The Look
This look captures a woman who is ready to make her move, either in an aggressive or inviting manner. It’s a versatile pose that works well for almost any body type and can focus on highlighting either the bust or the bottom. This pose can also serve as a basis for similar nude shots, where a slight drop in the torso can add a touch of mystery.
The Setup
- Backdrop: Unlike other looks, a plain backdrop won’t do here. Use a bed or floor and add elements like ambient light, pillows, a headboard, or curtains to set the atmosphere.
- Lighting: One light source (light #1) should be positioned at the 45/45 angle in relation to the corner of the bed. An optional back/rim light (light #2) can also be used.
Posing
- Have the subject lie down on her stomach, supporting her torso with her elbows.
- Direct her to roll her hips to one side and bring her knee out and up to give shape to her bottom.
- Have her slide her hand back as if she’s about to prop herself up.
- Vary your camera angle to show more or less of her lower body. Use her arm to block the midsection if needed.
My Gear & Settings
- Flash units at or near equal power, modified with 42″ shoot-through umbrellas
- 50mm lens
- f/4.0 aperture
- 1/250 shutter speed
- ISO 100
Post-Processing
A touch of contrast works well for these shots, along with varying degrees of vignetting to focus attention on the subject.
Tips for Success
- Backdrop: Create an atmosphere with elements like ambient light, pillows, or curtains.
- Demonstration: This pose can be tricky to explain, so consider showing an example or demonstrating it yourself.
- Camera Angle: Varying your angle can help you focus on different aspects of the subject’s body.
- Lighting: While the back/rim light is optional, it can add a slicker look to the shot.