Posing tips for photo shoots

Here are some general tips on posing for the camera. During a photo shoot, the photographer will usually direct the model for any specific poses that the photographer is trying to capture, but it helps if the model knows what to do without a lot of direction.

Some General Posing Tips: Don't hold your breath for a pose. The concentration usually shows in the picture. Hold in your stomach to give a more toned appearance to the abdomen (even if you are in great shape).

Most people, including models, do not have very good posture. Unless you're going for a casual look, keep your back straight and your shoulders up. Don't keep both arms entirely straight unless directed to do so for a specific pose. Bend one or both arms, even if only a little, to make the pose look less artificial. Likewise, don't keep both legs entirely straight.

Don't always look straight at the camera. Instead, use a variety of head and eye positions: Try turning your head, tilting your neck to one side or the other, or looking off to the side for some poses. Don't use a big smile for every pose. Sometimes try a small smile, a pout, a laugh, a scowl, or even a frown, to give some variety to your facial expressions. Listen to what the photographer tells you. He can see you through the camera. You can't.

Additional Posing Tips for Plus-Size Models: Rest most of your weight on one foot or the other instead of evenly on both feet. Doing so makes poses look less artificial and gives a slight slimming effect in most positions. When sitting or reclining, roll one hip up slightly from the resting surface so that most of your weight is on the back of one thigh or the other instead of evenly on both thighs. This gives a slight slimming effect and makes the pose look less artificial. Avoid having your arms hanging flat against your sides. Instead, bend your arms slightly, place your hands on your hips, or try other poses that involve alternate placements of the arms. Keep your chin up to avoid chin wrinkles or double chins.

Posing Tips For Emphasizing Cleavage: Lean forward. Bring arms together at the waist. Clasp hands together below the waist, keeping arms straight at the elbows. Cross arms.

Posing Tips for Minimizing Cleavage: Lean backward. Slouch. Keep arms apart. Raise arms above shoulders or above head

Hope this helps you girls out there!

What does it take to become a model?

Models can be of all ages and sizes and there is work available for all people. Character modelling allows almost anyone to become a model, and there are many modelling jobs that span across a wide age range.

In the strict world of fashion modelling female fashion models should be somewhere between 15 and 22 years old, although probably closer to fifteen. Models don't have careers that last as long as for instance, doctors, so agencies tend to invest their time in someone young.

Female models are generally tall, long-legged, and lean. The minimum height is usually about 5'8", and average weight for a model is 108-125 lbs. These characteristics are partly aesthetic and partly practical: this type of frame looks good on the runway and in front of the camera; and a somewhat scrawny build drapes clothing nicely and ensures a good fit in the standard wardrobe. There are always exceptions to the rule, of course - Kate Moss is 5'7" and Gabrielle Reece is a giant 6'3" - but, in general, the closer you are to the industry norm, the better your chances.

Fashion models still tend to be very skinny. Commercial modeling doesn't require that you be "skinny". The key is to take care of yourself. Don't overeat, but do eat well balanced meals and avoid the snacks. Exercise and keep yourself in good shape.

Male fashion models are normally 6' to 6' 2" tall and wear a size 40 regular jacket. Commercial models do not have any height, weight or size restrictions.

There are a million types of modelling jobs out there however, so if you want to become a model don't be disheartened by the many agencies that have strict requirements. I find a lot of work can be found through online casting agencies. I will write about these one day soon...

Hello

Hi, welcome to my blog offerring tips, tricks and information for all existing and aspiring models.

This blog will provide information and advice in all areas of modelling, and will give information on what it takes to become a successful model and make it in this industry. The website will provide information on some of the best ways to get into modelling, and important information on the best agencies and the best websites out there in order to help you move your career on succesfully.

more to come...