The Look
This pose captures a woman in a daydream, dressed in something special as she waits for her significant other. The look is flattering for almost all body types and has a slightly voyeuristic appeal. It’s a pretty and irresistible pose that’s perfect for capturing the essence of anticipation and daydreaming.
The Setup
The subject will be posed on a bed. The key light (light #1) should come in from above the subject, feathering down toward her legs. A side/back/rim light (light #2) should be positioned to illuminate from the lower body upward.
Posing
- Have the subject lie down diagonally on the bed, ensuring there’s plenty of space between the top of her head and the edge of the mattress.
- Instruct her to bring both knees up, keeping her feet flat on the mattress.
- Ask her to lower one knee slightly to break the symmetry, while keeping the knees and thighs together. This creates a flattering triangle shape with the thighs.
- Direct her to rest her left hand on or near her left thigh. This could be an opportunity to showcase a wedding or engagement ring, or to adjust a garter strap.
- Have her place her other hand near her ear, perhaps twirling a strand of her hair for added flirtatiousness.
My Gear & Settings
- Flash units at or near equal power, modified with shoot-through umbrellas
- 50mm lens
- f/4.0 aperture
- 1/250 shutter speed
- ISO 100
Post-Processing
The image is generally processed for a softer look, with reduced contrast. Vignetting is often added to focus attention on the subject.
Tips for Success
- Communication: Make sure to communicate that this is a “day-dreamy” shot, letting the subject know that most of the work is on you, not her, to find the right angles.
- Body Position: Pay attention to the positioning of the knees and thighs to create a flattering shape.
- Hand Placement: Utilize the subject’s hands to add extra elements like showcasing a ring or adding a flirtatious touch with the hair.