Reach Professional Standards when Posing for Model Photos

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Tips for Female Models and Their Photographers

Starting as a beginner in the performing arts industry can be a bit overwhelming but you have to start somewhere. This is as good as any. Learning some of these simple ways of posing for model photos will teach you discipline and help set goals for the next steps in your modeling career.

First things first. Becoming a model is much more than just having a good looking face and walking down a high fashion runway in New York or Milan.  You need to learn about posing for model photos and other information like what goes into a modeling portfolio, requirements for talent agencies and more in order to even begin trying to break into the entertainment industry.  

So, as you can see, there is much more to female modeling than you might think.  You need to get some good advice before posing for portfolio photographers in order to get the best results.

Here are some valuable posing tips no matter if you are a teenager just starting out in modeling or if you are a female adult looking for commercial work to help educate you before you decide to hire a photographer to shoot these important pictures.  After all, your portfolio or comp cards is your first impression to modeling agencies and others who may be interested in your performance qualifications.

Some Tips to Make the Camera Love You ...

Act Naturally

When posing for model photos you should look natural and not seem as if you practiced for the pictures. One way to accomplish this task is by breathing and imagination.

Take a deep breath before each image the photographer snaps. Imagine yourself in different situations regarding the type look he or she asks you to give. For instance, if you want to look excited, think of something that excites you; a new car, an unlimited gold credit card, etc. Now, open your eyes and sell the look. It'll show in your eyes and your facial expressions will be real, not fake.

Think of ways of posing for your model photos for other situations too. Some expressions to practice in the mirror include ...

• Happiness
• Sadness
• Anger
• Stress
• Depression
• Sexiness
• Dissappointment
• Accomplishment
• Well, you get the idea of how to practice posing for the camera

How to Get Ideas when Posing for Model Photos

Before you hire your modeling portfolio photographer, settle down and be realistic. Can you strike poses that show off your best assets? Is your female form at it''s best angle? How about your body language? Expression? How do you know which pose to best suit your look when you go to your photographers shoot?

One way to get some good ideas is to take a look at some high fashion magazines like Vogue or maybe Seventeen and try some of the poses by professional models and photographers out to see if you can do them comfortably and then choose ten or more to use when posing for model photos.

Am I saying you sould just blatently copy the magazine poses? Well, yes and no. At first, copy the pose, the situation and facial expressions the best you can capture. Then, after you have conquered each one of these poses, start to vary them to fit you.

You'll be amazed at how quickly you will develop your own modeling style and then you're ready for the photogrpahers camera. When he or she finishes one photo, you'll be posing for the next one. Now, you are beginning to act and pose like a true professional.

 

Model Photo by Bob Pardue - All Rights Reserved

Female Posture and Model Posing Many women, especially teenagers, have a tendency to slouch when striking modeling poses for photographers.   Although some photos call for this and you certainly don't want to appear stiff or "posed" in your photographs, you do need to stand up straight and hold in your tummy.

Nothing comes across worse than women or teens modeling in swimsuits than their bellies hanging over the lip (Sorrry girls, just had to be said).

Develop Your Style for Modeling Poses

As stated above, it is really important to develop your own style when posing for model photos. If your photographer wanted Tyra Banks or Marisa Miller she would have booked them, not you. Don't try to be something you are not.

Go with your natural abilities and looks. If you are a hard body and work out consistently, you might be in bikini pictures. If you are 5'4" with an outstanding personality, go for lifestyle photos when posing and submit your photos to commercial modeling agencies. Tall girls in their teens with a slim frame can consider the top list agents such as Elite, IMG or Ford to launch a career in runway or high fashion model jobs. You get the picture (pardon the pun). Just be true to yourself.

Final Thoughts about Modeling Poses

As a professional female and teen model portfolio photographer, I can only add this. Don't get in a hurry. Contrary to popular belief, the overnight success story is overrated. The America's Next Top Model show and others on TV will sometimes lead you to believe otherwise.

For New Teen Models

If you are a female model or teenager interested in getting discovered, take your time. Study your craft and practice posing for model photos before you book your portfolio photographer. You'll come away with better pictures and you will stand out from the crowd when you pose for the camera. Good luck in your new career!

Bob Pardue Photography