Posing Tips for Models

Whether you're new to the modeling game or are a seasoned veteran, posing is something to always be learning more about and improving. Here are some of my posing tips that I've latched onto over time. This article is always updating, so come back to learn more!

✦ When it comes to posing your hands, the goal is to make them look smaller

You can achieve this by holding your fingers together in various ways. Try finding ways to cup your hand where the camera doesn't see your thumb and pinky at the same time. One of my favorites is holding your thumb to your middle or ring finger, very delicately, sometimes barely even touching. This adds a feminine look to your pose. You can move this around your chest, on your sides, behind you - once you get this concept down, it's easy to adjust to something that works for you.

✦ Regardless of how you're posed, try not to cover up any limbs, unless it's purely for creative purposes.

An example would be you're sitting down, and one arm is so far behind you, the camera can't see it. Something this might accidentally look like you're missing an arm. Not saying that's necessarily a bad thing, but ideally photos look best when you can see the person's full body composition. Or if you're sitting on, say, a wall - don't have one leg behind the other side of the wall. Find some way to sneak it in there, even if it feels a little weird at first. Sometimes it's the most awkward-feeling poses that look the best on camera!

Need help getting ready for a shoot? See How To Get Ready For a Photoshoot

✦ Add movement to your poses

It's kind of like dancing. A great photographer will get in rhythm with you and snap at just the right times for your poses to look natural and put-together. Some prefer to shoot fast, and others much slower. Models that do this are able to get more variety in their looks. Standing in this same position for 30 seconds is usually not going to come out very interesting.

✦ If it's clothing focused, show off features of the clothing.

When you’re modeling something with pockets, use them any way you can! Change it up between shots, sometimes having fingers in/thumbs out, or vice versa. Use back pockets, belt loops, straps, etc. This is a simple and effective way to get multiple perspectives on the same look!

✦ When doing candid look-away shots, don't turn your eyes away too much

Basically you want to avoid your eyes looking like white balls or like you just got possessed. If you're posing somewhat candid and looking away, or looking in a different direction like you're thinking or whatever it may be, try to keep your pupils still showing toward the camera. Instead of looking way over the side while taking the photo, try looking up to 2 feet to the side of the lens.

Models and photographers, what are some of your favorite posing tips? Share below!

Audrey Smith has over 300 photo shoots and 4 years of modeling experience including highly accredited photographers and brands such as 7UP, Dr. Pepper, LimeBike, Olive + M, Manscaped, and Reform Swim. She is available for paid projects, creative collaborations, and freelance model coaching and consultations. Click here to book.