Posing...
Whether you are serious about modeling or just having a try, it is very important for you to realise that there is more to becoming a model than just standing there looking beautiful.
One big factor in becoming a good model is posing, and in order for you to learn the different poses needed for different types of models it will take a lot of practice in front of a mirror before you go in front of a camera.
Looking Natural
When preparing for your photo shoot, there are numerous steps you can take to ensure you are comfortable while posing and your photos will look more natural. Before you head to your photo shoot, pick at least ten poses you really like from fashion or glamour magazines, or poses you’ve learned from previous photo shoots. Take time to perfect each pose in front of a mirror until you feel comfortable and have the confidence of knowing you look great doing these poses.
Hands and Face
Also, focus on what to do with your hands and pay attention to facial expressions. A pose is virtually dead and unimaginative without a “look”. You should be able to close your eyes, imagine a thought, open your eyes and sell that thought. Practice this technique and your photos will become “wow” photos, not just “great” photos.
Most photographers welcome any posing ideas you may have, after all, they can’t be expected to remember them all. In addition to your ideas, the photographer may have his or her own idea of how the session should go. Always work with a photographer you feel you can trust. This will make communication between the two of you easier and give you the confidence to express your own ideas.
Always listen to what the photographer tells you. If you are really uncomfortable with the pose, shout out.... in a nice way!. Remember though, he or she is looking through the camera at a framed view of you and could see something you don’t.
If the photographer says they want something different in the pose, try looking away from the camera or giving a unique facial expression. This is where your practice in front of the mirror really pays.
Posture
When posing you should always keep good posture unless the photographer instructs you to do otherwise. Hold your stomach in to give your abdomen a more toned appearance, tilt your pelvis forward slightly to give the subtle curve to your lower back and don’t shrink!... keep you head high and don’t let it sink into your shoulders and finally girls.... stick you chest out, it will stop you looking round shouldered.
There is an easy acronym to remember... “TTSA” or Teeth, Chest, Stomach & Ass... translated it means “Smile, stick you chest out, hold your stomach in, and stick you ass out” Usually you will hear a photographer mutter TTSA from behind the camera if he thinks you are relaxing too much in the pose. It is a fine balance between holding a pose and looking relaxed and being relaxed in a pose... once you have mastered this, you are well on your way!
Keep your fingers slightly apart and pointed away from the lens. Let your hands fall naturally into position whenever possible. Remember, you want to be yourself – on purpose.
If you are shooting in bare feet, don’t stand on the flat of your foot... raise yourself up on your toes slightly, this has two effects - first, it makes your legs look slightly longer and second, it forces you to use your calf and thigh muscles giving you legs a better shape & definition. If you look at swimwear shots, a lot of the models will be in 4 inch heels or on their toes!
Things to Avoid...
Body language and expressions come naturally, but the language you are projecting might not be what your photographer wants in a particular pose. You need to consciously focus on ways to prevent these habits while posing.
Don’t hold your breath during a pose, you go bright red and it’s not an attractive look!. Breathe normally, and practice pulling in your stomach muscles while breathing. Your photos should look as if you just happened to be sitting this way when the photographer pressed the shutter.
In most poses you want your arms, legs, wrists, etc. slightly bent unless you are directed to do otherwise Most people don’t stand or sit with their arms and legs completely stiff. A good point to remember is, if it will bend, bend it.
Remember that you don’t always have to smile. You should have a good variety of smiling and serious looks. But, sometimes you will want to give a large, open-mouthed laugh. If you are supposed to be happy, look the part!
Your Eyes are the Windows to Your Soul
Don’t always look straight into the camera. When you let your eyes look to the left or right, you create an air of mystery. When you look up and away, you are annoyed. Tilt your chin slightly down and look straight ahead for a sexy look.
Beware of the Blink! If you have to blink, try to blink between exposures. This is not always easy, especially if you are working in a photography studio.
Never be afraid to try out some of your own poses in front of your photographer. Usually, at the end of a shoot most photographers will ask if there is anything that you want specifically... so pitch in and say what you would like to try... or better still show them! Sometimes models ask me if they can try this or that pose and I have got some of the best shots out of a session from these ad-lib's.
When you look at the shots in the studio, remember that these are “raw” images... they may need colour balancing, adjusting slightly for exposure and digitally mastering before they are the finished article. So, don’t be critical of yourself and think the photos of you are not what you were expecting. Try to always remember that magazine cover shots usually have more post shooting work done to them that the actual shoot it’s self!
If you don’t like the look of some of your poses, it doesn't mean to say it’s not a great photo, but see that as an opportunity to look again at the pose and see how you could improve it.
