How to Verbally Pose a Nude Model

Giving verbal directions can be a mental challenge, but when your model is nude, it's necessary to avoid personal space issues wherever possible. Verbally directing a model allows you to be at your camera the moment the pose is right, and keeps the model from becoming uncomfortable. This guide will help you to develop your ability to direct a pose using verbal directions as well as gesture and other visual references.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Be Prepared:
   
   It is easiest to deliver clear directions when you have a clear mental image of what you want. "Please place your right hand on your left hip, crossing in front of your torso" gives a much clearer mental picture than "move your arm down, but... over?"
   
   Storyboarding your concept before the shoot and collecting reference images of similar poses is the easiest way to express the pose you want. Sending reference images to the model ahead of time can allow him or her to prepare too. This does not mean you should base your images on other people's work--just that specific elements (ie "see how her arms are in this one?") can help you express your own vision to your models. You can even sketch out visual cue cards on the spot--even stick figures or vague shapes can often help communicate the pose you're looking for.

2. Use Your Words:
   
   Be as specific and as descriptive as you can in all verbal instructions. Use right and left, forward and back, and even mathematical angles where applicable. "Hold your right arm directly out from your side, parallel to the floor" gives a clear picture of what you want. "Hold your arm out" may or may not get the desired result.

3. Troubleshooting:
   
   If verbal directions aren't getting the job done, demonstrate the pose or the aspect of the pose that is causing confusion, if you are physically capable of doing so. When you're not, another model or assistant who understands what you want may be able to show the model.
   
   You may feel silly, but not as silly as you'd feel not getting a good shot due to communication problems.

4. Fine Tuning:
   
   When a model is close to, but not quite in, the pose you want, or if you need to make subtle adjustments, you'll need to use special phrases and gestures. If you say "move your..." many models will break pose entirely, and you'll have to start over! Make eye contact (when possible), and say "without moving anything else, I need you to adjust your..." give specific directions as to angle, direction, and distance, or have him/her move in small increments ("a little more to the right, a little more, little more, perfect!")
   
   Many photographers find it useful to hold up a hand or finger and use it as a directional indicator. This can help especially while making very slight adjustments, or while adjusting the angle of the face, as you can move your hand right, left, up or down as well as tilt it. Always accompany these gestures with verbal directions.

5. Posing JUST the Face:
   
   While directing a model to change his or her focal point or the direction he/she is facing, many photographers experience frustration with overly exaggerated movements disrupting other parts of a pose. For many models, saying "please turn your face toward me" will result in not just the head, but also shoulders and upper torso being adjusted slightly. To avoid this, use a hand gesture and say "turn your nose this way" (some prefer "chin"). This more focused and unusual request often results in a more precise movement, and is used often with children and less experienced models.

6. When you just can't ask:
   
   Sometimes verbal directions and visual cues just can't communicate what you need, or you need to adjust hair or clothing that the model can't adjust without breaking a perfect pose.
   
   In these cases, it is polite to ask the model if you may make the necessary adjustment. Touching the model is sometimes necessary, but it should be addressed as you would address physical contact with any coworker--CAREFULLY! Especially in a nude shoot, it is important to maintain respectful boundaries and keep the model feeling comfortable.
   
   If the model is not comfortable with you making a physical adjustment to a pose, either scrap the pose and move on or keep trying verbally. If the adjustment was to hair or clothing, tell the model what needs to be done and coach him or her back into place. You got there once, and you can do it again.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to maintain patience when a model is having trouble understanding you or breaks pose. It can be frustrating, but you'll get there eventually
• Try to maintain patience with yourself as you learn to give verbal directions. It's much more professional than treating your models like mannequins, and most of the models I've worked with have really appreciated the respect it shows. It might not come easy the first time, but in time you'll figure out your own quick and effective system.

[sweetsaah]

on 11/13/2009 nice...............

[athome]

on 3/28/2009 How to Verbally Pose a Nude Model is very well written and informative thanks 5*