Photography Posing

If you are a model or photographer the following posing tips will help you improve your trade.

The first piece of advice that I can give the photographer or model is to relax. This is the key to warm and stunning studio photography. If the subject feels uncomfortable it will show in the final image. A good fashion or portrait photographer should develop a friendship with his subject. This will lead to better working conditions for both and will guarantee extra work for the photographer in the future.

Make sure that the model is happy in the clothes that she is wearing or she will feel uncomfortable and this will show in the final image.

Poses should appear natural at all times. If the model is sitting, the seat should be comfortable for the pose. When a model is posing they should always keep good posture unless the photographer advises otherwise.

Holding your stomach in will give your abdomen a more toned appearance. Standing sideways will make the model appear thinner.

Poor facial and body expressions can spoil an image. Hands should fall naturally into position whenever possible. Eyes should be wide and bright bringing any viewer into the image. Eyes should also be razor sharp and the focal point of any print. Don't get your model to smile for every image - a variety of facial expressions will sell better.

Models should also carry spare clothes; the photographer should always have a changing room adjoining his studio. If the photographer is photographing children he should have some form of entertainment for them while they wait. If a child gets bored the photographer will never get a proper pose.

Photographers and models should be critical of their own work. This will lead to better images in the future. Both can always find better ways to improve. A great way of finding new poses that work is to buy fashion magazines and study the poses in them. This can be a very rewarding exercise for both the model and the photographer.

Models should always try to bring fresh posing ideas with them to the photo shoot. Most fashion photographers will welcome this. If you are a model starting out try to find a photographer who will make you feel comfortable, and remember if you do feel uncomfortable with the pose, let your photographer know how you feel.

TJ Tierney is an award winning photographer and a freelance writer. To find out more information visit his photography site and photography forum His site also contains a free photography directory.

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