Modeling & Acting 101 - A Model/Actor's Diary

I've done a fair share of blog posts dealing with tips and techniques to help models with posing. The downside is that I always have a tough time finding photo examples that clearly illustrate some of the points I try to make. Luckily, a colleague of mine passed along this link to an online article written by another working, professional model. Not only does she provide really relevant and useful posing tips, the article comes with the very photo examples that show what she's talking about. These are the photos I've been looking for! I mentioned a while back that I would love to do the photos myself to go hand-in-hand with the posing tips I write about but with my busy schedule I just don't have the time or ability to really put them together the way I want so I'm very grateful that Jen Brook took the time to do so. Here is the link to the online article...it'll help all models regardless of experience level, although I will admit that these poses are p...

Posing is the major duty of any model, male or female. Even runway models are required to post at the end of the catwalk. This skill comes naturally to many models but does take time and a lot of practice to master. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges that comes with posing is the fact that it requires a model to multitask mentally. How so? Well, there's a lot that goes into posing--namely the details. It doesn't take much for one tiny posing error to throw off or even ruin an otherwise amazing photo. This subject is hard for me to explain in words (if I had the time, resources and crew I would love to do a video blog about this topic...it's on my to-do list) but the best way for me to capture the essence of what goes into posing and why it requires multitasking is to imagine yourself striking a pose in front of the camera. Actually, you know what? I want you to get up right now and do a pose in front of the mirror. Don't think--just do. Got your pose? Good....

Newbies and those still gaining experience may or may not have heard the term "posey" used before but it's a very important one to know. "Posing" is exactly as we know this term to be: you're posing your body in a certain way. However, "posey" means something else entirely. In a nutshell, it means you're posing too much. Yes--believe it or not--there is such a thing as posing too much. Unless a specific shoot calls for this, models need to be mindful that they're not going over the top. Not every shoot you do in your career is going to be of a high fashion nature so it helps to diversify your poses and learn when to take it up a notch and when to scale it back. When used in the context of photoshoots and modeling, "posey" has a negative connotation to it but instead of receiving it as an insult, it should be taken as constructive criticism. So if you're on a shoot and the photographer and/or client says, "You'...

(This post can be used by all types of models but will be mainly beneficial to those specializing in commercial/print and lifestyle, where the poses and themes are much more natural.) "Make love to the camera!" is a commonly referenced statement whenever it comes to photoshoots and modeling. While a bit exaggerated, the meaning behind the statement rings true. While no one expects you to literally "make love" to the camera, it is important that models know how to develop a relationship with this seemingly "artificial" piece of equipment. Real photoshoots are more than just pointing and shooting a model. Amazing images are those that capture special moments that can't be achieved without the talents of the model and the photographer's timing. Many new models have a tendency to get nervous or apprehensive about appearing in front of a camera. The key is to develop a level of comfort and establish a "relationship" of sorts that allows...

This blog post was inspired by Kat's question: hi Dania what tips do you have for getting comfortable in front of the camera. I had my 1st test shoot yesterday and it went well but I was nervous the whole time. I want advise on what I can do to relax and get better pictures. (The tips shared in this post are better suited for situations where a new/semi-experienced model is doing a test shoot with a photographer and/or updating their portfolios in order to gain more experience.) Being in front of a camera comes naturally for some models while it may take some getting used to for others. It's totally normal to be nervous during photoshoots but with time and more experience, posing for a photographer's camera will feel like second nature. Of course many of you newbies may not want to wait that long. If you're concerned about how to relax and feel more comfortable during photoshoots, there are a few things you can try out: Breathe! You'd be surprised by how...

Facial expressions are yet another domain that you as a model need to master, especially if you are a commercial/print model. While fashion, runway, and editorial models are accustomed to mastering the stoic, blank, seductive look as well as the sexy pout, commercial/print models are required to go above and beyond when it comes to facial expressions. Knowing how to convey emotions is very important in this type of modeling because your job is to sell the product, idea, image, or company name. And in order to do that you have to put forth your best effort to convince the consumer that they want to buy whatever it is that you are promoting. Who would want to buy a new brand of cereal if the model on the box looks like she wants to spit it out? I like to think of commercial/print models almost as character actors. Depending on what the shoot is for, you need to get into character. It is common for the photographer or project director to give models a scenario or set up a situation an...

DO: Use magazines for inspiration when learning to pose. DON'T: Simply copy magazine poses for all your shoots. Originality is also important. DO: Refer to the right kind of publications that reflect the type of modeling you do (fashion magazines for fashion/runway poses: Elle, W, Glamour, Vogue. Catalogs for commercial/print poses: Macy's, Nordstroms, Target, JC Penny's. Teen publications: Teen Vogue, Limited Too, Teen People). DON'T: Feel like you need to master every single pose you've ever seen. DO: Practice posing in front of a mirror to be comfortable with your body and learn what feels natural. DON'T: Think that practicing in front of a mirror is lame, amateurish or unnecessary. Doing this simple exercise can help you greatly. DO: Learn how to experiment. Even if you think the pose won't look good, try it out anyway and find out for yourself. DON'T: Be rigid and uncomfortable--it will show on camera. DO: Learn how to be c...

Modeling is very similar to acting at times. As a model it is common for you to step outside of yourself and take on a different persona to match whatever theme is involved with your gig. Models need to have the ability to tap into their emotions and project the right attitude and presence to sell the product, idea, concept, clothes, etc. For example, a model may have to pose with another model of the opposite sex and have to convey the image of two long lost lovers--even though he/she may have just met their modeling partner a few minutes ago on-set. But once the two step out in front of that camera, the goal is to convince anyone who sees the photo that these models are madly in love. Or you may be asked to do a group shot with other models that you may never met in your life but you'll all have to act as if you've been friends forever. The possibilities for these scenarios is endless and if you can manage to fine tune your acting abilities to suit each concept, the ...

All right, fellas, shooting with a beautiful female model may seem like a dream come true but before you get too carried away with the idea, remember that you're there to do a job. And it may not be as easy as you think. If you've never posed with a female model before, don't worry about being nervous, that all comes with the territory. Don't be afraid to speak to your female modeling partner. The better you get to know her before and during the shoot, the better your photos will turn out and the more comfortable you'll be while posing. There's nothing wrong with asking if it's okay to put your hand somewhere, like her thigh or around her waist. If the model you're posing with is already experienced, she won't even give it a second thought. Ask her about her modeling experiences and if she's used to modeling with a male model. That will help you learn her comfort zone. Avoid looking like you're posing. Couple shots with a male ...

Ladies, this is where being a model definitely pays off! If you've never posed with a male model before, it's something you need to get used to doing. Not only does experience shooting with another model look great for your portfolio but it also helps to build up your people skills . Not all models go solo on their shoots and if you have the right chemistry, any couple photo with a male and female model can turn out amazing. If you're a shy person, throw all your insecurities out the window. The camera will capture any hesitancy or awkwardness between you and the male model. Just because you're posing with a man, does not mean the shoot or poses are going to get freaky. The model will respect your boundaries but you also have to keep in mind that the two of you have to capture moments as if you are the most perfect couple in the world. Get to know your partner in the beginning of the shoot. Joke and play around as if you've known him for a long time. ...

One trait that is very essential for a model to master is how to adapt to change. When it comes to your comfort zone, each model is different. Maybe you're used to looking "fierce," which means that cheesy smiles aren't common in your images. Or maybe you're so used to doing the cheesy smiles for commercial/print work and you're not used to exuding a sexy aura. No matter what area of expertise you have become used to, it is always better to learn how to do a variety of looks when it comes to your facial expressions. It's easy for aspiring models to learn how to do the sexy pout because it's all they see in the Victoria's Secret commercials and ads. Although in my opinion, they mostly look like fish faces--girls, leave those "Myspace" type of fish lips on Myspace and out of your modeling images! Blank, serious and often severe faces high-stepping it during fashion shows are very common in that part of the industry, so m...

Shooting with an all-white background is an excellent way to experiment with colors and outfits. No matter what, you'll stand out. The key to shooting with an all-white background is to know how to use your space. There isn't anything in the background to play off of and unless you have a prop, you're pretty much on your own. When it comes to posing in front of a high key white background, it's best to exaggerate your poses. Start off with some simple practice poses and work your way up. This is the perfect environment for playing with poses that will cause your image to jump out at the viewer. Try to avoid plain, boring poses and use your arms to give shape to your pose. Creating great lines is key when shooting with a white background. What I mean by this is that the intensity of the high key white background will automatically create an outline of your body. The best poses are those that show long, slendar and graceful lines. Example of a pose that cr...

When it comes to putting on a swimsuit , it can be easy to automatically think you should be a sex kitten during a photo shoot . Contrary to popular belief, posing in a swimsuit doesn't always mean you have to do overtly sexual poses. There are ways to pose in a swimsuit that doesn't exude sexuality. After all, not only volumptuous, long-legged models wear swimsuits. There are bathing suit styles made for teens as well as adults and when it comes to shooting swimwear, your poses should reflect the target audience. There are different types of poses you can do when sporting a bathing suit, namely a bikini. There are also different types of bikinis and other two-pieces as well so also keep that in mind. Obviously you would pose differently in a string bikini than you would a two-piece that has boy short bottoms and a simple top. Like any other type of shoot, the poses you do for swimwear should be natural, graceful and simple. Complicated poses tend to make you loo...

Modeling isn't all fun and glamour all the time. This is the understatment of the year. The best models and photographers are those who can take a photo so good that when you look at it, you'd never be able to tell that there were any problems. A lot comes with the territory of being involved in the modeling industry and for some it may be a cakewalk, especially if you've already got a fair amount of experience, but for newer models, you may be in for quite a ride. Know that at one time or another in your modeling career, you will be posing in very cold temperatures. You may be wearing a bathing suit or some other outfit that shows some skin and you will be freezing your butt off. But guess what? All that has to take a backseat 'cause you've got a job to do and you've gotta keep smiling and posing as if it were the middle of July! I've shot in San Francisco in both a thin dress as well as a bikini in windy and cold 50-60 degree weather. Surprisi...

You can be standing in front of a camera, striking your pose and thinking about how fantastic the picture will come out...then you see the picture and there's a whole lotta funky stuff going on! What am I talking about? When you pose, you may not look the way you think you look in your head. There are many mannerisms and weird things that we tend to do with our bodies, hands, feet, etc. If you aren't aware of them, you can mess many pictures. Case and point: in the photo below, take a look at my hands. They're relaxed and gently grazing the stool. Well, I wish I had the outtake photos. In one or two of them, the photos show me in the exact same pose and same look, except that my hands were gripping the stool so hard, you could see the veins bulging in my hands and it looked like I had a death grip on the chair and was hanging on for dear life! It was so freaky looking and because I had such an awesome photographer, she was able to quickly point it out to me so that ...

Shooting in a studio can be very intimidating and even frustrates me sometimes because you feel restricted. Unlike being outdoors, most studios are just plain white in background, or some have pull-down backdrops you can work with but it really isn't the same thing. The other thing about studio shooting is that the camera is solely focused on you. Feel the pressure! You may hate studio shoots or you may love them. If you're having a hard time getting the hang of posing using a studio setting, here are some suggestions that may give you a better experience: - Try posing with a prop. Using a chair, stool or whatever objects may be laying around the studio can help you find your bearings and are a great way to warm up with your poses. - Start off slow. Some simple poses to do by yourself without the aide of props include: one hand on your hip with your weight shifted to one leg, so your hip juts out a little bit; putting both hands on your hips and spreading your f...

I can't tell you how funny it is to see some amateur models strike these poses that just look ridiculous. And I'm not saying this to be mean, I'm just being truthful. If you're concerned about how to pose or are worried that you're not good at it, there is help. The first thing to keep in mind: throw out the images of the models you see in the magazines, on the runway, whatever. Do not try to imitate these poses because they may not work for you. Posing is a huge part, if not the whole part, of a model's job and it needs to come naturally. You need to be comfortable with your body and develop your own style. Of course, there's nothing wrong with copying poses in the beginning to experiment and see what you look good doing. But once you get to the stage where you're doing more photo shoots, either for your own portfolio or for a gig, you're going to need to start owning your poses. For me, posing outdoors outside of a studio is very help...