The Look
Utilizing a couch or other furniture adds a touch of realism to a shot that might otherwise be purely fantastical. It’s a pseudo-candid image of a woman relaxing in an alluring manner, fully aware of the impact she’s having on the viewer.
The Setup
The subject sits near the corner of a medium-sized sofa. A single shoot-through umbrella is positioned at the 45/45 angle. A lamp on an end table is also turned on for additional lighting.
Posing
- In the first shot, I direct the subject to sit as if she’s getting cozy. Ask her to lift her feet off the floor and let her top drop to reveal one shoulder.
- Instruct her to bring one hand up into her hair.
- Capture several shots with her looking in various directions until you find the one with the perfect expression and eye contact.
- For the next series, have her lean over the arm of the couch to show her backside. Use a bottle and glass of wine as props.
- Combine the couch with the prone pose from an earlier look.
- Use a man’s shirt as a prop.
- Combine the couch with “The Crawl” (later in the selection of poses) by lowering the camera angle to the near armrest and having the subject peer over it or rest her head on it. One knee or leg can partially come over the side of the couch seat.
My Gear & Settings
- Flash unit modified with a 42-inch shoot-through umbrella
- 50mm lens
- f/4.0 aperture
- 1/250 shutter speed
- ISO 100
Post-Processing
As desired.
Tips for Success
- Expression: The subject’s expression and eye contact can make or break the shot, so take multiple captures to find the perfect one.
- Props: Consider using props like a bottle and glass of wine or a man’s shirt to add depth and context to the shot.
- Versatility: The couch can be combined with other poses and looks for added variety.