We thought it might be actually useful to post some general rules when it comes to posing for photographic session. You may have known some of them but have a look just to be sure.
BREATH
- Don't hold your breath for a pose. The concentration usually shows in the picture.
STOMACH
- Hold in your stomach to give a more toned appearance to the abdomen (even if you are in great shape).
ARMS
- 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. The same rule applies to the legs, don't keep both legs entirely straight.
LEGS
- 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.
THIGHS
- 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.
EYES
- 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.
FACE
- 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.
- Keep your chin up to avoid chin wrinkles or double chins.
Facial expression is one of the biggest influences to the mood of a photograph. The most subtle differences can make a model appear angry or happy.
Variety is extremely important, (the studio will look for variety as well as beauty!). Sporting the same facial in each shot can get very boring, and there are much smarter ways to carry a theme throughout a series of photos.
Mix it up a little. Being over the top can produce rich results, but can also lead to fake-looking photos. Subtle differences bring out the individuality in each face, so exploit them! Show the camera why your face is unique and special.
Listen to what the photographer tells you. He can see you through the camera. You can't.
Make sure you are committed; modelling is a very hard industry to get into.
