HOW TO POSE FOR A FASHION PHOTO

As a fashion photographer I know how important the model makes a photo. All models I have worked with have some natural ability and the more experienced have already learned some of the techniques. I have jotted down here some of the basics.

Creating a fluid pose

• The minimum that we are looking for is a fluid look, a curved appearance to the full length shape and a V to the upper half of the body.
• So, don’t do full frontal! Look to create a ¾ pose where you turn the hips away from the camera then turn the shoulders slightly back towards the camera. This will slim the look of the body.
• If you are standing rest your weight on the back foot and angle the head slightly. This should create a curve to the pose. But watch where the feet are placed not to have them at right angles to the camera.
• If you’re sitting, turn slightly to one side or the other. Doing so angles the body, tips the shoulders a little and angles the head just a bit. It adds dimension and looks more interesting.
• Lean slightly toward the camera. It adds interest, dimension and looks natural, too.
• Raise the chin slightly to lengthen the neck and to eliminate any tendency to a double chin or if the face has any heaviness to it. However be careful that the camera is not looking up your nostrils.
• Don’t hang you arms down by your sides. Women in particular can be vulnerable to the fat arm appearance so hands on hips or move arms further away or to the back is the answer.
• Learn to smile. I don’t mean a big gaping smile that shows the gums and teeth but learn what pose shows your best look and look to smile with your eyes. You might achieve this by thinking happy thoughts – some people might laugh at this but that’s precisely what we are trying to achieve.
• Finally, relax and be yourself. Follow the photographer’s directions but don’t allow yourself to be intimidated. Try to contribute to making the pose the photographer is looking for

In our Darlington studio we are running more workshops for model to develop these skills together with catwalk exposure in an environment where you can learn without the pressure of the real event.