Whether you are a photographer hoping to capture better shots of your subjects, or a model looking to perfect your craft considering posing,  we have you covered. This article will help to prepare you for your next photo shoot and by breaking down some simple poses that are sure to bring your game to the next level. 

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Preparing As the Photographer 

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As the photographer, you need to do your homework. Make sure to thoroughly look through your model’s portfolio in order to see which poses they already know how to do, and which they look most natural and comfortable striking. 

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  Also take the time to plan out new poses you have in mind for   your shoot. Think about the overall theme of the shoot and the look and feel you want to achieve. If this is one of your first shoots, take extra time to prepare. It is better to be over prepared rather than under prepared on set. 

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Preparing As the Model

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    One thing to remember as you’re on set, is that you should feel natural and comfortable while posing. Each new pose should feel like second nature as you do it, so be sure to take an ample amount of time to practice in a mirror before you actually show up to the shoot. 

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Preparing also includes looking over any information that the photographer/creative director might have shared with you (mood board, location, style of clothing, makeup/hair styling. Familiarizing yourself with this information will allow you to get an idea of what poses will be appropriate for the look they are trying to achieve. 

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On the day of the shoot, be sure to keep the environment positive. Your model is more likely to perform well if they are made to feel comfortable. This will directly impact the quality of the photos you capture. 

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5 Poses for Female Models 

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No matter who is in front of the lens, a brand new model or America’s Next Top Model, there are a few tried and true poses and tips you can utilize to capture the most flattering portraits. 

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1.  Waist up, Facing Straight Toward the Camera 

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This pose is one of the most straight-forward poses you can utilize as a model or photographer. A simple pose, but it is widely seen in fashion magazines and on advertisements. 

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You will shoot straight-on, from the shoulders up. This is a great pose to focus on the beauty of the model and convey a message through their facial expressions. Depending on the experience of the model, you can elicit different emotions and moods through slight alterations to the face. Also, direct eye contact with the camera is the key to true connection with your audience. 

 

2.  Full Body, Standing Poses 

 

Although this pose may sound as simple as just standing, it is incredibly versatile and there are ways to heighten femininity through slight body adjustments. 

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This pose is a little more tough to master,  but when done well the photos come out great. Try out this pose when you want to showcase the entire outfit, from head to toe. Ensure that the garments fit the model correctly and are worn properly. 

Consider having your model’s hands in their pockets. This is a trick for newer models, since many have not yet mastered how to elegantly position their hands. 

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3. Use A wall to Lean Against 

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  This pose is one that even the most novice models can master. People are often drawn to this pose, due to the ease of it and the built in backdrop of the wall. Also, you are easily able to try out many varying poses with the same background. 

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A tip for this pose is to plan the wall you intend to use prior to the shoot. You do not want to waste your time or your model’s time trying to scout places in the middle of shooting. Get creative! Think about urban centers or unique walls/flat surfaces to utilize. This is a chance to really step up the feel and look of your photos. 

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4. Leaning Forward While Sitting on a Chair

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Sitting poses are simple and easy to capture. They are often in fashion and for music album covers. A way to make it more appealing and a little more eye-catching is to have the model lean forward a bit. 

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Your model should be perched on the edge of the seat and they should lean in slightly toward the camera. From there you have options on the body language you want your model to convey. Both hands can come together and both elbows can be resting on the upper legs. One hand can be resting on the leg while the other dangles casually by the side. 

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Play with the pose and see what works best for your purposes. Your model should look casual yet boss-like. 

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5.  In-Action Shot 

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Candid shots work best for beginner models since they will not have to think too much about how to pose. Try to capture them off guard and when they are not expecting it.  

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You could also try to have the model engage in an activity or do something active. Perhaps they can jump or play with an object or accessory in their hands so they don’t have to think too much about positioning. Having the model participate in something physical like a sport or simply just walk away from/toward the camera are options too. It just depends on the purpose of the shoot and what you are envisioning for it.      

                                                     

In Conclusion

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I hope you found these highlighted poses helpful and can easily implement them into your next photo shoot. It should take some of the trial and error out of the process and give you more of an idea of a direction you may want to go in depending on the look you are trying to achieve. 

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With a bit of practice, you will be able to either master these poses as a model, or be able to effectively direct your models as a photographer. Either way, with these poses in your repertoire, you will be able to start building your portfolio and start booking more gigs!