Leaning on a stool
A tall seat with the torso folded forward, elbows on the thighs and the head low.
On a stool, leaning forward brings the chest down over the thighs and stacks the head, shoulders and hips in a forward offset. Because there is no back to rest against, the pelvis sits at the edge of the seat and the feet take some of the load, so the figure angles forward from the base rather than folding in place.
The pose reads as attentive and informal. It gives a tall visual element, since the folded upper body sits above two long legs dropping to the floor, and it shows clothing under compression: the shoulders narrow, a jacket back rounds, and trousers crease at the hip and knee.
Check the seat edge and the feet together. If the stool is tall and the feet cannot reach the floor, the whole balance changes; if the feet are planted, they usually sit slightly forward of the knees to keep the torso from tipping. Draw the thigh as a clear horizontal and let the torso meet it at an acute angle. A common mistake is to keep the spine straight while leaning, which produces a plank hovering over a stool.
Drawing notes
- Keep the thigh horizontal and let the torso meet it at an acute angle.
- Plant the feet slightly forward of the knees when they reach the floor.
- Round the upper back as the torso folds rather than keeping a straight plank.
Pose prompt
The description used to generate this study. Copy it into your own workflow, or hand it to the studio with your photo.
Adult woman sitting on a stool and leaning forward, full body, fashion photography.
Working notes
- A tall seat with the torso folded forward, elbows on the thighs and the head low.
- A tall stool changes the balance; decide whether the feet reach the floor.
Put this pose on your own reference
Take this study to the studio and generate a new image in the same pose, or browse the rest of the fashion studies first.
