Zaryo - Modelling Tips

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Here are some great tips to keep in mind before shooting.

Posted by Katriona on 01-11-2011

As you probably already know, being a model isn't just about being good-looking; the photographer will expect you to know certain things. Even though the photographer will give you general directions, he or she will not be very specific, and you will have to interpret them.

Here are a few tips

When modelling, your posture becomes very important. When you walk down the street with slouched shoulders people might not notice, but when your photo is being taken - every little thing matters, so keep your back straight and your shoulders up and your posture will look strong and healthy. You will see the difference in the photos.

Imagine a painting that is totally symmetrical. A little boring, isn't it? You might have noticed that models tend to break symmetry whenever they can. If your left arm is just hanging by your side, bend your right arm so it touches your left elbow, for example. If your left leg is straight, as if you're walking towards the cameraman, twist your right leg a little, as if you're standing or turning to the right, and so on. Break the symmetry, but make sure it looks natural.

Smiling is important, but it is also important to know how. If you have nice, flawless teeth you should smile with an open mouth. If your teeth are not your strongest asset, you should smile with a closed mouth or just slightly opened mouth. Practice different smiles in front of a mirror, and make sure you can do more than one kind of a smile. A happy smile, an amused smile, a shy smile, a sexy smile or a mysterious smile. But more important is to not always smile - that might seem like a lack of versatility. Sometimes a serious look is more capturing and enigmatic.

Always remember what your modelling for and deduce from it what type of poses they're looking for. For example, if they're shooting a commercial in which you as the model are supposed to be in a natural environment such as a home or an office, the poses should be natural and unaware of the camera's existence. In other situations you will look straight into the lens and be in a unique pose that isn't casual at all.

Another good advice is to learn from other people's experience; study the photos of other models. Pay attention to the smile, or lack of it. Study the model's asymmetry, look at the model's pose and try to think what does it represent. Maybe practice some of it at home. As long as you remember that a successful model is not only the nicest looking one, but also the one who can interpret the photographer's needs in a unique and interesting way, you're on your way to success.

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