Moving & Modeling

[Poppy Fields]

From the bits I've read in the forums so far, I've seen recurring questions along the lines of how to learn to pose and move like a professional pinup. Obviously, you need to study the poses and practice in front of a mirror to learn how your face and body look from various angles etc. But how do you make it stick? How do you prevent the brain fart that happens as soon as you get in front of the camera? I have an idea that might just work...

I am not spatially self-aware. If there's something I can stub my toe on, I will. I walk into walls. I've fallen down - and up - the stairs umpteen times. I have a permanent collection of bruises in various shapes, sizes and colours. Part of it is simply not paying attention, but for the rest, I just don't always know *where* my various parts are in time and space.

Needless to say, I'm not very graceful.

But OMIGOSHDOILOVEDANCING?!?! And performing.
So the last time I was seriously involved in bellydancing, I decided to harness the awesome power of my flailing limbs through targeted muscle/mind training. Many research hours later, I decided to start with Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery by Eric N. Franklin. It had great reviews on amazon and seemed like it would suit my method of experiencing and learning.

Yes, it's primarily aimed at dancers, but isn't modeling just another kind of dance? I watched a video of the ever gorgeous and adorable Bernie Dexter and that's what made me think of this book again. Her poses are fluid and tell a story - she dances when she models. If you really dedicate yourself to doing the exercises and visualisations presented in this book, you will undoubtedly find modeling easier and the resulting pictures more beautiful. By making the mind-body connection, you will learn to "see" from the inside where your parts are; you'll sense how the muscles and joints are positioned and be able to automatically make the subtle adjustments to get a pose *just right*. Most importantly, when you practise, your body will remember the positions and you'll be able to replicate them when it comes time to shoot.

You'll also find that you start to walk differently; more consciously at first as you notice how the movements happen and your muscles and joints function, and then the gliding will set in (who doesn't want to glide?) Your neck will "magically" lengthen; chest will be displayed to its full potential; hands poised prettily without thinking about it. The physical results are similar to Pilates, but applied to movement. Imagine walking effortlessly in a wiggle skirt and heels, as if you were born in them... yum!

My recommendation? Buy it. It's $20, so no great expense even if you haaaaaaate it. And if it works?
Get ready for the va-va-va-VOOM baby!

[Poppy Fields]

"I love that book"

Cool! So I'm not completely talking out of my ass? That's a change ;)

[Trixie Minx]

I love that book

[Poppy Fields]

About the only thing I haven't down is fall down sideways, but I'm sure that day is coming.

[Wink Holliday]

I thought I was the only person who could fall UP stairs! :D