من كتاب photography

26 Props aid the Glamour Photo A AN INTERESTING aid to both pho tographer and model is the use of interesting objects - props . The term can be applied to almost anything that is used either intimately or in close proximity of your model . When working outdoors in a park or at the heach there are natural things you can use conveniently and effectively - trees , rocks , fences , boats , playground facilities , etc. All of these will suggest ideas for posing and com position . With trees , look for a clearing where you can " frame " your model so that she stands out against the hackground while the natural frame adds depth and interest . With black and - white film , be watchful to avoid the green of the trees blending ex actly with the tone of the model's hair or costume . In color this is not SWING suspended from studio celiling . matching parasol and pants are props which " make " these pictures different . as much of a problem because the various colors in the scene tends to separate each clement from the other . A tree trunk , or fallen tree can pro vide a background or a set for your model . With the felled tree , begin shooting with the girl standing on the rough bark of the trunk ; then have her sit on it and finally , lay down for . a study in contrasts between the tex tures . Be sure to shoot from all dif ferent angles . Once the girl is in position , move around her rather than shooting with the camera firmly fixed in one spot . Come in for closeups and medium shots . Use the stump for closeups too -portraits or torso compositions . TAKE PROPS WITH YOU When you go on a location shooting assignment , bring along a variety of props . It's a nuisance to have to tote them along but they can mean the dif ference between good pictures and so so ones . Chairs , even though bulky , are very useful props for indoor and outdoor shooting . Advertising agencies often insist on wild props and can call for anything from a bathtub to a bed , table , couch or some other seemingly incongruous object to be placed in the most unlike ly places . This is done for shock and attention getting value , by creating something a little different . But , the photographer must be careful to not 27
allow the prop to overshadow the model . When working indoors there is lit the problem if one has a studio be cause the props and scene can be ar ranged so that the girl is featured . However , if one has to depend upon a bedroom or living room , more thought will have to be given to the area used . This can mean moving furniture around to a more favorable . location . Bedrooms are a natural for glamour pictures . Beds are soft and easy to pose upon . However , you should se lect specific elements such as a lamp .. pillow , stuffed animal as the main prop and eliminate all others . Dress ing tables , paintings and other fur . niture and objects can spoil and clut ter up the shot . Shooting down from
a high angle can help eliminate this problem . HAVE PROPS IN MIND Before arranging for a glamour sitting , it is an advantage to have a few props in mind . Not that they have to be used , but they will at least help you get started . In fact , props can often generate ideas for pictures and poses . Interesting pieces of antique furni ture and other objects can often be borrowed from friends or rented from prop houses or antique shops . The fees can be rather high , so be careful . Sometimes the models , themselves , have interesting props which can be used . Be sure to ask them about this . A prop need not be big . It can be as small as a pair of glasses , a ciga rette holder , a flower , string of beads or a hat . Be careful when using hats to not confuse them with style . Hats used with clothes date the picture but , used with a nude model they be come fun and need not be tagged as a specific fashion . An entire series can be done with a prop as simple as an oversize pair of eyeglasses . Remove the lenses so you only work with the frames . With an animated model you can run through an entire range of expressions with her eyes framed by the open lenses . Pictures of this type are main ly slanted for use by advertisers as TREE BRANCH suggested this lively picture ( top left ) while the umbrello seen in photo on preceding page makes an en tirely different shot at bottom left Wicker chair and big hat are the contributing elements in the attractive study above 29