Overcast days are great shooting days, as they provide naturally soft lighting as well. You should still avoid shooting from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, when the sun is directly overhead, however. If you do have to shoot inside, turn on every light and open every window. The more light, the better. [1] X Research source
Don’t match the model with the background. A black man shouldn’t be on a dark brown background, and a woman in a bright dress shouldn’t be flush against a yellow wall. You want contrast. When taking photos, leave the background out of focus, making the model pop out even more.
Pay careful attention to the face, particularly the eye sockets, for dark or distracting shadows. A reflective bounce or weak light on the face can usually eliminate any issues.
Don’t feel bad about “taking control. " People, especially on camera, want to be told what looks good. So move the model around, make them smile, and give direction. [2] X Research source
Full Body: Simple and easy, you capture the model from head to toe. [3] X Expert Source Traci HalvorsonModeling Agent Expert Interview. 17 June 2021. Good posture, is key, as is shooting slightly from below the subject – it makes them seem bigger and more manly. Half-length: From the mid-thigh up. Hands can be up, in pockets, or out. Again, shoot from below for the best results. Waist Up: Particularly necessary for shirtless models, this cuts right at the hip. If shirtless, make sure that no fabric is showing. Again, a lower angle makes everyone look hotter. [4] X Research source
Crop: Crop the image so that model takes up most of the frame, and isn’t cut off in any way. You want the shot to be pretty tight like it was a full-page magazine ad Brightness & Contrast: Make sure the darkest parts of the picture (there shouldn’t be many) are a nice deep black, and there are no nasty, bright white glares. Hue Saturation: This changes some basic color settings. It can be useful for balancing images. For example, if there is a distracting red glow coming off a red dress, you can lower the saturation of the “red” slider to faintly tone the reds in the image down. You can also boost overall saturation to add some more color “pop” into the picture. Clarity: Usually offered on only higher-end programs, this catch-all setting for sharpness and image quality is useful when bumped up 8-12. Don’t go above 20.
Most agencies want prints, usually 8. 5 x 11”. More and more agencies, however, are converting to all digital submission processes.
Your face structure and shape. Good bone structure usually equals being photogenic. [5] X Expert Source Traci HalvorsonModeling Agent Expert Interview. 17 June 2021. Your physique (muscles etc. ) and how your body is built. If you got “it”. You have to be self-confident and able to show it. Have no fear of showing your body and have the right look in your eyes.
The fit of your clothing is the most important thing. If a shirt is really cool, but a size too big, don’t wear it – you’ll lose too much body definition. When in doubt, going one size smaller than normal is usually your best bet, as it stays trim and form-fitting. Communicate with your photographer ahead of time if they want any particular looks, outfits, or ideas.
Take a deep breath and relax your muscles. Don’t forget to focus on the muscles around your eyes, mouth, and jaw, which make you look tense when clenched. Keep your shoulders back. This naturally expands your chest, making you look bigger and more manly. Avoid looking straight at the camera, which often makes your jawline disappear. [7] X Research source
A close-mouthed, serious look Open and close-mouthed smiles[8] X Expert Source Traci HalvorsonModeling Agent Expert Interview. 17 June 2021. Laughter Anger, intensity, or fierceness Thoughtful or pensive Romantic or sensual. [9] X Research source
Remember – the point isn’t to get 100 good pictures, it is to get 10-12 really great ones. So be patient and take your time with each pose, face, or shot. [10] X Research source
If you review the photos after the shoot and don’t like any, say something! You’ve got to work together to find a few you like.
If a shot is on the fence, don’t include it. Only submit the very best you have if you want the best jobs. [12] X Research source You can even limit your portfolio to 2 full-length pictures and 2 headshots. [13] X Expert Source Traci HalvorsonModeling Agent Expert Interview. 17 June 2021.
