!!Not sure if right forum..but questions concerning posing heavyset people..!!

Skhigh · Apr 25, 2012

I do not mean to offend anyone, I am just looking for the best ways to pose a heavyset couple.

I have done some research and I can't find any really good examples. I have read that the photographer should have them block each other, or use objects to do so. I have also read that angling their bodies helps too.

This is my first real shoot of people I don't know..Ive taken photos for family members but its not the same.

Does anyone have any suggestions and/or actual photos of poses they have used?

Oh..The photo shoot will be at a park.

Thanks!!

MReid · Apr 25, 2012

Shoot at long mm.
From above, no shoulders square to the camera.
Sitting laying down should be avoided.
Use short light.
Dark, loose fitting clothes, no bare arms.

12sndsgood · Apr 25, 2012

Ive had this issue as well. Few things I was told was going close up and trying to avoid the full body shots. The angling them so there not straight on. typical stuff as mentioned placing one in front of the other. or something to help block some of the view. Sorry posing isn't my strongest area.

Majeed Badizadegan · Apr 25, 2012

Liquify in CS5?? :lol:

Not really sure to be honest, that's a thought that crossed my mind though

Derrel · Apr 25, 2012

In seated poses, you want a heavyset person's shoulders to be angled toward the camera. Have them lean forward, from the WAIST, with one hand on the thigh, up near where it joins the body, and then have them sit up tall and straight; in this type of seated pose, their chin will be almost over the knee. This type of seated, angled, and strongly-forward leaning, and sitting-up-tall brings the head forward, and away from the torso, and actually looks pretty damned good. It makes the head appear more prominent, the body and shoulders a little bit smaller-than-otherwise, and is,well, a pretty well-known way to pose heavyset people.

With women, hand and "arm poses" are pretty easy to do. Solid-colored, non-patterned blazers, sweaters, and shirts are also helpful...nobody needs two yards of strongly-patterned checks or plaids or stripes to make them look bigger than otherwise...

Also, lighting-wise,use "short lighting" schemes...do not use broad lighting on a wide or heavy-set face! Avoid really even, flat lighting, and in that vein, consider keeping only the "mask" of the face lighted fully, and allowing the under-chin and neck areas to drop into shadow...that is one of the keys...do NOT rake a light across the entire width of the face of a heavy person, thus making them look fatter in the face!!! Make SURE that they project or push outward and upward with their chin(s). Seriously. Chin-up and out cases the skin to be more taut, and less flabby on the under-chin and neck areas.

2WheelPhoto · Apr 25, 2012

puppet-warp tool FTW

cgipson1 · Apr 25, 2012

I have always thought that you should just shoot them normally... not over-emphasizing or under-emphasizing their size. They are what they are... they should see it that way. If they aren't happy with it, that isn't your fault.. you didn't make them that way!

The tacit acceptance of obesity in this country is one of the reasons over 60% of adults are as fat as they are (over 30% actually clinically OBESE!) Too much sugar, fast food.. and a serious lack of exercise!)

I know this is not a popular viewpoint today.... but sit next to one of them on an airplane, it's no FUN!

If you make them look like they lost 50 lbs... they will love you, but that won't be an incentive for them to lose weight.. will it?

2WheelPhoto · Apr 25, 2012

cgipson1 said:
I have always thought that you should just shoot them normally... not over-emphasizing or under-emphasizing their size. They are what they are... they should see it that way. If they aren't happy with it, that isn't your fault.. you didn't make them that way!

The tacit acceptance of obesity in this country is one of the reasons over 60% of adults are as fat as they are (over 30% actually clinically OBESE!) Too much sugar, fast food.. and a serious lack of exercise!)

I know this is not a popular viewpoint today.... but sit next to one of them on an airplane, it's no FUN!

If you make them look like they lost 50 lbs... they will love you, but that won't be an incentive for them to lose weight.. will it?

In my line of work I do that often!

cgipson1 · Apr 25, 2012

2WheelPhoto said:
cgipson1 said:

I have always thought that you should just shoot them normally... not over-emphasizing or under-emphasizing their size. They are what they are... they should see it that way. If they aren't happy with it, that isn't your fault.. you didn't make them that way!

The tacit acceptance of obesity in this country is one of the reasons over 60% of adults are as fat as they are (over 30% actually clinically OBESE!) Too much sugar, fast food.. and a serious lack of exercise!)

I know this is not a popular viewpoint today.... but sit next to one of them on an airplane, it's no FUN!

If you make them look like they lost 50 lbs... they will love you, but that won't be an incentive for them to lose weight.. will it?

Click to expand...

In my line of work I do that often!

Yea.. I have been flying more lately than I normally do.... and dread it, every time I see some "heavy" person heading toward me. Some try to nice about it... some aren't. I try not to be rude... but I did pay for my own seat.. and don't really feel like I should have to share it! I really wish they would put vertical walls up from where the armrests are, just to ensure a level of privacy and personal space!

Skhigh · Apr 25, 2012

I appreciate the tip, but can we not turn this thread into a bashing of heavyset people..I just need some ideas.

Thanks!

Derrel · Apr 26, 2012

cgipson1 said:
I have always thought that you should just shoot them normally... not over-emphasizing or under-emphasizing their size. They are what they are... they should see it that way. If they aren't happy with it, that isn't your fault.. you didn't make them that way!

The tacit acceptance of obesity in this country is one of the reasons over 60% of adults are as fat as they are (over 30% actually clinically OBESE!) Too much sugar, fast food.. and a serious lack of exercise!)

I know this is not a popular viewpoint today.... but sit next to one of them on an airplane, it's no FUN!

If you make them look like they lost 50 lbs... they will love you, but that won't be an incentive for them to lose weight.. will it?

Wow-- a major thread hijack there cgipson0!!! While you're busy venting all your personal prejudices and hatred and mental problems, why don't you also just go ahead and tell us how you feel about handicapped people, muslims, the elderly,children,foreigners, blacks, and hispanics? I am sure we would all love to hear more of your pissing and moaning about those disgusting and horrible "others" whom you have to share your goddamned personal space with. It's just too f&&Cking bad you do not have your own private airplane to fly in, all by yourself. Know what I mean?

cgipson1 · Apr 26, 2012

Derrel said:
cgipson1 said:

I have always thought that you should just shoot them normally... not over-emphasizing or under-emphasizing their size. They are what they are... they should see it that way. If they aren't happy with it, that isn't your fault.. you didn't make them that way!

The tacit acceptance of obesity in this country is one of the reasons over 60% of adults are as fat as they are (over 30% actually clinically OBESE!) Too much sugar, fast food.. and a serious lack of exercise!)

I know this is not a popular viewpoint today.... but sit next to one of them on an airplane, it's no FUN!

If you make them look like they lost 50 lbs... they will love you, but that won't be an incentive for them to lose weight.. will it?

Click to expand...

Wow-- a major thread hijack there cgipson0!!! While you're busy venting all your personal prejudices and hatred and mental problems, why don't you also just go ahead and tell us how you feel about handicapped people, muslims, the elderly,children,foreigners, blacks, and hispanics? I am sure we would all love to hear more of your pissing and moaning about those disgusting and horrible "others" whom you have to share your goddamned personal space with. It's just too f&&Cking bad you do not have your own private airplane to fly in, all by yourself. Know what I mean?

We all have our opinions, don't we? I just don't like it when some else's lack of discipline causes them to invade my personal space in a disgusting way! (and very few have medical issues that cause the obesity... although many claim it!)

I have nothing against any of the other types of people you mentioned... so please do not try to insinuate that I do! Kind of a low life move that I wouldn't have expected from you, Derrel! My only prejudice is against stupidity (and self abuse of any kind seems pretty stupid to me, especially on the scale it is occurring!)

If you have reason to take this personally, I apologize. My rant was not aimed at you.. just the behavior that causes the problem. And the resulting issues that stem from it!

So I take it that you don't have a problem with the current Obesity problem? What about the resulting health issues? What about the kids that are growing up Obese, don't they deserve better than that? Is it really so wrong to express a concern about such a major issue?

Skhigh · Apr 26, 2012

But I just wanted to know how to pose people...so..........

Balmiesgirl · Apr 26, 2012

Nothing straight on .... Like they said before short lighting. Try poses with the lady behind. Men are usually more comfortable with their size. Basic posing.... Weight on the back foot, one hip forward ... Be careful where you position the hands.... I am careful with posing no matter what size the client is. Everyone, regardless of size wants to look their best.
Clothing choices are extremely important!!!! I suggest a discussion on what they will be wearing, this is usually done at the initial consultation.