10: Emma Kate Middleton
Model: Emma Kate Middleton
Photographer: Zair
Makeup Artist: Jocelyn
To recreate the elegant and sophisticated photo of the model seated on a luxurious chair, here’s a detailed guide covering framing, camera settings, subject directions, lighting, and editing.
Framing
Pose:
The model is seated sideways on a plush chair, with one leg bent and the other extended slightly forward. This creates a relaxed yet elegant posture.
Her torso is slightly turned towards the camera, and she is looking down, adding a sense of introspection and grace.
Angle:
The camera is positioned at eye level or slightly below eye level to capture the model’s face and body in a flattering perspective.
The close-up perspective ensures the focus is on the model and the luxurious setting, with minimal distractions in the background.
Composition:
The model is centered in the frame, with the opulent decor and ornate details filling the background, creating a cohesive and luxurious composition.
The fur throw on the chair adds texture and complements the model’s outfit, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Camera Settings
Aperture (f-stop):
Use a medium aperture (e.g., f/4 to f/5.6) to ensure both the model and the intricate background details are in sharp focus.
Shutter Speed:
A moderate shutter speed (e.g., 1/125 to 1/160) to capture the model sharply, given the controlled environment.
ISO:
Set a low ISO (e.g., 100-400) to maintain image quality and reduce noise.
Lens:
A standard prime lens (e.g., 50mm or 85mm) is ideal for portraits, providing a natural perspective and sharp focus.
Subject Directions
Pose and Interaction:
Direct the model to sit comfortably on the edge of the chair with her torso turned slightly towards the camera. This creates a flattering angle and highlights her curves.
Ask her to place one leg bent on the chair and the other extended forward, with her foot touching the ground. This creates a natural and elegant line.
Arms and Hands:
Guide the model to rest one hand gently on her thigh or knee, and the other hand can rest on the armrest or the chair. This adds to the relaxed and elegant posture.
Ensure her fingers are relaxed and not clenched, maintaining a natural and graceful look.
Head and Facial Direction:
Direct the model to tilt her head slightly downwards and look down or to the side, creating a soft and introspective expression.
Encourage a natural and relaxed facial expression to complement the elegant pose.
Lighting
Main Light:
Use a softbox or beauty dish positioned above and slightly to the side of the model to create soft, even lighting on her face and body.
Ensure the light is diffused to minimize harsh shadows and highlight the model’s features and the textures of the fur and chair.
Fill Light:
A reflector or a second light source on the opposite side can fill in shadows and balance the lighting on the model.
Consider using a hair light or rim light to add separation between the model and the background, highlighting the edges of her hair and body.
Background Light:
Ensure the background is evenly lit to keep the intricate details of the decor visible and add depth to the image.
Use additional lights to highlight specific elements of the background, such as the ornate gate and decorative items.
Editing
Color Grading:
Adjust the colors to enhance the natural skin tones and the warm tones of the decor. Increase saturation slightly for a more vibrant look.
Apply a subtle warm tint to the overall image to create a cohesive and luxurious feel.
Contrast and Clarity:
Increase contrast and clarity to bring out details in the model’s skin, outfit, and the textures of the chair and decor.
Use selective adjustments to enhance the sharpness of the model’s eyes, lips, and hair.
Skin Retouching:
Use frequency separation or dodge and burn techniques to smooth out skin imperfections while maintaining natural texture.
Enhance the highlights on the cheekbones, nose, and lips to add dimension.
Sharpening:
Apply selective sharpening to the model and key elements in the foreground to make them stand out against the background.
Cropping and Alignment:
Ensure the image is cropped and aligned to keep the focus on the model and the luxurious setting. A tight crop works well for this type of portrait.
Practical Steps for a Similar Photo
Studio Setup:
Set up a controlled studio environment with adjustable lighting and a luxurious background to achieve the desired effect.
Model Preparation:
Brief the model on the pose and interaction you’re aiming for. Use props like the ornate chair and fur throw to add character and texture.
Lighting Tests:
Conduct lighting tests to ensure the setup creates the desired soft, even lighting on the model and the background.
Continuous Shooting:
Use continuous shooting mode to capture multiple frames and choose the best shot from the series.
Post-Processing:
Spend time in post-processing to fine-tune the colors, contrast, and details, ensuring the final image has a polished and professional look.
By following these guidelines, you can create an elegant and sophisticated portrait similar to the one you provided, with a strong focus on the model’s pose and the luxurious setting.
As with the last photo, I asked for more detailed instructions on directing the model into the pose.
To direct the model into the elegant pose shown in the photo, follow these detailed steps:
Initial Setup:
Position the chair slightly angled towards the camera. Ensure it is stable and comfortable for the model to sit on.
Place the fur throw on the chair to add texture and enhance the luxurious feel.
Seating the Model:
Ask the model to sit on the edge of the chair, with her torso turned slightly to the side (about a 45-degree angle to the camera).
Ensure she is sitting upright with a straight back to accentuate her posture and elegance.
Positioning the Legs:
Direct the model to place her front leg (the one closest to the camera) with the foot flat on the ground and knee bent.
Ask her to bend her back leg (the one furthest from the camera) and tuck it under slightly or rest it on the chair in a relaxed manner, ensuring it is visible to create depth and dimension.
Adjusting the Torso and Shoulders:
Instruct the model to twist her torso slightly towards the camera, enhancing the natural curve of her waist and upper body.
Ensure her shoulders are relaxed but slightly angled towards the camera for a flattering look.
Positioning the Arms:
Guide the model to place her front arm (the one closest to the camera) resting gently on her thigh or knee. Her hand should be relaxed and natural.
Ask her to place her back arm (the one furthest from the camera) on the armrest or the side of the chair, creating a soft line with her arm. Ensure the hand is relaxed.
Head and Facial Direction:
Direct the model to tilt her head slightly downwards and to the side, looking down with a soft, introspective expression.
Ensure her chin is slightly lifted to elongate the neck and create a graceful look.
Final Adjustments and Refinements:
Check the overall posture and make small adjustments to ensure everything looks natural and comfortable.
Ensure her back is slightly arched to accentuate her curves.
Adjust any stray hair or clothing to ensure the shot is clean and polished.
Posing Script
“Sit on the edge of the chair and turn your hips slightly to the right.”
“Place your right foot flat on the ground and bend your left leg, resting it under you on the chair.”
“Twist your torso towards me and angle your shoulders slightly forward.”
“Rest your right hand gently on your thigh and place your left hand on the armrest.”
“Tilt your head slightly down and to the side, looking down softly.”
“Relax your shoulders and give me a soft, introspective expression.”
Visual and Verbal Guidance
Use your own body to demonstrate the pose if necessary. Sometimes seeing the pose can help the model understand it better.
Continuously communicate with the model, offering encouragement and feedback to make her feel comfortable and confident.
Final Tips
Be patient and give the model time to get into the pose.
Adjust the lighting and camera angle as needed to ensure the pose is captured perfectly.
Take multiple shots from slightly different angles to find the best composition and expression.
By providing clear, step-by-step instructions and maintaining open communication, you can guide the model into the desired pose effectively and create a stunning, professional-quality image.
