Hands in the Photograph -The MAGIC Is ALL In The Hands
June 14, 2011
The world of art and craft is no "slight of hand" magic show.
Yet, there is a growing trend for including hands in photographs displaying jewelry, accessories, and clothing. This increases the need to pay attention to the hands used as props.
A poorly chosen hand prop can detract from the work in the photo and ruin any chance of being accepted in a book, magazine, show, or exhibition. The harsh reality is that a bad photo is summarily dismissed as bad work. Conversely, a good photo is assumed to include good work until proven otherwise.
During the Professional Development Seminar (SNAG Conference 2011) several speakers mentioned the hand in photographic images.
Marthe Le Van, the editor at Lark Books, showed us three example photos (left) with cut-up artist's hands, wrinkled skin and chipped fingernail polish. Needless to say, these photos were not included in a Lark Book.
Even a brief look online delivers an overabundance of BAD photos that include regrettable choices of hand models or awkward hand positions. I have resisted the impulse to show more bad photos -- they are too easy to find. I think you get the idea.
Great skin, unblemished hands, and a perfect manicure with light to neutral nail polish is the first requirement for a hand model.
The gesture of the hand is equally important.
I secretly watch America's Next Top Model (please don't tell anyone) to learn about using models in photography. One of the primary issues when they critique the photos is the gesture of the hand. Avoid the claw shape hand position or a clenched fist. (Perhaps the photo to the upper left is an attempt to be forceful, to hide dirty fingernails, or maybe the ring doesn't fit, but it isn't working.)
Bracelet and Necklaces by Reware
Artist: emiko oye
Photo Credit: emiko oye
Model: Jen Ohara
Bracelets by Reware
Artist: emiko oye
Photo Credit: emiko oye
Model: Jen Ohara
Graceful hands are your best choice to help viewers focus on the work.
In the photo to the right, a graceful hand gesture effectively holds an entire handful of necklaces. What a great way to capture the variety in your line of work.
Can't you just see these photos BLOWN-UP LARGE in the back of a craft show booth? What a way to attract an audience!
In the photo to the right, a stack of bracelets on the model's wrist with a few in her hand displays a whole group of work. Both of these photos are effective ways to showcase multiple pieces at the same time. They would be a great postcard, advertisement, or publicity shot.
Would I send these shots for a juried show? Hmmm....that is a risky decision. Some shots, however fabulous, are not appropriate for every situation. It depends on the opportunity.
Bracelets and Necklaces by Reware
Artist: emiko oye
Photo Credit: emiko oye
Model: Jen Ohara
While these shots look simple, there were more than 30 other shots that were rejected from the same photoshoot. Plan on taking 20 to 40 shots of each pose, position, or idea.....then adjust the lighting, the bounce card, the model's hand, and the jewelry/accessories/clothing until the photo is just right.
How do I know? I was there as the "photo stylist" and emiko oye was the photographer. It was a lot of seemingly repetitive effort, but in the end, a magical day.
This post was updated on February 4, 2022.