Perfect Your Pose with Confidence

Regardless of experience, when a model steps in front of the lens for the first time he or she will expect some direction. There is nothing more awkward than a clueless model and a quiet photographer. A photographer can only direct so much while behind the camera; therefore it’s up to the model to come prepared beforehand and know how to strike a pose.

It’s a lot of pressure, but following a few ground rules can capture a great image. Check out these great tips below:

1. The mirror is your best friend. Stand there, perfect your poses and learn how your body shapes. The mirror is a perfect tool to show you what the camera can see. Imagine the mirrow behind your photographer’s head when shooting and always consider what can be seen from that angle. Ever notice how most celebs are typically seen with the same smile and pose frequently on the red carpet? Well, it’s because they figured out what works for them. This calls for a perfect opportunity to take ‘selfies’ and find your signature pose and smile.

2. Pull Poses & Mood. Pull inspirational photos of models posing in ads in magazines such as Vogue, Glamour, etc., and emulate those poses. Practice makes perfect!

3. Ballet Hands. This term is lingo for keeping your hands loose and fluid. Hands are one of the more challenging aspects of posing and can make or break an image if shown incorrectly. The model should relax their hands as if they were in a ballet, spreading the fingers lightly, slightly broken at the joints. From there, depending on the shoot, hands should be placed in a position that works with the image. Under the chin, over the shoulder, to the side or through the hair are some common positions for hands.

Be confident in yourself. Keep it simple. Don’t force your poses- make it relaxed and comfortable. Practice, practice, practice!