The Belly Dance Chronicles October/November/December 2015 Volume 13, Issue 4 | Page 22

Secrets to Great Images from Photo Sessions The Professional Difference - Elegance of Style Part 4: The Art Behind the Camera More Tips and Techniques for Posing By Ma*Shuqa Mira Murjan and Carl Sermon Teamwork for Great Images The best images from photo sessions are the result of teamwork with the photographer and artistic director providing the model with gentle instructions for posing. Whenever you catch a glimpse of models in a professional photo session, what isn’t apparent is the coaching by the artistic director and photographer – “turn a little more, lift your eyes, and tilt your head…” It takes teamwork to make great images. Even though professional photographer Carl Sermon, and I, are familiar with posing requirements and image composition, even we freeze in front of the camera – even we need direction for posing as models. As artistic director, although I’m familiar with gently directing people in modeling and posing to attain beautiful images, and Carl is an excellent photographer who helps direct posing – but yes, even we just stand there when we are in front of the camera. The problem is – even though you may know what you want – beautiful images that are attention getting – you can’t create poses without structure; and more importantly, coaching direction and feedback. Posing Solutions for Typical Issues This article discusses and presents posing solutions for some typical issues: 1) creating energetic and powerful images that project, 2) removing chin and neck skin folds, 3) making the 22 The Belly Dance Chronicles  October 2015