How to Pose Like a Model

Posing like a model is an art form that transcends merely ‘looking good’ in photographs.

It’s about communicating, through posture and expression, the essence of your personal brand or the emotion of the moment.

And I know. This sounds ridiculous. You’re just a business owner, trying to be more visible. Needing photos for social media and your website.

But bear with me. Mastering how to Pose Like a Model can really elevate your photos and you’ll be amazed at the results.

Have you ever wondered how models manage to look so effortlessly chic in every snapshot?

It’s not just about having a pretty face or a trendy wardrobe; (although I think if you’re 20, 6ft tall and look like Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss it is somewhat easier) it’s that they know these things:

Triangles

They know how to make triangles with their body.

Triangles create interesting shapes and add an element of dynamism to your pose. Bend an arm, creating a space between your elbow and your torso, or shift your weight onto one leg, letting the other bend and form a triangle with its outline. These subtle shifts in your body mean the photo no longer looks awkward or two dimensional.

Introduce movement.

Rather than standing stock-still, you’ve got to move. A slight pivot, a gentle lean, even a carefree step can capture an organic, engaging energy.

As a rule of thumb, every time you hear the camera click, it’s a good idea to change position.

The added benefit of this, is that you’ll feel like such an idiot that we’re bound to get some really good natural images.

Smize

Never underestimate the power of the ‘smize’.

The way I show people this, is to get them to do a really big smile, where it creases your eyes, and then get them to remember that feeling in the eyes but to stop smiling.

Personally when I try this I look deranged. But I’m sure you’ll look amazing.

Understand your angles.

Every person has unique features that can be accentuated or softened with the right pose. Spend time in front of the mirror experimenting with different positions.

Turn your face slightly to the side to find your ‘best side’. Tilting your chin down can create a more dramatic and engaging look, while lifting it can exude confidence.

The art of posture.

Models exude elegance through their posture. They stand tall, pull their shoulders back slightly, and engage your core.

This position not only helps you look better but also gives you an immediate confidence boost.

Let’s talk about your hands.

Awkward hands can ruin a great pose.

A light touch to the face or playing with your hair can look natural and relaxed. In full-body shots, avoid letting your arms hang straight down; instead, place a hand on your hip or bring one arm slightly away from your body to create space and shape. Or make use of those pockets. You can even find something to hold if that makes you feel better!

You’re not alone

Remember, the more relaxed and self-assured you are, the better your photos will turn out. BUT… don’t worry to much. That’s why you hire a professional photographer!

So next time you’re in front of the camera, take a deep breath, channel your inner model, and own your moment. With these tips in hand, you’re well on your way to nailing that model-worthy pose.

And when you’re ready, here are three ways that I can help you:

1) Visit my blog for tips on VISIBILITY.

Every week I discuss strategies to improve your visibility, get over your fear of visibility and my latest shoots.  Read here

2) Plan a bespoke photoshoot.

We can plan a shoot based on what you actually need (read more) or you could join me at a Branding Day.

3) Join ‘Visibility School’.

Visibility school is a membership group where you get 12 months of photoshoots, a fab little Facebook group and lots of bonus content too (new for 2023 members) . Read