Part 1: Learn About the Four Basic Posing Styles

Everyone has an idea of what a professional modeling photo shoot is like: an impossibly beautiful woman taking direction from an excited photographer, with a wind machine and bright lights. While this might be the case in the very top tiers of the modeling world, the vast majority of working models know that this is rarely the case. No matter how naturally striking you look, it won't mean anything in front of a camera unless you know how to present your best angles. Everyone has seen a terrible picture of themselves and wondered how they came out that way. They've also seen fantastic pictures of themselves, and wondered how they could recreate that look. The answer is that there's a skill involved, and it's one you need to learn if you're going to make it as a model.

While supermodels might get to lay back and let the photographers do the work once they've made it to the top of the modeling world, aspiring models still have a long ways to go. For the most part when you're starting out and getting headshots and sample photos taken, you'll be working with photographers who don't know the first thing about modeling and fashion photography. It's up to you to show your star potential. Furthermore, professional runway and promotional models don't get any outside guidance when they're working, so they have to use their modeling skills to show off their best look.

Luckily there are some basic tips you can learn that will set you on the right path in your modeling career. For starters, there are four basic types of poses that you'll need to know to start building your portfolio and working with professional photographers. They are:

• The Lifestyle Pose: These kinds of shots require the model to candidly recreate an everyday moment, usually in a domestic or personal circumstance. Think of a baby shampoo commercial where the mother smiles to herself while drying off her laughing (and tear-free) child.



• The Movement Pose: Think of this as a sort of Action Shot, where the modeling is involved in a physical activity like running or swimming. These usually involve the "real" use of a product like a tennis shoe, but can include something like drinking a beer at a party while having a good time.



• The Portrait: This type of shot focuses on the face and shoulders, and can be extremely close-up. The emphasis is placed on minute facial expressions, skin, and eyes, so you need to be ready for the photographer to literally get in your face.



• The Full-Body Shot: These are pictures that feature the model's whole body, usually to display clothing (or lack-thereof in the case of swimwear), cosmetic products, hygiene products, and so forth. Here the arrangement of arms and legs, posture, tone, and broader body gestures are important.

Each of the four types of posing requires its own specific skills and uses different tricks of the trade. Check back soon for more tips on how to nail the perfect pose!

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