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04/22/2007 02:25:17 PM · #1 |
In critiquing some shots for a friend, I (once again) found myself obsessing over the hands of the 'models'. Leroy  fotomann_forever has a nice tutorial here at DPC. Other than that, I've been unable to find much information online.
My opinions stem from time spent in art classes, as well as in front of the camera, 'working' 'with' Doug Hicks. I worked 'with' him back in the film days, and he spent a lot of time orchestrating our poses before shooting. I think his website has some nice examples of hand posing.
I’ve compiled all the tips that I can remember about this subject, as well as some examples from DPC. Many of these points echo what Leroy has covered in his tutorial. Please feel free to correct me and contribute 'with' your own input. I know rules are to be broken; however well broken rules are rarely accidental.
1. Hygiene and appearance: Clean, well manicured nails are a must. If model has chewed or broken nails, they might consider getting acrylic nails for the shoot. Claw like nails and gaudy polish draw attention away from the subject and will make the image look dated in no time.
2. Relaxed: Fingers slightly curved and together. When index finger is on its own, try to keep the other three together. Slightly bend everything that’s bendy (fingers, wrists, elbows). Avoid "White Knuckle Syndrome" and hold objects 'with' a feather touch instead of a death grip.
3. Cropping: Avoid cropping (chopping) off at joints or part of a hand. Individually bent fingers and hands out of view also create the appearance of being “amputated”.
4. Angle: Side view instead of flat hand view. This also applies to the broad view of elbow. Try to create clean flowing lines.
5. Weight: Pay attention to creases and distortions caused by hands supporting body weight, hands on hips and touching face. The best way to avoid this is to never apply pressure to hands or face.
6. “Rule of Thumb” When hands are in a relaxed pose, softly touching the thumb to middle finger often creates a nice look.
7. When arms are crossed or in pockets, don't bury hands, leave at least half exposed.
8. When hands are on hips, or in pockets keep thumbs and fingers together and towards the front.
9. Try to keep hands either completely in or out of sight. Avoid disappearing hands when arms are crossed or model is turned to the side. The pose may feel strange, but it usually looks better.
10. Veins: Keep an eye out for unsightly veins. These can be helped by having the model hold their hands up in the air for a few seconds right before posing.
11. Clutter: Unless it's for effect, the less jewelry the better. In my opinion, jewelry breaks the lines of the hands and fingers and can create a distraction. Of course, this rule begs to be broken.
12. Communication: Try to use the hands to express the emotion and mood you wish to portray. A glamorous shot isn’t quite so elegant 'with' splayed open fingers or clenched fists. Sometimes it helps the model to relax by asking them to shake their hands.
Here are a few examples that I like, including some that "break the rules".
              
Message edited by author 2007-04-22 14:34:26. |
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04/22/2007 02:53:22 PM · #2 |
| Good points, thank you for taking the time to share - I certainly have taken on board what you say, and shall try to remember to apply at least some of the points next time I shoot a posed photo. |
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04/24/2007 01:22:54 AM · #3 |
| Thanks for sharing. There's some great pointers, and some well chosen examples to go 'with' it. As Sarah said, the trick is to remember all this next time I shoot. :) |
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04/24/2007 01:27:32 AM · #4 |
Thanks! I think people sometimes take the "no dirt under the fingernails" rule far too seriously. For example, in a picture of a kid being a kid.
Message edited by author 2007-04-24 01:27:48.
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04/24/2007 08:23:22 AM · #5 |
Thanks for 'pointing' out what many of us need to notice! Your taking the time to write this, research appropriate images, and put it all together is very VERY helpful!! I've seen very few articles about this subject, and it IS difficult to remember the finer points - you've just made it a little easier!!
Great job Roxanne! |
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04/24/2007 08:28:35 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by greatandsmall:
I’ve compiled all the tips that I can remember about this subject, as well as some examples from DPC.
1. Hygiene and appearance: Clean, well manicured nails are a must. If model has chewed or broken nails, they might consider getting acrylic nails for the shoot. Claw like nails and gaudy polish draw attention away from the subject and will make the image look dated in no time.
2. Relaxed: Fingers slightly curved and together. When index finger is on its own, try to keep the other three together. Slightly bend everything that’s bendy (fingers, wrists, elbows). Avoid "White Knuckle Syndrome" and hold objects 'with' a feather touch instead of a death grip.
3. Cropping: Avoid cropping (chopping) off at joints or part of a hand. Individually bent fingers and hands out of view also create the appearance of being “amputated”.
4. Angle: Side view instead of flat hand view. This also applies to the broad view of elbow. Try to create clean flowing lines.
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Strike 1, 2, 3, 4:
(especially #1)
;)
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04/24/2007 08:31:19 AM · #7 |
Adding one goodie to this post -
If you need to shoot hands or feet up close and don't want to see all those veins, have the person hold their hands (or feet) above their heart for a few seconds and all the blood will rush out of the hands (feet) leaving smooth clear skin. :)
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04/24/2007 09:50:02 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by Brad:
Strike 1, 2, 3, 4:
(especially #1)
;) |
Way to break the "rules" Brad. You've just proven my point that effectively breaking them is rarely accidental:) That's a powerful image; and one that stands out in my memory from that challenge.
Originally posted by idnic:
Adding one goodie to this post -
If you need to shoot hands or feet up close and don't want to see all those veins, have the person hold their hands (or feet) above their heart for a few seconds and all the blood will rush out of the hands (feet) leaving smooth clear skin. :) |
Thanks Cindi. That's what I was getting at in #10. Besides, asking the model to hold feet up in the air has got to have some entertainment value:)
Oh BTW, for those of you who think you might forget: Have a talk 'with' your 'models' and ask them to practice in front of a mirror. Shots from magazines are usually good examples to emulate. After a while it becomes second nature.
Message edited by author 2007-04-24 09:54:14. |
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