Good Poses for larger folks?

[PropilotBW]

I just wanted to get some tips on good poses for a larger couple. I've tried sitting them next to each other on a bench (doesn't look the best), standing behind one another (a little better), one sitting while one standing behind (better than most) , sitting at a table.

I was just curious what you might recommend?

Thanks!

 

[FITBMX]

What are they, husband and wife, friends, family to each other?

 

[PropilotBW]

What are they, husband and wife, friends, family to each other?

They're husband/wife.

 

[tirediron]

Lighting is your best friend! I generally turn them in toward each other and feather the light so their "outsides" are in shadow. As well, shoot from the midriff up. Skip legs & butts altogether unless you can't avoid it.

 

[Advanced Photo]

Think half moon rather than full moon.

 

[PropilotBW]

Here's an example of one of the poses I liked better than some others.

 

[PropilotBW]

 

[Advanced Photo]

Not bad at all...what did they think? (in response to the first image you posted before you ninja posted the second.

 

[PropilotBW]

Not bad at all...what did they think? (in response to the first image you posted before you ninja posted the second.

Ha. I meant to attach both photos in one post.

They haven't seen the photos yet, but I think they'll be happy.

 

[PropilotBW]

Last example.

 

[Advanced Photo]

I like 3 best.

 

[Granddad]

I'll go for #3, too. I'm a big bloke, I wouldn't expect any photographer to make me look like ..... (insert slim and sexy movie star of your choice). The use of the gate was a good idea.

 

[KmH]

Shooting from a higher camera perspective tends to slim people down.
When possible put something between their bodies and the camera, kind of like the fence in the bottom photo, but with the gate closed.

 

[Derrel]

You can also show less of them, by not showing their entire bodies, by putting them close together,but cropping off the edges of the frame...not including shoulders, arms, etc.. Tirediron also mentioned an in-studio technique of NOT lighting the outer parts of the bodies, which is another approach. I think in the two person shots, you need to have them leaned farther forward, toward one another, bending from the waist until their chests actually touch, then compose from the waist-up, but exclude the entire outline on the people. You need a bit more angle to the body than full, football-type shoulders on the woman and man pose on the bench.

NOT lighting the outside of a heavier person's face, but allowing light to hit the so-called mask of the face, is another well-used method that's similar to what Tirediron was mentioning. Think of a heavy vignette, almost to black, and the way that eliminates things, but focuses attention onto other things in an image.

 

[smoke665]

Another vote for number 3, though it would have been better had the gate been slightly more closed.