Modeling Posing Tips |
If you are a professional model, a photographer will most likely guide you through a variety of model poses throughout the photo shoot. But if you are an inspiring model and are still working your way up to the top—you may have to control your poses to ensure great headshots and sample modeling photographs.
Live show models, promo models, photographic models, and runway models all rely on professional model poses to succeed. Whether you aspire to appear in print magazines or fashion shows and Hollywood movies; if you want to be a model, pay special attention to this insider guide to modeling poses.
Breathe
Although sometimes concentration enhances a good
photograph, obvious concentration can distract and
often ruin a good photograph as well. Do not hold
your breath for a modeling pose; always remember to
breathe and appear at ease.
Posture
Bad posture is an unrecognized flaw in many people.
However, for models, posture is a harmful flaw.
Always remember to keep your back straight and your
shoulders up. Slouching affects the mood of the
photograph and enlarges the appearances of your
stomach. In addition to your back and shoulders,
always remember to flex your stomach muscles.
Despite your weight or state of shape, your abdomen
will appear more toned if you flex.
Limbs
Symmetry is officially out in the modeling world.
When posing, make sure to differentiate your arms
and legs with asymmetrical poses. If you have one
arm long and straight by your side, make sure the
other arm is bent. Whether a big or small angle, the
bend will make the modeling pose look more real,
less artificial. Continue the asymmetry to your
legs. If one leg is locked straight, give the other
leg a casual bend.
Camera
Although the camera is the ultimate focal point of a
modeling photo shoot, great models do not look
directly into the camera. To enhance the quality of
your photo shoot, look away from the camera with a
mix of head and eye poses. Looking off to the right
or left side, or tiling your neck to either side can
help you avoid direct eye contact with the camera.
In many cases, your head and neck can remain
stationary in your modeling pose—and your eyes can
do all the work. Head and eye positions, coupled
with personable facial expressions make for great
model poses.
Sitting Poses
If you are sitting down during your photo
shoot—don’t think it’s ok to slack off. In fact,
sitting photo shoots require a lot of extra work. If
you are sitting down or reclining, it’s important to
put your eight on the back of one thigh, rather than
distributing your weight equally on both thighs. If
you roll one hip up from the ground or surface,
shifting your weight will be simple. This pose
results in a slimming effect that you don’t want to
miss out on.
Cleavage
To make sure your best assets shine, there are a few
basic guidelines to follow. Based on two distinct
poses, a forward lean and a backward lean, any model
with any breast size can maximize cleavage. When
leaning forward, either bring your arms together at
your waist, keep your arms straight at the elbows
and clasp your hands together below your waist, or
simply cross your arms. When leaning backward, raise
your arms about your shoulders and head, keep your
arms apart, and always slouch for the best cleavage
results.
Smile
If you have a naturally beautiful smile—show your
pearly whites with pride, just not every time. If
you smile in each modeling pose, modeling agents
will notice your lack of versatility, not your
smile. To add variety to your modeling poses, try
switching up your smile with a cute frown, a bratty
bout, a friendly laugh, or even an edgy scowl. Your
facial expressions can make or break your modeling
poses. Let your smile show, but make sure to show
what else you can do.
In addition to these personalized tips for modeling poses, every model should be aware of the basics of posing. There are 4 main types of model poses: lifestyle pose, movement pose, portrait pose, and body pose.
Lifestyle
The lifestyle pose evokes a sense of everyday living
with common body movements and facial expressions.
Throughout the day, moments of happiness, love,
anger, and hope arise. To succeed at the lifestyle
pose, each model must be able to recreate these
everyday emotions.
Movement
The movement pose captures a specific action, such
as running or jumping. Because this pose is most
often used for a marketing photo shoot—the model is
used to promote a product. Each model must be able
to smile and laugh when using the products in the
photo shoot.
Portrait
This modeling pose emphasizes the face of the
model—and relies purely on facial features. The
model will be in modest makeup and relaxed hair and
should pose with a casual, genuine smile. Many
portrait photographs are close up and emphasize
details of the model’s face. If you are scheduled
for a portrait photo shoot, make sure to pay extra
attention to your skin and drink at least 8-12
glasses of water a day.
Body
Full-length photographs require body poses. Models
are encouraged to shift weight between hips and make
arms and lengths into asymmetrical stances. Although
many body poses do not require specific facial
expressions, putting your entire body into character
during full-length poses helps your body find a
natural balance.
Keep these insider model posing tips in mind during your next professional model photo shoot to ensure you blow the photographer away. Whether you’re a trained expert or an ambitious beginner, all models have the ability to excel in photo shoots. Focus on your posture, attitude, and facial expressions to succeed beyond your wildest expectations.