As a model, you may think that your job is to simply stand in front of the camera and look pretty.
However, your posing can have a huge impact on the overall feel or emotion of a photo. That is why it's important to understand how your body language and movement can convey different messages to the viewer.
However, your posing can have a huge impact on the overall feel or emotion of a photo. That is why it's important to understand how your body language and movement can convey different messages to the viewer.
First and foremost, it's important to understand the concept of body language. Body language refers to the non-verbal signals that we use to communicate with others. This includes things like facial expressions, posture, and gestures. In photography, body language can be used to convey a range of emotions, from happiness and confidence to sadness and vulnerability.
How you stand and sit can affect how the rest of your body feels and looks. Standing with your feet wide apart can give you a feeling of power and confidence; whereas standing with your feet together with your toes pointing inwards can make you feel more vulnerable and timid. The way you position your arms assists the message from your feet. Folding your arms whilst in a wide stance, accentuates the feeling of power, but fold your arms with your feet together gives a strong feeling and message of vulnerability.
Another tip is to be mindful of your facial expressions. If your expressions contrast vastly with your body language you can confuse the viewer, making the pose not fit with the requirements of the shoot, look unnatural, or even fake. Though expressions are from using your entire face, your eyes are the strongest messenger in sending how you are truly feeling.
It may seem like a cliché, but practising expressions in front of a mirror can really help you to understand the messages your face and eyes are conveying.
How does wearing a business suit make you feel? Do you feel the same wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt?
Clothing styles can assist with the message you are trying to convey. Also the feeling you get when wearing clothes can be affected by your surroundings. Wearing a bikini in an office environment would make most people feel uncomfortable; similarly wearing a tuxedo to a football match would make you feel out of place.
Developing the confidence to model in a variety of ways and emotions can take time, but regular practice will improve your ability.
Also remember to work closely with your photographer to ensure that your posing fits with the overall tone and message of the shoot.
You can become a skilled model who knows how to use their body language to help create truly powerful and emotive photos.