Inspiring model photography

Photo by Orea, modelling agency, 2007. 
 I find this shot inspiring because it does not conform to the typical seductive or flirtatious model poses which we see so commonly in the modern day, yet is still beautiful; without being revealing or outrageous. The pose adopted is quite a natural one, as though the model is simply pulling her hair over her shoulder. Furthermore, I like that the short nails, minimal make-up and beanie hat make the photo quite relaxed and casual; not overly feminine. 

Kara Searle by Nicholas Routzen
This pose is again not very sexual and is quite a natural pose which you might see a normal woman sat in, in everyday life. Despite being fully clothed and covering up a large portion of her face there is still a sense of mystery to the model, her vibrantly patterned clothes contrasting her  captivating stare.

Ellie Goulding
I love how natural this photo of Ellie Goulding is. Her hair and make-up is relaxed, and she is wearing comfortable clothes, her laughter clearly sincere; I find it inspiring that such beauty can be captured without any drastic lighting, make-up and posing.

Loïc Brohard, 2011, unposed image
This unposed image inspires me because it captures such beauty within it's mystery, provoking so many questions; what is the model frowning at? Where is she? I find it interesting that she wears a camera around her neck, almost as if it is the photographer who is in fact in front of the camera. I love how natural this photo is, and how without any specific posing, the model still appears quite sexy.

Daphne Groeneveld, photographed by Txema Yeste, styled by Juan Cebrian

Harper's Bazaar, Spain, 2013 
This photo caught my attention because, even without a typically seductive pose, i.e. pouting/looking at the camera, etc.; the model still appears quite sensual, delicately touching her bare shoulder. The hair, make-up and positioning make it seem as though the photo was originally planned differently, perhaps in a more common, flirtatious pose. However,I like the fact that she looks genuinely happy and natural. 

MUA: Amanda Wright, 2013
I liked this pose because while the plump, bright lips create the typical flirty effect of many model shoots, the close angle removes the concept of unnatural bodily poses, and the closed eyes and hands on the face create a sense of almost stress or pain, contrasting the seemingly happy mood of the make-up. 

Betty Adewole by Arved Colvin-Smith, Stylist Magazine #170, MUA: Celia Burton, hair: Kota
This photo is one of my favourites. Betty Adewole appears fully engrossed in her 60s-style dancing, without a care about how she looks to anyone else. Therefore, while not being a stereotypically 'sexy' pose, her confidence and carefree attitude is still very attractive.


From researching model poses and photography, it is clear that my interest lean towards more natural, happy and fun photos; I find it impressive and more enjoyable to look at when artists and models are able to create a sense of sexiness without adopting an outrageous or unnatural pose.