I will preface this by saying everybody is different, but in a general sense, some photographic modeling formulas are more successful than others. This is more about a frame of mind.... It may be painfully obvious to many and others may not agree, but I'm going to put it down here anyway for anyone who cares to read it.
I've seen a few Hopeful sets lately that are....aloof....distant...objectified. The model does not look at the camera, seems pensive, sometimes even a little angry, sometimes using odd, kind of artsy poses. Some other sets have the subject completely naked within the first few images of a set that gets very explicit very quickly. There is nothing wrong with those types of sets EXCEPT I'm not sure they are right for Hopefuls. SGs can experiment all they want with different concepts, but most Hopefuls are here because they want to be Pink. I honestly don't think you can become Pink, at least not easily, by being aloof and distant or by being in-your-face sleazy.
I'd like to suggest to any Hopeful that they keep one thing in the back of their mind whenever shooting a set. First date! The goal of every Hopeful is to attract the attention of viewers and convert them into followers. The concept is remarkably similar to that of a successful first date with somebody that you are interested in enough to want to keep around. (In other words a date, not a one night stand.) This sounds so cliche' but it is still the way things work for most people in most of the world. If you want to convert viewers into followers, you have to be pleasant and engaging. And followers are what will make you Pink!
There is a pretty basic sequence in a first date and it starts with getting to know the other person. From an SG Hopeful set perspective, that would start with the face, hair, eyes and related details. Sure, some people are attracted to killer bodies first, and nearly everybody likes to look at them, but most of the time the face is the first and most important feature a person will notice. So the first images in this type of set should be all about the face, eyes, hair, etc., with nearly constant eye contact with the camera and minimal other elements to distract from the face. Several of the shots should be directly facing and looking at the camera to indicate interest in the viewer.
Once that connection is established to the face and eyes, the camera can wander a bit. Most men and some woman are hardwired to observe the shape of a woman. That includes the shape of her neck and shoulders, the shape of her breasts, her back, her waist, her hips, thighs, ass, and her legs..pretty much every curve. This is where full body shots come in while the model is standing or stretched out. The image viewers get must be complete and body language applies here. For example, leaning forward toward the viewer, laying prone or arching your back while facing the viewer all show interest. In a first date, these initial looks at the body are done with clothes on, but it is important that the clothing choice allow all of the model's curves to be seen. These clothes-on shots kick off one of the most important aspects of any first date and something that will help turn your viewers into followers: anticipation.
The tricky part in a first date is determining how far to go and how fast. The exact same thing is true in Hopeful sets. The good news is that, like on a first date, you can do whatever you are comfortable with, but you always want to leave your viewer(s) wanting more. You want them to remember you. To come back to you. (Again, it is a date, not a one night stand.)
So what is a good mix? Say, the first 10% or 6-8 shots in a set are the introduction: Face, hair and eyes with nearly 100% eye contact to show interest in the viewer. Then there are clothed body shots, what, 15-30%? Full body and maybe some close ups showing form and features. Build anticipation with some bend-at-the-waist shots. Maybe a nip-slip, downblouse or upskirt to tease. Eye contact is still important here, but it doesn't need to be 100%.
Then it's show-off time. Strip, strut and stretch. Go as far as you are comfortable. Eye contact is important because you want your viewers to believe that you want them as much as they want you. Prone shots and reclined shots at this stage are very, very intimate and very powerful. It is important for you to be confident and proud of your body. That means minimal props, no balling up (i.e arms around knees) and minimal hiding behind pillows etc. And don't forget to show off your artwork!
There is one final detail that is incredibly important. You really have to look like you are enjoying yourself. This can be the slightest, most subtle smile if you want. Straight faces are fine once in a while. Maniacal grins are out but one genuine "Pretty Woman" slam-the-jeweltry-box belted out laugh is probably OK. That kind of thing seems perfectly natural on an enjoyable first date.
I went into a little more detail than I had planned to. Sorry. I hope something here is of use to you.
