Tips for modelling poses

Taking beautiful photographs of beautiful people is not easy. However, it can be a whole lot easier if the model understands a little more about how to pose for the photographer/camera. Here are a few thoughts:

It’s a common misconception that naturally beautiful models take naturally beautiful photographs. The truth is, without modelling poses and modelling tips, perfect photographs are harder than you think.

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 aspiring model and are still working your way up to the top you may have to control your poses to ensure great head shots and sample modelling photographs.

Live show models, promotion 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; if you want to be a model, pay special attention to your modelling 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 modelling pose; always remember to breathe and appear at ease.

Posture

Bad posture is an unrecognised flaw in many people. However, and especially 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 modelling 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 modelling 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 modelling 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 modelling 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 that 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 weight 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 modelling pose, modelling agents will notice your lack of versatility, not your smile. To add variety to your modelling poses, try switching up your smile with a cute frown, a bratty pout, a friendly laugh, or even an edgy scowl. Your facial expressions can make or break your modelling poses. Let your smile show, but make sure to show what else you can do.

In addition to these tips, every model should be aware of the basics of posing. There are four 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 modelling pose emphasises the face of the model, and relies purely on facial features. The model will be in modest make-up and relaxed hair and should pose with a casual, genuine smile. Many portrait photographs are taken close up and emphasise details of the models 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 thoughts in mind during your next model photo shoot. Whether you’re an 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.