If you are looking to strut your stuff as a model on the runway or hope to be on the cover of your favorite magazine one day here are some helpful tips for you to consider.  All of these suggestions may not work for everyone but if one of them helps you in your future career then it’s all good. I took some photos of my Niece in various poses to demonstrate some of the things that I mention in this blog and labeled the photos Do This, Not That.

  • If you are booked for a photo shoot, make sure your hair and face are clean and for men freshly shaven. Eat light the night before and don’t eat a lot of salty foods.
  • If you don’t like how your hair or makeup has been done for a photo shoot don’t let it affect your performance. Just suck it up and be professional.
  • Don’t over tan or burn your skin before a photo shoot. You may think that tan skin looks better on you but photographically speaking light healthy skin photographs better.  With too much sun your skin looks dry and shiny.  Make sure to always moisturize and take care of your skin.
  • Always pose with confidence, don’t slouch! Stand tall and pull your shoulders back, this will slim and elongate your neck. It may feel unnatural but doing this will create height and poise. Practice in the mirror, stand natural and then pull your shoulders back and your head slightly forward, notice the difference in the width of your neck.
  • Mix up your poses, don’t always stay in the safety zone, try something new it may work for the shot.
  • Do not stare at the camera aimlessly. Create a dramatic interaction with the camera using your eyes. I think it was Tyra Banks who coined the term Smize (Smile with your eyes) Make the viewer of your photo wonder what you are thinking.
  • For non- curvy woman if you want to look slimmer and create a “false waist” first pose towards the camera, position your hands high up on your hips then in order to create a thinner waist put your hands fairly close together in the front of your body and pop your hip out to the side.
  • Understanding lighting is invaluable, use it to your advantage. Ask which light is your key light or main light and pose towards it.  If you turn away from the main light you will be putting your body or face in shadow.  If your photographer has metered a certain spot for the best lighting, try and keep yourself in that area and stay on your mark.  If you find yourself too close to the light source adjust yourself and move back.  Remember the closer you are to the light the brighter it is when it hits you.
  • Don’t over rotate your eyes, always try and follow the line of your nose when turning your head or looking away. Keep a central gaze this will help to minimize the amount of white showing in your eyes at a side angle.
  • Learn how far you can turn your head before your nose breaks your cheek, this angle is more flattering on your nose creating a softer line. Practice in the mirror.
  • To create a slimmer appearance, with the photographer directly in front of you turn your body ¼ turn away from the photographer and away from the main light this will put the front of your body so that it faces the shadow side. Instant slimming.
  • Don’t forget about your hands!! Always show up with well-groomed nails, a simple clear coat or French tips are best. Think about what you are doing with your hands and don’t clump or claw your fingers, always hold them loose and fluid. Hands can be very distracting, so it is important to know how to position them. Try to avoid showing the back of your hand which is usually big and veiny and not the most attractive, instead do your pose showing the side of your hand which is usually small and more-dainty looking. You want soft elegant hands, it takes practice.  For beauty shots don’t just lean on your hand and show the back of it because it will appear masculine, if you are a female, instead position your hand with the pinky and ring finger closest to the camera, open your fingers slightly and stagger the tips for a more elegant look.  When working with full length photos use your hands to work with what is available.  If you are wearing a flowing skirt, try tossing it into the air. Touch your hair, put your hands on your hips or somewhere on your body.  Don’t claw your hands, keep them loose and relax.
  • If you are selling a product, make sure that you are doing poses that are commercially complimentary to the product and don’t hide it with your fingers or body.
  • Be honest about your size and measurements because the stylist will be in charge of bringing outfits that fit the models, prevent embarrassment and give your true size.
  • Create an accessory bag to bring just in case you need something. Always have nude and black bra and underwear with you, lotion for your legs, safety pins, hair spray, touch up lipstick and hairbrush.  Bring an energy bar, water and a straw so you don’t mess up your makeup.

I hope this information is helpful, good luck out there!