My studio-based photography is enhanced because I get an opportunity to work with skilled creatives both behind and in-front of the camera. This is important for all types of photoshoots whether paid, collaborations or a personal project. Obviously, one of the most important creatives is the model. The skills the model brings to pose & emote often determines the outcome of the photoshoot.
Many people think the most important attribute of a successful model are their looks and body-type / dimensions. Those are important, but I’ve found most important is the ability to POSE & EMOTE.
Unless you are new to modeling it's expected that a model has posing skills.
Most photographers can direct a model but some may not or don’t feel it’s their job. A model’s ability to pose is ESPECIALLY true if they expect to get booked for paid assignments.
Getting in front of a camera on test shoots also is the learning opportunity. It takes practice. Some comments on posing:
Review the moodboard / vision board in advance or ask the photographer how they want you to pose. Ask the photographer through the photoshoot if you are providing the looks, they are seeking.
Different lighting setups / conditions will interact differently with shadows. Learn to work with the light & shadows.
Know how to emote. Change your expression throughout the photoshoot unless the moodboard calls for a specific look. Open mouth, closed mouth, smirk, smile, broad smile, passion, serious…try it all.
Play with & move your hair. Hold it, put your fingers through your hair, cover an eye, pull it straight out, flip it, mess it up.
Try to move all of your body throughout the photoshoot. The general rule is that for every image you want a different look. The only time I ask the model to hold a pose is if I don’t feel I got it or the lights didn’t fire.
Ask the photographer if they want you to change poses after each shot or to be constantly moving.
If a photographer has metered his lights to a specific spot or area learn to move and pose within that area. This includes moving up and down.
Move up and down. Bend over, lean forward, sit down, etc., etc.
Play with your clothing or accessories. Use your belt, your pockets, the color of your shirt, etc.
Don’t keep your legs still. Kick your legs out, stride, hop, spread your legs, cross your legs, bend your knees, etc.
Learn 4-5 “go-to” poses that you enjoy and change them slightly during a photoshoot.
There are tons of learning aids to practice your skills. Some are:
Online video content and creators.
Look at photos in a fashion magazine, IG, Pinterest, etc. - practice the poses in-front of a mirror.
Take a selfie-video of your posing. Study it.
Hire or ask a photographer to photograph you while practicing.
Get a mentor / muse to work with. Use a friend, you DON'T need to pay for a posing coach.
Ask a photographer to let you try a few new poses at the end of a photoshoot.
Visit a model shoot and watch an experienced model work. This is pretty easy to arrange.
Bottomline, if you expect to be a skilled model you need to have the looks, have the body type required for the shoot, have a personality, have business skills AND the ability to pose.