She's Got Legs...

Mirror Image, Canon 5D Mark II, 17-40 4.0L, f/11 @ 1/125, ISO 320.

Modeling images don't have to show the entire person to be effective.  I've found that some of my favorite photos I've taken over my brief adventure into the world of modeling photography are leg isolation shots such as the one above.  Aside from these being a great pair of legs, the fact that the rest of the model can't be seen or identified adds an element of mystery and allure to the image that increases its sex appeal.  The client was very happy with this image, and so was I. 

To all of the women out there who are unnecessarily self-conscious about their bodies, keep in mind that a great pair of legs (or any other feature) can come in a myriad of shapes, sizes and tones.  There isn't one ideal.  I don't believe that this particular model was very tall at all, but with no other elements as a basis of comparison (coupled with the use of a wide angle lens) this could be a 6' runway model as far as anyone knows.  

I often use my ultra-wide angle lens for shots such as these.  Unlike a zoom, which brings subjects closer, an ultra-wide angle lens- without getting overly technical- pushes subjects back.  That's why they are most often used to create vast landscapes. While generally not used for portraits because the ultra-wide aspect can distort facial features, it is a dream lens for leg shots.  A good pair of legs can be made to look great, and a great pair of legs will look five miles long due to the perspective offered by the lens, which will both lengthen them and make them appear slimmer at the same time. This effect is often most pronounced when the model is seated on the ground and I'm shooting from above, or the model is on a staircase and I'm shooting from below her. (I have plenty of these images, but most of my shoots are done in strict confidence. You'll just have to trust me on this or, if you're a photographer, try it on your own.)

As I said, there is more than one ideal when it comes to legs, and more than one way to shoot them in a studio setting.