Posing tips – by UR models

Posture

Posture is everything in a photo it can create the best image or the worst- Keep shoulders back, tummy in and back either straight or slightly arched depending on what is best for you personally
Elongate the neck, not have correct posture with this can again ruin a perfectly good photo
Keep in mind whatever is closest to camera can come across the biggest and this can destroy a image and proportions – Having your hips side on to camera and shoulders point front ways with make you lose your waist and give you a more triangular body shape
When you need to pose leaning on something make sure you use your muscles to fully lean, you just want to give the illusion you are leaning. If you lean properly you will ruin your body shape or obstruct the camera from picking up your whole body shape and putting pressure on certain body parts will make you look bigger than you are thus ruining the final result.
When posing your eyes say a lot about the image, your eyes give emotion so it’s imperative to try and absorb yourself in the shoot, get into the character you’re playing and evoke emotion through your eyes. If this is hard for you try to ‘Smize’ which is a tip by top model Tyra banks, its smiling through your eyes. The method is basically squinting by only by using you bottom lid, it will create drama on your face and show through on your image.
Always be aware of how your face looks in shots, tilting it the wrong way or not maintaining good neck posture will ruin a image and can make your face look bigger than it is. So our top tip is elongate your neck like we have previously covered and keep your chin down, this was you have good posture but hide any areas that would cause image to look wrong.
Catching the light correctly on your face will help show off your best features and shadow the not so good areas for a shot.
Pouting ok we are all victim to this when posing for a shot but avoid this when doing professional shots as this will cause the face to tense and look odd. You made me briefed to do so every once in a while but if you are not then keep your face natural and genuine this will add to the perfect shot.
When posing for the photography remember your expression is everything, so don’t just maintain one expression, be adventurous as this will show you are not a one trick pony and you are versatile.
In portrait shots obviously your only weapon to make a good impression is your face, so be expressive and show emotion.

Clichés

Don’t follow suit and use Model 101 poses like hand on hip, pout etc this has been overdone and not something clients want to see, be creative and get into the moment, clients don’t want you making their product or brand look tacky and repetitive.
Symmetry is a great asset in some shots but at same time can come across a little boring, for instance in high fashion or catwalk its always a good idea to have a certain angle or body part just off
centre or crooked this adds dimension to a shot and that’s important, you need to draw people in.
Try different angles, experiment a little, you may not feel comfortable at first but moving around and being creative will pay off. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE
Best advice is breathe- pose-click, breathe-pose-click – after a while this will become habit
Don’t just completely do as you like the client and photographer are there also to give direction so always be listening whilst thinking

Portfolios are any models most important tool, it’s your CV to the industry and no point should this be over looked and standard should never be over looked either, high quality images not only show you off best but they also show you are serious about your career. Do your homework and you will see time and time again this being said and it’s no secret a decent portfolio will cost some money but like any business you have to invest to reap the benefits, you cannot expect photographers, studios or agencies to help you for free, they are ultimately earning a living too just as you want to. Keeping all the above tips in mind when you attend your professional shoot to create your portfolio will help you get the perfect shots and will show the industry experts you are working you mean business!

Hope this helps and good luck!