Modeling 101 - Lesson 4: How to Pose

Most people think that posing for a shoot can be tricky, but it really is simple thing, it doesn't have to be difficult. Once you learn these few easy steps you'll find yourself striking a pose with no problem. The perfect picture is possible.

1. Perspective. Perspective and composition are completely polar opposites when managing the sexes - a man should be strong and up front while a woman should be displayed like a prized object. When a man poses he can stand with both arms straight by his side if he likes, women are more difficult to position in the right perspective.

How? Most people have poor composition, slouching, unflattering facial expressions and etc. The female body is meant to be posed so that each feature, anything that you have two of, is individually accented. You have 2 shoulders - one should be lower than the other, you have two eyes - so the head should be slightly tilted, you have two legs - one should be in front of the other, and so on. Each feminine pose must emphasize the curves and angles of the female body. Placing your head in the correct position is another important factor when posing for a picture. Try using a variety of poses incorporating the "slow motion technique" - at least this is what I have labeled it. This is where you start from one position and move slowly, pausing between each frame, like watching a movie on slow-motion. This will give you the best variety and will help direct your actions in a shoot. You won't be left wondering what to do next if you come up with a "story" about the shoot you are doing and act it out. For example: Try moving your hair over your shoulder slowly with some shots looking directly at the camera, and some looking past or above, while throwing in some different facial expressions. You will notice what difference a little bit of movement will make.

2. Almost as important is where do you look - where to set your gaze?

How? Every little bit matters a whole lot in modeling; this is one significant thing I have learned all on my own. Please note that every degree or every little bit you look over your shoulder or away from the camera is picked up dramatically in the photos.

3. Ask for advice.

How? If you do get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help posing, or to ask the photographer for their opinion. Most photographers are more than willing to share their ideas and assist in posing. Perspective is quite different when looking through a lens and sometimes they can see something about a pose or shot that you cannot. If you ask for advice, be willing to trust their judgment.

4. Ask yourself what is the overall mood of the shoot. This should help in choosing the best pose.

How? For example: laying in a bed of flowers can be perfect for a springtime shoot, standing in a windfall of petals and flowers would be right for autumn.

5. Proper use of props.

How? Props should be chosen carefully so they do not take away from the idea of the shoot, or more importantly the center of the shoot: you. The purpose of using props is to help in telling a story or evoking a feeling or mood in a shoot. Props can be used in many different ways, more or less actively or passively. Passive can be anything such as candlelight casting a shadow on the wall behind you, while actively using a prop could be a flower held up by your face with an eye peering through the leaves. Some props can be used for symbols or metaphors when used with contrasting elements.