Posing Guide ~ Wyoming Model Photogrpaher

When you’re at a photo shoot, and the photographer points his or her camera at you, it’s important not to look like a deer in the headlights. Although it make take some time, try to act natural and comfortable in front of the camera–because if you feel nervous or awkward, it will definitely show in the photos. It may help to forget that the photographer is even there and just get in your own zone and do your thing. 

How to Pose

• Don’t get stuck in the same pose for more than three seconds. Three seconds?!? Yeah, and even that might be too much.  
• KEEP MOVING. Slightly tweak your pose by moving your shoulders, angling your face differently, repositioning your arms, legs, etc. It helps to think of modeling as a sort of dance. Keep moving, keep flowing. 
• Be aware of your hands. If you have claw hands or are making an awkward position with your hands, RELAX. Keep your hands graceful and soft whether they are on your hips, or hanging loose at your sides. Don’t clamp them at your waist or make tight white knuckle fists–your hands should always stay light and smooth. 
• You must have good posture. Modeling is all about positioning your body in flattering angles and interesting shapes, so it’s important to have good posture to begin with. I’ve never seen a successful model who hunched all the time, have you?
• It’s all about asymmetry. For example, if you have one arm bent, keep the other one long and straight. Or if you have one leg locked out, have a bend in the other one. This will make the pose look less artificial. 
• Also, don’t always look at the camera. It’s okay to look away. It’s actually better too. You can stare off into the distance, slightly away from the camera.
• Look through fashion magazines and other model’s portfolios for pose inspiration and to see what works and what doesn’t.  
• It’s also important to note what type of shoot you’re doing–fashion, commercial, or glamour. They call for different kinds of posing. Fashion modeling usually requires more angular and dramatic poses, while commercial modeling tends to expect more everyday, happy, and casual poses. Glamour modeling uses poses that showcase a girls assets, if you know what I mean. ;)
• And of course, practice, practice, practice! Just like anything other skill, it takes time to learn how to pose well and to make it second-nature. I hope this basic posing guide helped you guys out!

Here are some great videos. 

 

Tips for beginner models ~ Wyoming Model Photographer

Here are some tips that I have learned. Yes, I used to be a plus-size model until I decided to focus on being the photographer instead. 


You have to be willing to work it. You can't take a few pictures here and there and expect to get modeling jobs. You have to get yourself out there. Make yourself a Facebook Fan page. Join Model Mayhem and Fashion World Models. You must keep them up to date. And interact with your fans. And don't for get to connect with me on them. My links are FWM  and MM
Let me know when you are fully committed and I will get you in contact with more people. You have to work it and really want it.   

You need to follow the industry. What is hot, new, and trendy. Study the posing of the models in magazines. Check out Pinterest. My Pinterest Page is http://pinterest.com/jrussellimagery/ You can find some great ideas on there. Easy Ways To Meet Early Success - Find A Niche For Yourself: What do you enjoy? If you don't want to do bikini then don't. Find what you are comfortable with. Watch all the seasons of American Next Top Model and The Face. You can also see some past shoots on my website at http://www.jrussellimagery.com
  
Know make up and hair. Until you get on with an agency you will need to be able to do your own hair and make-up. 

I can't say it enough practice, practice, and practice posing, smiling with eyes, expressions!

Only put your BEST images in your portfolio. You should have a well put together digital AND printed portfolio. DO NOT print through Wal-Mart. Use a professional printing company. Your photographer should be able to print for you or recommend one to you.

A modeling assignment can be very strenuous and demanding. It is only to be expected that competitiveness will be very high. You also need to sustain a high level of professionalism, health and fitness to find work in this competitive industry.


The following are some of the attributes of successful models ..

1. Learning ability and intelligence
2. Self confidence
3. Willingness to travel and leave friends and family behind
4. Good organization skills
5. A healthy body and lots of get-up-and-go!
6. A model who is comfortable in setting goals and not afraid to go after them with a dogged determination
7. Resistance to peer pressure - Stay drug and alcohol free