Model Photography - Posing Hints

By understanding posing there are a number of tips which generally produce pleasing results.

Below are some other tips to keep in mind:

• Don't lock your joints; especially when they are under weight. When you lean back or forward onto your hand don't lock your elbow, wrist or fingers. Any awkward bends should be avoided.
• Keep your fingers separate and avoid clumping fingers together. This is something that you usually won't notice with real people, but in photographs it can make your fingers look deformed or missing.
• Relax. This is often difficult for a beginning model. However, it is essential that you develop a relaxed and casual attitude in front of a camera.
• Tilt your head to give a little life and intimacy to the image.
• Learn to discipline your blinking. This takes a bit of effort, but will help you immensely.
• Don't move while the photographer is adjusting equipment. This may require you to remain motionless for a long time while lights and props are adjusted around you. Be patient, there is usually a purpose for all this trouble and if you move from your mark the photographer (and you) may have to do it all over again.
• Keep your makeup fresh (don't rub it off) and keep your lips wet. If you think you've messed up your makeup check it or ask someone to check it for you.
• Learn to accentuate your features

All of these poses should, of course, appear natural and graceful even if, sometimes, they may be difficult for the model. Remember, the ultimate answer lies in the finished product not the process which produced them.