If you want your hair in a particular style, now would be the time to do it. You can braid your hair, style it using hairspray/gels, or straighten it. The options are nearly endless depending on your personal preferences. Professional modeling agencies might have stylists on location to help you with your hair. Brushing your teeth is important as well. If you have stains on your teeth you may want to invest in some quick whitening strips. You can always edit the photos later, but it won’t look as natural.
If either men or women are planning on doing swimsuit or sexy photo shoots, make sure to shave any excess pubic hair. Make sure to shave that area with the grain of the hair so that your skin doesn’t react negatively.
Make sure to use extra thin layers of lotion. You do not want it to look bulky on your skin. Thin layers also help when it comes to applying makeup later on.
Use coverup to get rid of any noticeable marks you don’t want to appear in the photos. This could be a mole, a zit, or a scar. Highlight and/or accent your cheeks with foundation and face powder. Apply these with a soft brush so as to not irritate your skin.
You might focus on season. For example, if you are doing a Christmastime photo shoot for a greeting card, choose sweaters, long pants, leggings, etc. You want to express warmth, and calmness. If you are doing a summer photo shoot, wear a nice skirt or dresses with no arms. You want to express liveliness and fun. Focusing on a mood is another way to go. If you want your pictures to be serious, wear darker colors, and clothes that cover more skin. Short shorts and bright colors are best for more upbeat, happy photo shoots. You will also want to pick out a pair of matching shoes if you are doing a full body pose.
Photography that is more avant-garde (experimental and/or unusual) may shy away from this. If you’re modeling for a photo shoot that is about shunning preconceived concepts, then by all means try it. Your photographer will probably want you in not-so-true-to-life poses.
As a model you’ll need to look natural. This is where you may need to practice. A key point is to keep your arms and legs relaxed. You don’t keep them straight all the time in normal life, so don’t do it in front of the camera. Keep in mind the effects of light on your body. The more angles you create in your body position, the more shadows which will appear.
In addition to making that project more enjoyable, the staff will be more apt to like you. The more they like you, the more they’ll think of your name when future projects come up. And, possibly, the more they’ll recommend you to another company.
Regardless of your body shape, doing this will simulate more of an hourglass figure. Popping your hip out gives you a curve in just the right place. Think of modeling in curves and angles.
If you put your hands to your sides and your feet together, you’ll feel like one of those dolls from the nutcracker, i. e. you won’t feel natural or human. Always use the space around you to create life in the image.
The hands are best viewed at an angle to the camera. Care should be taken to photograph the side of the hand, which gracefully continues the line of the arm when the hand is bent upward at the wrist.
As you get going, you’ll realize what elements of the photo the staff is trying to emphasize. Think of yourself as a machine to display the beauty of the image; you’re there to emphasize the clothes, the makeup, or the feel of the photograph. What can you do to make the picture more cohesive? Take the emphasis off yourself and think of the bigger picture.
You don’t have to stick with the feel of the scene. For example, if there is a sunshine as a backdrop, you can still express sadness in your face. If there is a moon and a dark atmosphere, you can still smile. The goal is to create dynamism and a greater message.
Turn around and look backwards over your shoulder. It’s very simple, but it can also be evocative. Play with your hands near your shoulders or face. But remember the rule: only show the sides of your hands. This continues the line of your arm, making them look longer and leaner. Lean forward slightly. This, when done well, can look candid and emphasize the curve of your body. Since you don’t have the entirety of your shape to create the “S,” allude to this by leaning forward slightly, invitingly.
Turn slightly and put your hands in your back pockets. If you don’t have back pockets, place them where they would be if you did. This accomplishes another rule: leaving space between your trunk and your arms. Support your back against a wall. Throw up the leg closest to the camera and rest the foot on the wall as well. Don’t put up the other leg; you generally want to keep the outer thigh exposed, not the inner thigh. Move your hands up and down your body and slowly twist side to side. Full height shots are hard to do and you’ll want to keep a constant curve and natural flow. Consider raising your hands above your head, too, for a rather sensual pose.
Place your hands behind your back, resting on the ground and throw out your legs, with one knee slightly up. Throw your head back a bit. The long line of your body will create a nice angle and shape. Sit Indian style, but pull up one knee to your chest. Wrap your hand around the leg closest to you and tilt your shoulders and neck. Clasp your hands together just past the view of the camera. Sit on the ground, but on your side. Throw one hand to your side and one arm resting loosely on a bent knee. Place the foot of your other leg at the heel of your foot that is resting flat on the ground.
You will want to lower your eyelids as you glance towards the camera. Tilt your head slightly to the left or right, and back a bit, to showcase your neck line. You can also emphasize certain aspects of your body. Men can tighten their torso muscles, leaning their stomach in slightly as they protrude their shoulders out. Women can twist their bodies slightly to showcase their breasts and butt. Bending your knees while arching your back slightly also helps to accentuate your features.
