"Practise poses in front of the mirror until they feel more natural."
Professional models make achieving a fabulous image look so easy, but for those with less experience it can take time to master. A great photographer will help you perform well, but models who can ‘direct themselves’ make that special shot even easier to obtain.
Some models have a natural confidence and flair in front of the camera, but for most this has to be worked on.
Models Direct would like to share some modelling ‘dos and don’ts’ with aspiring models wishing to maximise their chances of a successful shoot, who may benefit from some self-direction tips.
Do…
- Look through fashion magazines for inspiration and practise poses in front of the mirror until they feel more natural.
- If you have access to a self timer on your camera or phone camera this can also be a fantastic way of practising your favourite looks without any need for self-consciousness. Look at the images achieved afterwards and think about what could be improved.
- Remember details like what your hands are doing (keep them relaxed with fingers slightly separated) and be aware of how things can be interpreted by the camera. For instance, if any part of your body is much closer than the rest to the camera lens, it will naturally appear bigger.
- Correct bad posture. Lift your chin slightly and drop your shoulders. Never hunch your shoulders!
- Think about how joints like your wrists look. Do they feel relaxed and natural?
- Reset your smile. If you can feel that your smile is wavering turn away from the camera, relax and start again.
- Your eyes are the windows to your soul. If you feel the expression has left them, shut them, focus on an emotion associated with the look you would like to achieve, and re-open.
- Have a stock of favourite poses and expression ideas whenever you go for a shoot.
- Try different angles with your head as well as your body.
- Blink between shots, not during.
Don’t…
- Question a professional photographer’
- Feel you have to smile for every photograph. Sooner or later this will begin to look too fake, so take a break.
- Always look directly into the camera. Create some mystery by looking to the side, or take on a quizzical or annoyed expression by looking up.
- Be afraid to try something spontaneous or new.
- Become stiff! Dead straight arms and legs are not a good look.
- Hold your breath.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
