Posing for Beginners Part ii
A year ago, I wrote Part i on how to pose for beginners and every single one of my friends first laughed then saw an improvement in their posing when they recalled the tips from videos I had shared.
ANGLES. ALL THE ANGLES. - My ex-roommate
I’ve learned a lot since then but that doesn’t mean I’ve learned everything. Here’s a few follow up resources I found incredibly helpful:
1. “How I Pose Models for Photoshoots” by Jessica Kobeissi
The biggest takeaway: create shapes in pictures. Not squares or rectangles, but contrasting shapes to other objects or backgrounds so your model or you stands out.
2. “How to Pose People Who Are Not Models” by Anita Sadowska
I really love how this video breaks down really actionable tips for both the photographer and the model. Takeaway: the smallest tweaks can drastically make you look taller, slimmer, more eye-catching, etc. etc.
3. “How To Look Good In EVERY Photo | How To Pose For Photos | Model Tips” by Emily DiDonato
I absolutely love the diversity of tips in this video as well as the amazing breakdown of Do’s and Don’t’s. Here’s a list:
Lighting: natural window light, golden hours, shade
Posture: pretend as if a string is pulling up your body from the top of your head
Extend your body by pointing toes and stretching fingers
Keep your hands busy: prop, purse, pockets, hair, face
Shift your hips back and side to side
Do a fake model walk
Practice in the mirror or take selfies: what angles and expressions you look best in
Fake laugh
Slightly raise your eyebrow
Tongue touching roof of the mouth will make the neck look slimmer
Set up the photo before you ask someone to take it
Use burst mode
Take a selfie video then screenshot your best selfies
Be mindful of what is the focus
Hunt for nice backgrounds
4. “EXPOSED: Model Poses That Deceive You On Instagram” by iskra
This last video is amazing. iskra reverse engineers some model favorite poses we see on Instagram to tell you that 1) anyone can look like that, and 2) how to achieve the look.
That's it for now!
I hope this was educational and I can't wait to see how everyone's posing game levels up.
If you would like to try out your skills as a model (and are in the same city as me), feel free to contact me for details and we can set something casual up or straight up book a professional session if you're ready to get serious!