Tyra Bank's Modeling Tips~ Jacque Russell Imagery ~ Model Photographer

There's no one better than Tyra to give excellent modeling tips and advice to those who dream of gracing the covers of magazines or strutting their stuff on the catwalks of high fashion. Tyra shares these exclusive tips with Seventeen readers!
Model Don’ts (and a Do)

• Do not be a "no-neck monster." Try to elongate your neck for maximum extension.
• Do not pose like a hoochie. (If you don’t know what a hoochie is, er...that's probably best.)
• Do not be a limp noodle. Always pose with tension in your body completely from H2T (head to toe).
• Do not play it safe and stay in the same pose. Mix it up with innovative poses. Your wildest pose could be the one that’s picked.
• Do not show up to a photo shoot unless you are clean shaven, have a clean face, and clean hair.
• Do not let hating how your hair or makeup is done affect your performance. Model through it.
• Do not stare aimlessly when posing. Create intensity for the camera through your eyes. Smize (smile with your eyes)!
• Do not slouch on the runway; pretend you have a wire through your spine that is pulling you up to the ceiling.
• Do not be forgettable. Make an impression by showing your distinctive personality.
• Do request to have your favorite music playing when you do a shoot! The beat will kick your poses up 10 notches!

Modeling: Breaking Into the Biz

• Pick a favorite model and study them. Everything from the way they turn their head to their fierce runway walk.
• Snapshots. You MUST have a beauty shot, from the neck up, before going anywhere. Have a friend with a nice camera take one in black and white!
• Study, Study, Study. As Tyra always says on America’s Next Top Model, you need to know everything from fashion designers, photographers, supermodels, and all in between.

From No-Sees to Go-Sees!
Go-sees are one of the crucial things that a beginner model must know about. Tyra went on 10 go-sees a day in Paris! Here are some tips on how to make a lasting impression (at a go-see or an interview)

• Be prepared! Practice your walk, poses, and faces in the mirror before you go.
• Do your homework! Know something about the agency or client and be aware of scams. Not everything out there is legit!
• Your make-up should be minimal to show off your natural beauty.
• ALWAYS bring a pair of heels in case they ask you to walk.
• No nail polish: Simple clear, nude, or sheer!
• Pull your hair back so that they can see your face and bone structure.
• Never be late!
• Have good posture: Stand up straight, shoulders back.
• Be honest! It’s okay to tell them if you don’t have a lot of experience. Wow them with your natural ability (this is why practice is so important!)
  How To Work Your Flaws
  Everyone has flaws. I’ve got 'em (small calves and a big forehead), you’ve got 'em, and your momma’s got em’, too! Even though I totally believe in embracing my flaws, I don’t always want to highlight them when I’m being photographed. Every top model knows the secrets to working her flaws. These are my tips on how to make your flaws work for you when you’re in front of that camera!
  
  • Hands on Hips = Smaller Waist. Putting your hands on your hips creates a background through your arms, which will make your waist appear smaller. (This is something you can apply to real life too! Try it the next time you walk into a room!)
  • Chin Up = Smaller Forehead. I am always telling the girls on ANTM to chin up! Not only will it make a large forehead look smaller, it will also elongate the neck.
  • Tippy Toes = Bigger Calves. Standing on your tippy toes instead of flat feet will make your calf muscles appear bigger because they are working harder to keep you up!
  • Knees In = Slimmer Hips. Turning a knee in will make your hips appear slimmer. This will also give you a space between your thighs, which is something that most women don’t have.
  • Lean Forward = Smaller Bust. Hunch your back and bring your naval into your spine. This creates a slight lean forward, which will make your bust look smaller.
  • Emphasize Shoulder = Narrow Hips. Turn your body to the side and turn your shoulders toward the camera. The emphasis on your shoulders will narrow your hips.
  
  Source: http://www.seventeen.com/fashion/blog/tyra-banks-modeling-tips

Posing tips ~ Wyoming Model Photographer

Modeling Posing Tips

It’s a common misconception that naturally beautiful models take naturally beautiful photographs. The truth is—without modeling poses and modeling tips, perfect photographs are harder than you think.

If you are a professional model, a photographer will most likely guide you through a variety of model poses throughout the photo shoot. But if you are an inspiring model and are still working your way up to the top—you may have to control your poses to ensure great headshots and sample modeling photographs.

Live show models, promo models, photographic models, and runway models all rely on professional model poses to succeed. Whether you aspire to appear in print magazines or fashion shows and Hollywood movies; if you want to be a model, pay special attention to this insider guide to modeling poses.

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 eight 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.

Contact us at  307.286.1908 or visit our website Jacque Russell Imagery to help build your portfolio.

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.