their head. This “side glance with the eyes” with head
in slight profile can be a nice pose if the jaw line is
defined. If the jaw line needs more definition and the
model doesn’t turn her head to face the photographer
– then ask her to turn her head with “ears forward”.
Shooting Curves
Best Standing positions
If you stand in “rock star position” with legs spread
out facing forward with hands at your waist – you
create a big, broad and wide image. While this is a
power position – it’s not very attractive and you can
look pounds heavier in this stance.
Create a faux waist by grasping your torso at the waist
area – then slide your hands towards each other, finger tips
almost touching. Better to put your weight on the back leg
by tucking your back leg behind you while also turning your
torso slightly. As you do this, also briefly bend your knees
as you put your weight onto the back leg; and then as you
are turning your torso slightly – undulate up from your legs
through your hips up into your chest – a well-known dancer
movement. This gives you a beautifully smaller, slimmer body
line; while also energizing your core, as well as improving
posture by lengthening the spine.
Action Move Defines and Energizes
Next, in the same profile standing position with your
weight on the back foot - take your hands and slide them
down your thighs, then roll your shoulders around, back,
and down to energize your torso as you pull your hands up
your thighs. Then, pull your elbows away from your body to
define your torso line and create a smaller waist. With your
arms in this position, you have defined your torso with the
space created around your torso when your elbows are held
away from your body.
Bust size
Minimize bust size by holding arms under your bust line,
and cupping hands around your elbows. Then, squeeze your
arms together and pull your arms up slightly as you cover
part of your bust. This pose slims your torso by creating a
“V” shape with your arms.
If your bust is small, with arms under your bust line, don’t
cover your breasts but allow your hands to move slightly
away from your elbows. Circle your shoulders around,
back and down raising your chest; then squeeze your arms
together under your bust line for instant lift and a fuller look.
These movements combined with the “forehead forward”
movement and slight tilt of the head can look either coy or
just the opposite if the chin is lifted ever so slightly.
Best Reclining Poses
Cat Stretch Reclining Pose
When posing in a reclining position lying out on your
stomach, once you are in position on the floor or on an
ottoman, stretch your body out like a cat stretching. As
Reclining
Position 1
24
The Belly Dance Chronicles
October 2015