note of your "role" models in various catalogs. It takes very little "posing" to pose.

Where you place your hands, the position of your fingers, the poutiness of your lips, where your eyes are looking - have far greater impact - than exactly what you do with your body.

Know what I mean? *Smile*

"sexy" shots

Want to shoot a few "sexy" photos? We all tend to relish the idea of shooting a "hot" photo - worthy of Playboy. However, we start with little understanding of "how" to achieve that look.

Ironically, a picture with your "legs wide open" - is one of the most challenging to make look "hot". Almost every beginner takes these photos - and they often look a bit too much like a "guy" in that process.

If you wish to shoot a somewhat risqu� styled pose - try using a bit of "coyness".

"Ideas?"

Try slipping something to "cover" a bit between your thighs (A pillow, a stuffed animal, a blouse that you just removed, etc.). Also, consider looking "away" from the camera. "This" adds a degree of female shyness and vulnerability - that's appealing.

My personal favorite is to "strip" as I shoot a series a pictures. Often, I do this out of boredom while I'm shooting. You know - how many times do I want to keep taking the "same" picture of the same outfit? Try taking a number of pictures as you "remove" some clothing - even take some where you're "looking down" to remove a skirt, etc - for a more voyeuristic appearance.

One of the hottest posing options to consider while you "strip" - is doing so in front of a mirror.

This - takes a bit of practice regarding where to place the camera to achieve the "total look". However, when you get it "right" - it's rather breathtaking. Something about a voyeuristic image buried in an already voyeuristic pose - is delectable.

These sort of cheese cake "maneuvers" can add zing to otherwise boring shots.

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