Basic Posing

Basic posing is one of the two most important skills a model must learn. For general modelling purposes poses are done either standing, sitting or laying. The photo may then in turn capture the entire body or focus on a specific part of the body, usually the face and upper body for a profile style shoot. The contents of this page are meant to give you some back ground in basic posing.

Standing Poses

Poses done while standing come in a few basic varieties. These model photography poses are easily the most versatile and can be done indoors, outdoors, or in the studio.

Facing the Camera

The most basic model poses are probably the hardest to master. With both shoulders framed squarely in the lens of the camera, images tend to come out flat and boring. It’s up to the model to add depth and life. Tip your head to one side, run a hand through your hair, or move one shoulder closer to the camera. Move one leg behind the other to frame your hips differently, and remember to bend your knees and elbows. All of these things change the look and mood of the final product dramatically.

Profiles

The key to a successful profile is to remember that it’s all about body shape, posture, and curves. Tighten your stomach, square your shoulders, and shift your weight as necessary to create interesting shapes and lines with your body. Profiles require the model to be aware of their entire body. And don’t forget your hands and legs. The angle of a profile shot means that if done incorrectly, your limbs could appear like short stumps!

Three-quarters Pose

The three-quarters pose, a standard in modeling, so you’ll want to be able to pull it off and know what is being asked. It’s somewhere between facing the camera and a full profile. In the three-quarters pose, you will be angled away from the camera so that only three-quarters of your body is visible. This creates great depth and interest in any photo. To get it just right, place one foot behind the other with your hips pointed away from the camera, as in a profile. Then turn at the waist towards the camera so that your face and shoulders are looking towards the lens.

Against a Wall

Walls are just another prop to play with. In standing poses, you can lean against the wall. Having a wall adds some drama and interest to the composition and gives the model another focal point to work with. Change whether you look at the wall, look away, or look at the photographer. The leg and arm positions with a wall to lean on are endless, and generally, all lead to amazing photos. As with profile poses, the straight lines of the wall emphasize posture and curves, so keep a tight core and make amazing lines with your body.

Sitting Poses

Just sitting straight-backed in a chair doesn’t usually lead to a dynamic or captivating photo. The best model poses while sitting can be divided into two families: leaning forward and leaning back. Here we’ll look at both and give some examples of each one. Perhaps more so than with standing poses, sitting conveys more meaning and emotion to the viewer. What you do with your shoulders, torso, and legs drastically changes the vibe of each image.

Leaning Forward

Leaning forward with your elbows near your knees conveys a sense of intensity. With your knees apart, you convey assertiveness, and with your knees together, the image results in a feeling of innocence and excitement. Putting your knees together and ankles apart can look playful in photographs. Your torso can be folded over your thighs or held high.

Rest Your Head in Your Hands

Hand movements and arm placement are crucial, as always. Place your chin on your hand, with an arm on one knee. This can be combined with the knees apart or together for different impressions.

Angled Sitting

You can combine sitting poses with the three-quarters pose by angling away from the camera slightly. This can have a formal look like the classic male model poses for power and thoughtfulness. Alternatively, this can be more playful, depending on the model positioning and expression.

Leaning Back

These model poses tend to be more sexy and playful. With your head leaned back and your limbs draped over a chair or sofa, different moods can be captured.

On the Floor

Remember that the chair is just another prop, so use it appropriately. Sit on the floor and lean against the chair. Like posing a wall, a chair provides straight-line contrast to your body. Be very conscious of your core and posture when doing floor work.

Laying Down

Laying down is almost always used to convey a little more sensual and sexual image. This is most common in glamor photography but can be used in nearly anything. Side poses elongate your torso and legs. As with all modeling, posture is imperative. You must be conscious of your muscles and control the lines being made with your body. Changing your jawline position and eyes will alter the mood of these photos dramatically. This is one of the female poses which can be seen in many of the famous advertisements. 

Face Poses

Headshots are all about facial expression and “saying it” with your eyes. From dripping sorrow to intense power, your eyes can carry more meaning than any other element in the final photograph. It’s essential that throughout the modeling process with your headshot photographer , you have thoughts behind your eyes. If you “space out” the camera will pick it up instantly. Remember, modeling is acting, and you have to stay in character. Here is a top headshot photography tips guide which will help you. 

Use Your Hands

Using your hands in face poses adds another element of interest and can make or break the photo. Playing with your hair or touching a cheek can frame your face and improve the composition.

Head Tilt

The mood of close up face poses often benefits from the model tilting their head slightly left or slightly right. This can lend an interesting quizzical look. When combined with a chin down posture, a head tilt says serious thought or intensity. When added together with the chin high, the pose shouts curiosity and excitement.

Over the Shoulder

Another significant modification is to look over your shoulder towards the camera. Be careful with your eyes when looking over the shoulder since if you extend your gaze too far, you will reveal too much white in your eyes. Instead, allow your gaze to follow your nose. Also, when looking over the shoulder, be conscious of shadows falling on your face, and position yourself accordingly.