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The face of a model posing is her fortune.  Usually, it is the face that most people this of as the most vital part of a good fashion shot.  However, this is not entirely accurate.  Every part of the model, from face to feet, work together to create the clean lines that make up the composition of the shot.  Nothing should detract from the final shot, but a poorly placed foot or an awkwardly cocked ankle can draw the eye, thus ruining a great shot.

The ankle can be a very expressive tool in foot posing.  It acts as that pivot point for the foot, allowing it to roll in and out as well as up and down.  Moving the ankle itself from side to side is a common foot pose.  The best way to view this is from the front where the foot, ankle and leg can be clearly seen.  The starting point for the ankle is in a straight line directly over the toes.  From there, it can “cock” in toward the other foot or “cock” out, away from the other foot.

Photographers and models refer to the movement of the ankle as “rolling.”  When the photographer tells the posing model to roll her ankle in, he means for her to roll it toward her other foot.  When he says to roll it out, he means for her to roll it away from her other foot.  There are many points between the two extremes of the rolled out and in ankle, each bears its own conveyance of attitudes.  The wise model knows, though, that too much of an angle breaks the line and interrupts the flow of the lines of the leg.

The universally ultra feminine foot pose is that of the ankle rolled in, or cocked toward the other foot.  This pose lends a very graceful curve, a nice line that conveys sophistication, elegance and femininity.  The basic foot pose and its modifications are often seen in fashion photography using this technique.  In the basic foot pose, one foot (the cocked foot) is placed slightly in front of the other with the heel of the forward foot placed at the arch of the rear foot.  The rear foot is turned out slightly.  When the right foot leads in this pose, models sometimes call it a “right hemisphere.”  When the left foot leads, it is called a “left hemisphere.”  Modifications of this pose include sliding the front foot forward or to the side a few inches.

When the model keeps the ankle straight, so that the leg posing is directly in line with the foot, she can convey strength, haughtiness and arrogance.  In the fashion world, this is a very strong foot pose and is generally used when the overall feel is less feminine or androgynous.  It may even be considered a masculine pose, but when an overly feminine style is not desired, many female commercial models will employ it.

A rolled out ankle, or ankle that is cocked out, usually lends an air of immaturity.  A casual pose, it is also used quite a bit in high fashion shots when the goal it to achieve a chic or funky impact.  This pose is best done sparingly, though because it is not appropriate for many types of shots.  Depending on the tone of the set, the image you want to convey and the garment you are modeling, you may opt for this foot pose.

The foot is also a strong posing tool in that is moves in an arc, much like a fan.  Ankle and foot placement are integral to a good shot, regardless of whether the model is sitting or standing.  When she is standing, she is usually in the basic fashion pose, a right hemisphere or left hemisphere, where her weight is supported on one foot and the other foot is placed to the front or side.  In a right hemisphere, the right foot is slightly in front of the left foot, with the right heel positioned very close to the left inner arch.  By cocking the ankle at various degrees and moving the right foot forward or to the side, the basic pose can be modified.  A left hemisphere, of course, is simply the left foot placed in the front and the right foot in the rear.  The toes of the forward foot may be angled at various degrees to the body, either straight ahead, to the side slightly or even at a 90 degree angle out.

In modeling, the right hemisphere and left hemisphere are very basic poses, a beginning modeling stance for walking on the catwalk and for other poses.  However, another universally neutral foot position places the feet side by side.  From that position, the toes can be placed in a wide range of angles along the arc, from pointing in to pointing all the way out.  This position, though, is not generally used often in the fashion world.

While the foot has a wide range of motion, allowing it to move 90 degrees in either direction, it is rarely used at the extreme angles.  Most of the time, the foot of a model is slightly fanned out or in the neutral position, pointing straight ahead.

When the toes are pointing inward, the effect is awkward and pigeon toed, usually associated with playfulness, bashfulness and childishness.  It can also indicate inexperience and naivity.

Fanning the foot outward at the extreme angle denotes a casual attitude or lack of sophistication.  A popular teen model pose, it is used to convey a nonchalant attitude or rocker image.

The model must understand how each part of her body works to convey a particular tone, mood or image and how just one misplaced foot or awkwardly cocked ankle can throw off the entire shot.  She should have a very good grasp of posing and controlling the various parts of her body so that the lines she creates are clean and unbroken, which is what the photographers want.

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The Nikon D90 is one of the best DSLR reflex camera models available on the market today. It is a ‘prosumer’ model (professional and consumer) designed to replace the excellent Nikon D80.

The Nikon D90 price is wallet friendly. The camera sells for $1000 in the US (body only) and around $1300 with the body and the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.

All things considered, the D90 is a very competent camera. With its current price, this first-rate DSLR camera gives nice value for every professional and enthusiast in search for the best photo. It sports the attest and updated features every Nikon fan will surely love.

So what are the strongest points of the Nikon D90? Well, I must say that this new device deserves the hypes it is getting. Since the D90 is supported by more than six decades of nonstop innovation, this camera offers more striking features compared to other cameras today.

One of its great features is the fact that it can shoot HD video. Many photographers, pros or semi-pros, are expanding their horizons, so the camera’s HD video mode is most welcome.

You will not have a problem with the camera’s ergonomics. The Nikon D90 is solid, tight, strong, and perfect with the 18-105 VR lens. I love the fact that it is always ready and shoots very fast.

I also love the easy to use direct access buttons. What surprised me most was the lens. It is pretty sharp and clear, giving photographers better results than the older 18-55 VR.

I have been using the D90 in various lighting conditions, and it has never let me down with the results. I will end this raving by saying that buy Nikon D90 if you want the best DSLR.

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Portraiture can be very rewarding. It’s a chance to show the best side (literally) of someone, and create a photo that communicates something unique.

The first rule of good portrait photography is LOOK at your subject.

This sounds obvious but take a browse through all the shots you have of your family and friends and see if they don’t have a sameness about them. Cut off head and shoulder shots, uncomfortable posing, goofy expressions, mug shots, empty staring, frozen smiles..?

Each person has some unique quality that deserves photographing. It doesn’t have to be perfect skin, a remodeled nose, pouting mouth, stunning eyes. But it should be some quality that best communicates the person’s individuality.

Sound difficult? It isn’t if you follow some basic tips.

Don’t Use Direct Flash.

Flash is light at its most boring. On rare occasions it can really lift a shot into dazzling life, but most of the time using available light is better. A flash firing removes any relaxed atmosphere you may have built up with your subject and gives the shot a bland look.

Use a Telephoto Lens. 105-135mm is usually best.

Wide angle lenses are definitely out.

Use Vertical Compostion.

Tilt the camera to one side. A portrait usually includes the head and upper torso and sometimes the hands. These work best in a vertical format. Framing horizontally wastes space on each side of your subject and can ruin the “feel” of the image.

Dress Your Subject Up if Possible.

If this is to be almost a formal portrait photo you may be able to suggest what clothes. Solid, dark or light colors work best. Stripes, checks, swirls, and patterns confuse the viewer’s eye. Strong colors can can overwhelm the skin tones. A scoop or vee cut is usually better than a round cut. For a man or older woman, cover the shoulders, for a young woman leave them bare.

Try to use whatever available light you have to create a good effect.

Position the person where the light is soft and coming mainly from one direction. This can give a moody feel and usually gets the eyes more attention. You can use a reflector on the shadowed side to ‘bounce the light’ if the contrast between highlight and shadow is too strong. You can make a simple reflector using aluminum foil on a sheet of cardboard.

Pick the Person’s ‘best side’.

People really do have one. Have one shoulder slightly turned towards the camera favoring one side. Try that particular pose another way and work out which one is best.

Let the Person Sit Down.

This helps put them at ease by haviing somewhere to “be” and assists you in being able to direct them more easily. Give the person directions.

In a portrait photo, you’re dealing with minor movements and shifts of position and angle. Try to shoot slightly above the person to make the eyes open more. Lower the shoulder closest to the camera, get the head straight or at an engaging angle. Lower the chin a little.

Some people look better when they smile but some do not. You can get more interesting expressions and nuances without a smile. Ask your subject to think about something they like. This will highlight the eyes and accentuate the mouth lines.

If you have included the hands in the shot, make sure you check them. Hands can sometimes look awkward or even ugly. A fist that is lightly closed is usually neutral. Let the hands rest on a knee or in the lap and see what you have. Cut them off later if they don’t work.

If you’re shooting candid portraits the same tips apply but in these shots you have to move around to get the best angle.

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