Photography is a team sport, so to speak, with a model or models, a photographer, and sometimes help with lighting and an HMUA (Hair and MakeUp Artist). I often work with newer and first-time models who may be unsure of how to pose and what looks great on camera. Though the internet is full of posing tips and guides, I thought it would be helpful to share what I have learned through years of experience and hundreds of shoots. My goal is to have an amazing shoot every time!
Prepare your thoughts
If you are new to modeling, don't look at it as a photo shoot. Instead, think of it as simply taking a bunch of pictures. Thinking of it in this way will relieve you of the pressure to perform. Think of (visualize) yourself as beautiful, attractiveand even sexy. As your photographer, I'll make sure you actually do appear that way in the pictures and help you feel confident knowing that you really are! Follow my lead and watch the magic unfold!
Inspiration
On your phone or Pinterest, start a collection of inspo pics of poses you like and want to try. Ask me for inspo too. Chances are I already have something for you. Now go practice them. Don't be afraid to spin them a little to come up with something different and better!
Dress for the shoot
Before a shoot, wear loose fitting to avoid unpleasant pressure marks on your skin, especially around your waist. Wear wardrobe selections that coordinate with the theme it the shoot as far as color and style. Wear things that make you feel confident and sexy...most likely your favorites! Discuss your selections with your photographer before the shoot to gain consensus and maybe additional suggestions. When doing a risque photoshoot in cool or semi-private locations, bring a robe for warmth between shots or if privacy becomes compromised. Remove tags from garments with the possible exceptions of Victorias Secret, Calvin Klein or other top brands.
Relax!!!
This is easier than it sounds. Especially relax your face, neck, and hands! Stiffness and nervouness can really show in the pictures. Just something to keep in mind, not obsess on because that in itself may make you nervous. As your photographer, I will help you feel relaxed and comfortable very quickly. When you feel good, you look good?
Learn to flow
Don't be afraid to move around and pose. Many models go into a flow, moving around and stopping at a pose. Music can really help it feel almost like a kind of dance. This will become more natural in time. Photos are free so let's try lots of things!
Freeze for the shot
Hold still when you lock in on a pose. Be especially aware of elbow and hand movement as that's where blurring most often occurs. Listen for the camera to beep as it locks focus and watch for the flash of the strobes. This really helps to capture clear, sharp detail. Holding still allows your photographer to use setting optimized for clarity. Coordinate with your photographer to help get tack sharp pics.
The eyes have it
Eyes are the center of attention in most shots! Look directly into the camera, to one side or the other (but not too far) or down (again, not too far). Open your eyes slightly more than normal to show your entire iris. This allows light to reflect off your eyes (called catch light) really bringing them to life! This can be difficult when shooting outdoors in bright light. In this situation, I will count down (3, 2, 1, open) to make it easier.
Eyes closed can be ok too and can convey certain emotions. In general, looking up or up and to the side can look spacey and air headed. Don't over-rotate your eyes left or right - don't go past the vision line of your nose.
Do what looks interesting
If it bends, bend it. If it twists, twist it. Waist, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers (bend only, not twist of course), spine, hips, knees, ankles, all of it!
Tilt and turn your head. Try having your shoulders directed to one side of the camera and your face to the other, then tilt to the side and look slightly up or down. Avoid turning your head so far that your nose "hits" your cheek. Turn farther past that for a profile. Positioning your head squarely to the camera can also work but you really want to limit that. We want variety!
Keep chin showing above shoulder. This mostly applies when your looking over your shoulder at the camera. Take this opportunity to add an interesting curve to your spine.
When positioning your head, keep in mind that if you tilt down, do it from the bottom of your neck to reduce the double chin. Do so in a way that does not look awkward. When looking up, be sure the camera is not looking straight up your nostrils for obvious reasons.
Keep shoulders at an angle to the camera. Have one shoulder higher than the other and slightly forward.
Allow hair to flow and be not perfect. Not perfect is perfect because it creates way a more interesting look. Try to control frizzies that often capture light and really show. Bunch up your hair with your hands and run your fingers through it. Having your hair covering part of your face can be fantastic! Same with a stray curl!
Lean slightly towards the camera. This can have a slimming effect on your waist and hips.
Flatten your tummy. This just looks better in photos and it has the added benefit of enhancing your upper torso if you know what I mean.
Find something to lean against or sit on and bend one knee more than the other, one foot forward, the other back.
Form S shapes - shift your weight, settle on one hip, tilt your shoulders. Doing so creates accentuating curves.
Create triangles with your arms and legs., as many as possible. Floor instance, bend one knee, one hand on your hip, the other in your hair.
Avoid symmetry - left and right should be noticably different. For instance: one arm up, one down, or one leg straight, one bent at the knee, and so on.
Keep your arms away from your torso - create negative space. This will accentuate your hourglass figure. Alternatively, curve your arms along your waist to accentuate your figure (form S shapes).
Do fun things with your hands. Play with your hair - bunch it up, put it over your ear, run your fingers through it, etc. Place a fingertip slightly in mouth (see what it can do with your lips), tug on clothing, use props, put your hands in your pockets, etc. Show the back or side of your hands, not your palms. When placing a hand on your hip, point your fingers down or back - it just looks better.
Avoid pointing your elbow(s) directly at the camera.
Point your toes.
Be aware of how the light falls on you. If your arms are up, be sure they do not cast shadows on your face in an unattractive way.
Light touch with fingertips - when touching your face, neck or body, do it as though you're touching a baby you don't want to awaken.
As mentioned, look straight into the camera, down or slightly to either side.
Mouth open can be ok or even good. Avoid pursing your lips.
Smiles are good, slight smile or big genuine smile. Have your smile include your eyes.
Keep your tongue behind your teeth - no blep.
Check your posture - stand tall, shoulders back, tummy in, and pop your butt out!
Be candid. Many great shots are just shot at random and do not look posed. Think of like smelling a flower or something.
Experiment with facial expressions. Look sultry and even seductive! There is a fine line between appearing seductive and RBF so practice in the mirror. There is a LOT in the eyes here! This is so HUGE! Mastering this will really make you a TOP model! Did I emphasize that enough?
Now break all the rules
Everything above is just general suggestions, not hard and fast rules. Many of my favorite pics break one or more of these and produce amazing images! Feel free to be creative! A good photographer should welcome any creative input a model has so be spontaneous!
Practice, practice, practice!
...and practice some more! At home, look in the mirror and strike poses. Visualize yourself in a positive way. It may feel a bit silly at first but just wait until you see the results!
One final note
This has nothing to do with posing, it's more about professional conduct The one thing that ALL photographers find more than annoying is a no-call no-show. This will absolutely end your chances of working with many and may tarnish your reputation as a model in this small, captive town. My time is valuable and, in many cases, other people or resources (studio rental, locations, cars, etc.) may be involved whose time is valuable as well. It is beyond rude and downright unprofessional and with me and others, is likey to get unfollowed and even blocked. I only bring this up because it does happen. If you can't make it, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance.
