Steps

Things To Remember

1. Keep good posture. Unless your photographers tell you to be inspired by those awkward, uncomfortable looking manikins in the Forever 21 windows, hold yourself confidently and high. You'll look much taller and thinner if you keep your back straight and your shoulders back. Whatever size you are, hold your stomach in as well if you want to look more toned.
   
   
   
   • Photography that is more avant-garde may shy away from this. If you're modeling for a photo shoot that is about shunning preconceived concepts, then by all means! Your photographer will probably want you in not-so-true-to-life poses.
2. Think about what you're doing. It's important to be aware of exactly how you're positioning your entire body. Nonverbal communication is all you have to rely on in photos -- whatever you do, you'll be sending a message.
   
   
   
   • As a model you'll need to look natural -- this is where you may need to practice. A key point is to keep your arms and legs relaxed; you don't keep them straight all the time in normal life, so don't do it in front of the camera!
3. Communicate with those around you. You'll feel a lot more comfortable as a model if you build a rapport with your photographer or director. It will make the experience a lot more enjoyable, give you the confidence to introduce your own ideas and ultimately help you with future modelling assignments.
   
   
   
   • In addition to making that project more enjoyable, the staff will be more apt to like you. The more they like you, the more they'll think of your name when future projects come up. And, possibly, the more they'll recommend you to another company.
4. Hold an "S" shape. Unless directed by the photographer to do otherwise, when standing, put the majority of your body weight on one foot only; this will make your body make a naturally gracious "S" shape.
   
   
   
   • Regardless of your body shape, doing this will simulate more of an hour glass figure. Popping your hip out gives you a curve in just the right place. Think of modelling in curves and angles.
5. Leave a space between your arms and your trunk. This will accent your waist in a good way, regardless of its size. When you can, keep your arms separate and slightly flexed.
   
   
   
   • If you put your hands to your sides and your feet together, you'll feel like one of those dolls from the nutcracker -- you won't feel natural or human. Always use the space around you to create life in the image.
6. Show the sides of the hand only. Never display the full palm or the back of the hand. This is an old photography go-to that most photographers still swear by.
   
   
   
   • The hands are best viewed at an angle to the camera. Care should be taken to photograph the side of the hand, which gracefully continues the line of the arm when the hand is bent upward at the wrist.
7. Practice makes perfect. Research poses in magazines from models you'd like to emulate and practice them at home. When it comes to your next photo shoot you'll feel a lot more confident. Also, ask for advice from the directors of previous assignments so you know what types of posture and positions make the most of your body.
   
   
   
   • As you get going, you'll realize what elements of the photo the staff is trying to emphasize. Think of yourself as a machine to display the beauty of the image -- you're there to emphasize the clothes, the makeup, or the feel of the photograph. What can you do to make the picture more cohesive? Take the emphasis off yourself and think of the bigger picture, literally.

Poses To Try

1. Experiment with different facial expressions. When it comes to your visage, make sure you get some variety in your shots. Have some looking directly at the camera, some looking away, some smiling and some serious. Also, try not to blink when the photos are being taken!
   
   
   
   • You don't have to stick with the feel of the scene. You are totally allowed to be frolicking sadly in a meadow -- it could lead to dynamism and a greater message.
2. Work with poses that are just the torso on up. The photographer can either cut you off at your midsection for a closer up photo, or you may have a surface in front of you blocking the rest of your body. Work with this in a number of ways.
   
   
   
   • Turn around and look backwards over your shoulder. It's very simple, but it can also be evocative.
   • Play with your hands near your shoulders or face. But remember the rule: only show the sides of your hands! This continues the line of your arm, making them look longer and leaner.
   • Lean forward slightly. This, when done well, can look candid and emphasize the curve of your body. Since you don't have the entirety of your shape to create the "S," allude to this by leaning forward slightly, invitingly.
3. Master the full body pose. With your whole form on camera, you have loads of options when it comes to posing. Ask your director what he/she is looking for and narrow it down from there.
   
   
   
   • Turn slightly and put your hands in your back pockets. If you don't have back pockets, place them where they would be if you did. This accomplishes another rule previously discussed -- leaving space between your trunk and your arms.
   • Support your back against a wall. Throw up the leg closest to the camera and rest the foot on the wall as well. Don't put up the other leg -- you generally want to keep the outer thigh exposed, not the inner thigh.
   • Move your hands up and down your body and slowly twist side to side. Full height shots are hard to do and you'll want to keep a constant curve and natural flow. Consider raising your hands above your head, too, for a rather sensual pose.
4. Use the ground. Just as you have a plethora of options while standing, you have just as many on the ground. And you may be more comfortable!
   
   
   
   • Place your hands behind your back, resting on the ground and throw out your legs, with one knee slightly up. Throw your head back a bit. The long line of your body will create a nice angle and shape.
   • Sit Indian style, but pull up one knee to your chest. Wrap your hand around the leg closest to you and tilt your shoulders and neck. Clasp your hands together just past the view of the camera.
   • Sit on the ground, but on your side. Throw one hand to your side and one arm resting loosely on a bent knee. Place the foot of your other leg at the heel of your foot that is resting flat on the ground.
     Models and celebrities make posing for photos look easy, whether it's on the red carpet or modeling for the latest ad campaign. But the truth is, they're probably thinking pretty hard about what they're doing. Here are some steps to help you pose at your own photo shoots.

     Steps

     
     

     Things To Remember

   • Keep good posture. Unless your photographers tell you to be inspired by those awkward, uncomfortable looking manikins in the Forever 21 windows, hold yourself confidently and high. You'll look much taller and thinner if you keep your back straight and your shoulders back. Whatever size you are, hold your stomach in as well if you want to look more toned.
     
     
     
     • Photography that is more avant-garde may shy away from this. If you're modeling for a photo shoot that is about shunning preconceived concepts, then by all means! Your photographer will probably want you in not-so-true-to-life poses.
   • Think about what you're doing. It's important to be aware of exactly how you're positioning your entire body. Nonverbal communication is all you have to rely on in photos -- whatever you do, you'll be sending a message.
     
     
     
     • As a model you'll need to look natural -- this is where you may need to practice. A key point is to keep your arms and legs relaxed; you don't keep them straight all the time in normal life, so don't do it in front of the camera!
   • Communicate with those around you. You'll feel a lot more comfortable as a model if you build a rapport with your photographer or director. It will make the experience a lot more enjoyable, give you the confidence to introduce your own ideas and ultimately help you with future modelling assignments.
     
     
     
     • In addition to making that project more enjoyable, the staff will be more apt to like you. The more they like you, the more they'll think of your name when future projects come up. And, possibly, the more they'll recommend you to another company.
   • Hold an "S" shape. Unless directed by the photographer to do otherwise, when standing, put the majority of your body weight on one foot only; this will make your body make a naturally gracious "S" shape.
     
     
     
     • Regardless of your body shape, doing this will simulate more of an hour glass figure. Popping your hip out gives you a curve in just the right place. Think of modelling in curves and angles.
   • Leave a space between your arms and your trunk. This will accent your waist in a good way, regardless of its size. When you can, keep your arms separate and slightly flexed.
     
     
     
     • If you put your hands to your sides and your feet together, you'll feel like one of those dolls from the nutcracker -- you won't feel natural or human. Always use the space around you to create life in the image.
   • Show the sides of the hand only. Never display the full palm or the back of the hand. This is an old photography go-to that most photographers still swear by.
     
     
     
     • The hands are best viewed at an angle to the camera. Care should be taken to photograph the side of the hand, which gracefully continues the line of the arm when the hand is bent upward at the wrist.
   • Practice makes perfect. Research poses in magazines from models you'd like to emulate and practice them at home. When it comes to your next photo shoot you'll feel a lot more confident. Also, ask for advice from the directors of previous assignments so you know what types of posture and positions make the most of your body.
     
     
     
     • As you get going, you'll realize what elements of the photo the staff is trying to emphasize. Think of yourself as a machine to display the beauty of the image -- you're there to emphasize the clothes, the makeup, or the feel of the photograph. What can you do to make the picture more cohesive? Take the emphasis off yourself and think of the bigger picture, literally.
   
   

   Poses To Try

5. Experiment with different facial expressions. When it comes to your visage, make sure you get some variety in your shots. Have some looking directly at the camera, some looking away, some smiling and some serious. Also, try not to blink when the photos are being taken!
   
   
   
   • You don't have to stick with the feel of the scene. You are totally allowed to be frolicking sadly in a meadow -- it could lead to dynamism and a greater message.
6. Work with poses that are just the torso on up. The photographer can either cut you off at your midsection for a closer up photo, or you may have a surface in front of you blocking the rest of your body. Work with this in a number of ways.
   
   
   
   • Turn around and look backwards over your shoulder. It's very simple, but it can also be evocative.
   • Play with your hands near your shoulders or face. But remember the rule: only show the sides of your hands! This continues the line of your arm, making them look longer and leaner.
   • Lean forward slightly. This, when done well, can look candid and emphasize the curve of your body. Since you don't have the entirety of your shape to create the "S," allude to this by leaning forward slightly, invitingly.
7. Master the full body pose. With your whole form on camera, you have loads of options when it comes to posing. Ask your director what he/she is looking for and narrow it down from there.
   
   
   
   • Turn slightly and put your hands in your back pockets. If you don't have back pockets, place them where they would be if you did. This accomplishes another rule previously discussed -- leaving space between your trunk and your arms.
   • Support your back against a wall. Throw up the leg closest to the camera and rest the foot on the wall as well. Don't put up the other leg -- you generally want to keep the outer thigh exposed, not the inner thigh.
   • Move your hands up and down your body and slowly twist side to side. Full height shots are hard to do and you'll want to keep a constant curve and natural flow. Consider raising your hands above your head, too, for a rather sensual pose.
8. Use the ground. Just as you have a plethora of options while standing, you have just as many on the ground. And you may be more comfortable!
   
   
   
   • Place your hands behind your back, resting on the ground and throw out your legs, with one knee slightly up. Throw your head back a bit. The long line of your body will create a nice angle and shape.
   • Sit Indian style, but pull up one knee to your chest. Wrap your hand around the leg closest to you and tilt your shoulders and neck. Clasp your hands together just past the view of the camera.
   • Sit on the ground, but on your side. Throw one hand to your side and one arm resting loosely on a bent knee. Place the foot of your other leg at the heel of your foot that is resting flat on the ground.

   • Tips

     • Remember to breathe! It might sound pretty obvious, but it's an important thing to remember, especially if you're nervous. Don't hold your breath whilst having your photo taken; it will come across through the photograph and make the shot look unnatural.
     •  
     • Source: WikihowPHOTO: How to Pose at a Photo Shoot