Be Vain...Look in the Mirror!

Well, I don't really want you to be vain...there are enough divas out there, that's for sure! But what I am talking about is getting comfortable with yourself and knowing what expressions and different looks your face makes, as well as your body.

The best practice any model can do is practice posing and making facial expressions in front of the mirror...in the privacy of your own home, of course, we don't want people thinking you're nuts!

Practice smiling and not smiling in front of the mirror. Note things that bother you and see if there is any way you can fix or tweak it so that you feel comfortable making this facial expression in front of a camera. Or note things you like...maybe you'll come across a facial expression that you like and it could end up being your "signature" look. Maybe you're self-conscious about the way your facial expressions are.

You won't really know unless you are aware of the way you look, smile, mug (not smiling), when you pose. Play around with different angles: tilt your head down, tilt it up, to the side, etc. Note how your profile appears. Maybe you have a larger nose that you're concerned about, but by practicing in the mirror, you may find an angle that's more flattering to your nose. This knowledge will help you feel more at home in front of the camera.

A great way to make this exercise seem less silly or intimidating is by doing your facial expressions in the mirror while playing music. Create different playlists so that you can change up the mood or feel of the expressions and emotions you're trying to convey. Being able to switch the expressions up will be a great asset for you as a model.

If you're busy worrying about how you look or how a certain smile may appear, you'll be too distracted during your shoots to produce quality pictures. Get to know yourself and grandstand in front of the mirror, pose silly, pose seriously...it doesn't matter. All of this is a fun way to assure yourself that when you strike your pose, you know the results will be great!

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