posing techniques

1. Breathing Tip:
Many males and females get in the habit of holding their breath during a photo shoot. This is a big no-no, because it will make you look stiff and too posed in the final picture. Always remember to breathe naturally so you will appear relaxed.

2. Always Maintain Good Posture:
Even if you are a perfect size and in great shape, hold in your stomach for a more toned appearance. Always keep your back straight and your shoulders up. This is especially important for women modeling in swimsuits or for an underwear catalog. Keep in mind that slouching affects the mood of the photograph and unfortunately makes your stomach appear larger. Not good even for plus size model jobs.



3. Pose With Your Limbs:
When posing, you may be directed to keep your arms and legs entirely straight for a certain pose. If not, keep them slightly bent in order to keep the pose looking more natural. Remember, if it bends, bend it. The different variations in shapes will make your actions appear more spontaneous and especially gives a feminine effect for poses in women.



4. Look Away From Camera:
You don't always have to look straight into the camera to get good modle poses and pics. Use a variety of head and eye poses with different facial expressions by looking away from the camera. If you look through fashion magazines at people represented by Elite or Ford or other top modeling agencies you'll see many of them looking away instead of directly into the lens. Try it for variation in your photo session.

Your fashion or glamour photography shoot can produce some great shots of you giving unique poses just by turning your head or tilting your neck in different directions. Practice these in the mirror each day.



5. Uncomfortable Sitting Pose:
Especially glamour photographers will have you sitting or maybe lying down in your pictures. If not done correctly, these positions can appear unnatural or stiff. The sitting pose involves putting your weight on back of one thigh instead of on both. This can be done simply by rolling one hip up from the floor. Many models say the sitting pose is difficult to do, but they don't mind doing this pose when the photographer shows them it will have a slimming effect on the body.



6. Modeling Poses for Photographers Using Facial Expressions :
Everyone is always saying you have a great smile, but remember, you don't want to go overboard with it during your photo shoot. Having a variety of facial expressions for your photographer is a necessity. He or she will really appreciate your effort.



So, along with your big smile, add some versatility by giving a serious look, a frown, a pout and maybe even a small laugh. Also, watch your body language to make sure it reflects the expression of your face. It all needs to fit together for a successful pose. Practice these different facial expressions in the mirror before you go on your next model picture shoot.



7. Windows To Your Soul:
Look at some of the famous IMG models from NYC or Milan. Some may be Russion, some American and some Itallian but take a glance into their eyes. What do you see? Do they pull you into the picture? Let your eyes speak for you when you give sexy, serious or natural looks in your model poses. You can do this by closing your eyes and thinking of a thought and then opening them. Add this to your posing and expressions.
Keep your mind focused on delivering different model poses and don't pay any attention to the flash of the strobes in the photography studio. This is very important for models who have a problem with blinking. Try to avoid blinking if at all possible!!