The Elements of a Good Glamour Shot

Lighting

• Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of any photo shoot, and in glamour photography it is even more important. Your lighting needs to not only create a certain mood, but it also needs to accentuate the focal point on the model you want to feature. A common light technique in glamour photography is "low-key" lighting. This technique requires you to expose for the main light and to position the light in the exact location to illuminate the focal point of the model. If you use additional lights, set them at two to three stops lower than the main light so the overall picture has pleasing shadows.

Composition

• How you pose the model, the lens and shooting position are critical. You want to create a picture where the pose creates an interesting focal point and depth in the picture. A mid-range telephoto lens, such as an 85mm lens is often the best choice for this shot as it does not distort any of the picture and recreates an image that closely matches the way our eye sees a scene. Use a large aperture opening to create a shallow depth of field. This further enhances the focal point of the model, and creates a softer out of focus background. Position yourself to take the picture from two or three different angles per pose. Your shooting positions need to be considered when posing the model.

Make up and Wardrobe

• Spend some time with your model before the shoot, reviewing some pictures that you want to re-create. Be clear with your instructions for the type and amount of makeup the model should wear. The same applies to her clothes for the shoot. If possible, the model should bring two or three outfits that can be changed during the shoot.

Model Comfort

• Any portrait photographer will tell you if the model does not feel comfortable or happy, it will show up on her face. Throughout the shoot you want your model to feel at ease and comfortable with the entire shooting process. Many people feel nervous in front of the camera. To get past this, take a few "test" shots at the beginning, review the best pictures with the model to help inspire confidence in how she looks and your ability to capture a good picture. Keep the entire shoot to about an hour in length. Unless your model is a professional, after an hour people tend to become tired with all of the posing, and it will show up on their faces in your pictures.