Tips For Posing Models

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 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 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.

http://www.bleeek.com/modeling-posing-tips.html

So you want to be a model? Here's some advice...

The majority of the shooting I do is with models. I shoot everything from commercial and editorial to glamour and artistic nudes. Over the years I have learned some things and figured I would pass it on to aspiring models that are trying to find their way.

1.) Modeling isn't easy and it's certainly not for everyone. Just being pretty is not enough. Only do it if you truly enjoy it and are able to tell a story and truly help to create art.

2.) Invest in yourself! You will only get out of it what you put into it. You will need to spend money on quality clothing, photographers, makeup artists, etc.

3.) Building a solid portfolio is very important. Your portfolio should show your range as model. For example, it should include a variety of styles from glamour, fashion, swimsuit, catalog etc.

4.) Always act professionally. Be on time, don't cancel at the last minute, and always confirm your shoot in advance. You don't want to gain a reputation as a difficult or unreliable model.

5.) Your skin is extremely important, so take good care of it. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Always have a recent, unedited picture of yourself available.

6.) Agents and photographers want to see the real you. Very natural makeup (a little foundation that matches your complexion is ok) and a clear gloss on the lips with your hair pulled back is fine. You can opt for no make-up at all if you have flawless skin. If your skin is not flawless and has a few blemishes, make sure that the agent and photographer are aware of it. Do not chew gum, chomp on candy, or take food with you to munch on. It is not professional. Bottled water is ok and you can eat when you leave.

7.) Learn to pose. You have to know your body and what poses work for you. Buy magazines and look at the models poses and facial expressions. Practice in the mirror and be able to pose on demand.

8.) Comp cards are a great thing to have and are often required at casting calls.

9.) Join a networking website for models. It will give you an opportunity to meet and collaborate with photographers, makeup artists, fashion designers, etc.

10.) Ask for a copy of the signed model release or trade agreement. This will alleviate any potential issues in regards to the usage of the pictures and when you will receive them.

11.) Stay focused. Time waits for no one. You may think that taking a few months off won't hurt you but it really will. No one is going to book you based on the images you shot last year.

12.) Never give up. Plenty of people will turn you down but one day you will get a yes!

Tinera

Back in 2007 I did my first shoot with a model. It was Tinera. Here she is again nearly 3 years later and still doing an amazing job.

Zanneta and Kelly

Tonight I had 2 wonderful models come through for shoots. The first few images here are of Kelly, a great print model that I have worked with before. The final image is Zanneta, an aspiring fashion model who wanted shots for a Jet Magazine submission and a few casual shots for her port.

Contracts, Release Forms, and Trade Agreements

I won't be posting any pretty pictures today. I just want to rant a bit.

It amazes me how many photographers and models I come across that shoot with only a verbal agreement in place or in some cases, no agreement at all. No matter what type of shoot it is, who it is with, etc., I always make sure that everything is laid out in writing. For a TFCD shoot the model must sign my model release form and trade agreement. On paid assignments a contract is drafted and signed as well as a release form.

Another thing that gets me is people that sign paperwork and don't ask for a copy. I don't mind making a photo copy but I am not going to ask you if you want one. I've handled my end, it's up to you to cover yours. Don't sign a release or agreement, then call or write weeks later asking about something that was clearly explained in the agreement. Certainly don't do anything to break said agreement. I will find out and contact you. Believe me, it's never pleasant.

Ok, I'm done ranting for today. That is all.

Just a preview

Here's a couple from today's shoot with a wonderful model named Vinna. This was a second shoot together and we came away with some nice shots.

70 degrees and sunny = what?

SWIMWEAR!!! That's what I shot today. The makeup was provided by my lovely wife, K&T Makeup Artistry and the model is Mary who we always enjoy working with. Check out the pics below.