Nigel Barker's Tips for the Perfect Pose
ask an expert: looking good in photoscanada
(Nov.26.10)
Nigel Barker shot to fame when he was cast on America’s Next Top Model as the “noted fashion photographer.” Before he became Tyra’s right-hand man, Barker began his fashion career as a model in the '90s. He later moved to the other side of the camera and recently wrote a book, Beauty Equation.
His job is to make women look good for the camera, so in the spirit of family-portrait and office-party season, we thought we’d ask him how we can take pictures we won't immediately want to delete.
SweetLife: Sam says that everyone is going to ask this, but how do you appear slimmer in photographs?
Nigel Barker: There is the classic red carpet pose: putting one arm on the hip and draping the other arm down, putting one leg in front of the other, and straightening the one leg and looking over your shoulder. The reason is that you’re twisting your silhouette and you creating lots of different angles on your body so that your eye immediately looks all over the body, not just at one spot. Also twist into a profile shot − this immediately halves your silhouette.
SL: Bonnie simply asks “fat arms?”
NB: There are a few obvious things. One is go to the gym and two, regardless if you work out or not, you have to realize why it bothers you. Take advantage of your shape and accentuate certain areas. If your arm is bare and your skin is light, [the light] will reflect and everyone will look at that first.
SL: Mia asked, “How do I make my smile look more natural while I’m waiting for my friend to realize they have the camera on video mode?”
NB: First of all, make sure that your photographer is ready before you start smiling. If you are in a group scenario and you want to capture that candid moment, plot someone in the group who is going to tickle everyone. Everyone gets together in their red carpet position with their shoulders together and then someone gives someone a tickle and you are all going to laugh and rock back and forth and you are going to get the classic model shot.
SL: Mia also asked, “How should I hold my posture? I don’t want to slouch but I don’t want to look like a sixth grader on picture day at school.”
NB: As soon as you’re put in front of a camera, a lot of people immediately pose and sit up straight. It’s the wrong thing to do. If you really want a great picture you’ve got to relax and forget about that pose. Your top bet is exhaling, “breathe out, remember to breathe” is heard a lot on Top Model. There is a reason for that.
SL: Gabrielle wants to know how she can find her most flattering angle.
NB: Most compact cameras have wide angle lenses. You have a tendency to walk up really close to people and take a photograph with them. To get the best angle [with this lens], the photographer should be at a decent distance, but not so far he can’t hear the person talk.
SL: Lori M. asks, “How do I avoid looking like I’m asleep? I’m always blinking in photos.”
NB: A lot of people have this problem. Models blink a lot, and they are professionals. As a photographer, you need to put yourself into an evenly lit scenario and turn the flash off. No one will be blinking when the flash goes off because there is no flash. I know genius, right? Another idea is to actually make sure you get a good blink out, count 1-2-3 then totally open. This is gold I am giving you!
Click here for more information on Nigel's new book, Beauty Equation.
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