5 Best Model Poses For A Successful Fashion Photoshoot

A Model’s Guide to Posing for Fashion Shoots

For many, getting photographed for the first time can be quite daunting. More so, if you’re a first time model and are posing for your fashion portfolio.

“What poses look good on me?”

“How do I pose confidently?”

“How should I practice posing?”

Do any of these questions sound familiar? If yes, then here’s what I want you to do: take a deep breath and chill. Yes, you read that right. Relax and chill.

Looking at those supermodels gracing the covers of fashion magazines, with their elegant poses might make you think, “How can I strike a pose like that, so effortlessly, and look so fabulous doing it?”

The answer to that is simple: you practice, till you get better at it.

But Vik, how do I achieve that while posing for my fashion portfolio for the first time?

As Philadelphia’s top Fashion Photographer who has photographed thousands of models over 20+ years, I have figured out what works and what doesn’t, when it comes to posing for fashion portfolios. Posing is what makes or breaks a photo, especially in fashion photography. Why, you ask? Because the poses are what will help you tell and sell a story, and most importantly, a lifestyle.

Understanding the basics of model posing is a good place to start, and one that I tell my models when I first get around to talk to them about their shoot. Looking for pose inspiration on Pinterest, Google, and YouTube is the next step. Here, you can simply note the poses that you like and wish to have on your portfolio, and practice them in front of a mirror, leading up to your photoshoot. Since each model is different, I like to plan it with them during the consultation, so that they are prepared for the photoshoot—plus, a good photograph is a result of a good collaboration between a photographer and his models!

While I don’t expect you to strike up the dramatic poses from Harper’s Bazaar or Vogue on your first day of the shoot, here are some tips on how to nail your posing game for your next model shoot:

1. Relax and be confident

The biggest tip I like to give my first-time models is to simply relax and be confident. A relaxed body language gives much better images as opposed to a stiff body language.

To add dynamism to your photos, I also suggest models to add some natural movement to their poses, as it adds depth. Experiment a bit with your poses and movement, and be confident while you pose. I like to create a positive environment around my shoots so that it’s filled with positive energy, and your shot comes out great!

2. Create visual interest

One of the best ways to create a visual interest in your photo and pose is by making a shape with your body. The hands on hips pose is a classic example of creating a shape with your body [in this case, triangular] to create a sense of visual interest and dynamism in your photo and pose, than you would with a straight pose.

3. Consult with the photographer on shoot day

Like I mentioned earlier, a good photograph is a result of a good collaboration between the model and the photographer. This is one of the reasons why I encourage open communication between myself and my team, and the model. Communicating what you’d like to try or not helps a lot in deciding the shoot direction.

As an experienced Philadelphia Fashion Photographer, I enjoy providing creative direction to my models on flattering angles in photography, so that they don’t have to worry about posing, and the final result is something everyone on set loves equally—even the model!

4. Enjoy!

The key advice I give to all my models on shoot day—always remember to have fun! A relaxed and fun photoshoot translates to amazing photos. For all my shoots, I like to keep the on-set environment fun and relaxed, so that everybody enjoys the creative process and the final photos.

Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about posing styles!

Some poses are better suited to a certain type of modeling, so it largely depends on the type of modeling you’re going for. For this article, I’ll be talking about general poses that work with every model shoot.

1. Standing poses

One of the most versatile stances, standing poses work with any kind of model shoots, be it fashion, beauty, commercial, or fitness shoots. TIP: Slightly lean on to something like a wall or chair, or simply put a little more weight on one foot to add some depth to the photo.

2. Facing the Camera

This is one of the most important poses a model will get to do, whether it is for a headshot or a commercial shoot. To make your shots interesting, try leaning a little to one side and providing a little tilt to your shoulders and head. TIP: Have a mirror? Practice posing your lips and face to see which one is working out for you.

3. Profile Perfect

When done right, profile poses give a sharp, polished, and distinguished look, especially for male models. Some movement in these shots can do wonders, and trust me, you will love how the final photos turn out.

4. Sitting Poses

You may wonder, how difficult it is to sit and pose? But trust me, these are one of the trickier shots. Because sitting correctly, according to the final image you’d like to have, is an essential skill in itself. Sitting at an angle, or leaning a bit to the front or back can make a world of difference in the final photos.

5. The Look Back

This is the ultimate sexy, smoldering look, and a fun way to wrap up the shoot. It’s a look that has been made famous on the red carpets by countless models and Hollywood actresses; it’s a look that’s playful and intense at the same time when done right.

Now that you know some common poses, here are some handy tips for when you’re posing for your photos:

Avoid slouching or moving too fast.
Follow the photographer’s directions,
Try not to do any uncoordinated movement with your hands; instead, try free-flowing movements.
Remember your better side.
The smaller eye should always face the camera.
Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!

Modeling may seem easy and effortless, and just posing in front of a camera the whole day, but in reality, it takes a lot of practice to get those poses right, and create a consistent look throughout. I offer fully guided model portfolio shoots for both first-time as well as experienced models, so if you are someone who is looking to get their portfolio created or just revamped, I would love to get in touch with you and help out!