How to pose correctly to look great in a photo: a master class from a photographer and model

If the photographer gets too close, it can create unwanted distortion, making the model’s head too small in relation to her legs. The same thing happens when a tall photographer photographs a short person from top to bottom: a “tadpole” effect is created.

When filming, it is important to pay attention to lighting. And it’s not just studio sessions. The sun is a very bright source of light. It creates harsh shadows, making it difficult to see, and creates contrast between dark and light objects. This can cause unwanted shadows to appear on the model’s face, making them look heavy and tired. Therefore, when shooting outdoors, it is recommended to look for partial shade, for example from trees. This will help you take better photos.

If you’re shooting indoors, pay attention to the main source of bright light. If it’s at the top, the shadows will fall in the opposite direction. Overhead lights can create unsightly shadows under the eyes, nose and chin, so it’s best to avoid using them. Have your model approach a window, even if it is not a direct source of bright light. The lighting will be softer and more pleasant, the model’s face will appear younger and more well-groomed.

Models often feel shy during a photoshoot and can’t relax. This is especially true for amateur photos. At this moment, the mouth is pursed, the smile is tight. And immediately a certain alienation arises.

What to do? Relax your lips a little. It’s not even about smiling, it’s about muscle tension. Relax and it will make you more welcoming. You don’t have to try to capture an expression. Think of something pleasant. Another tip: try sniffing like a horse. This fun exercise will help you relax and at the same time relieve muscle tone.

When seeing the lens, many people simply freeze and try to hide their hands in their pockets and unclench them at the elbow to create a static image. This creates an impression of immobility, the body becomes a stone statue. In this case, all body parts, such as the waist, hips and chest, are hidden.

What to do? Just try leaning on one leg and relaxing a little. This will add dynamics to the frame even with a static pose. We will have one leg extended and the diagonal arm will also be relaxed. The other hand can hang freely and, for example, only one finger is hidden in the pocket. This tip allows you to eliminate a sharp angle at the elbow. It is best to collect the hair on one side. It looks comfortable and beautiful. In addition, most often hair looks advantageous when located on the ombre side.

Fingers tangled, shoulders pressed, side rotation – all this makes the pose “unclear”, tense. In such photographs, the neck and chin are not visible. These are unfortunate poses that don’t suit anyone, and what’s more, make many people unattractive. Often in such photos you can see the belly and the bump on the back. But many models persist in taking this pose, even if it is not winning and is not used in everyday life. The only way to use it is to display clothing.

What to do? Position the model in a half-turn and make a relaxed pose. You can stand on one leg and transfer your weight to it. The arms are simply relaxed alongside the body. This pose helps hide a belly, if you have one. You can add a slight tilt to the angle. So that your legs and shoulders form a diagonal line. This adds interest to the photo.

How to take a photo on a chair? Just sit on it, hold your back and make sure the shadow doesn’t fall on your eyes. The eyes are the main element of any portrait. They should always be clear and beautiful. If you support your face with your hand, it should not completely cover your face. The face should not rest on this hand either.

Look at how your legs look in the frame. Poor leg position looks unsightly. This distracts from the other details of the portrait. It is also important to pay attention to the posture of your hands. Poses with closed arms and raised shoulders look stiff. A closed space almost always feels constrained and tense.

Almost all successful shots contain a diagonal. When a girl sits on a chair, creating a curve in her body, it highlights her beautiful figure and hides the folds of her stomach. The hand covering the stomach also serves as a visual accent. The girl’s feet are not pointed directly at the photographer, making them more precise. The legs appear elongated and elongated. This pose is also suitable for displaying a dress. You can lean on one hand to add dynamism to the photo.

When the gaze is directed to the side, it often adds interest to the photo. We also recommend using more space in the frame.

Any vertical details can complete the frame: a door, a tree, a monument or walls, other people. In this case, you cannot hold your pose, for example by hiding behind an object. Many girls move further away from the object and lean towards it. This pose significantly distorts the body and violates proportions.

What to do? Lean toward the subject, lowering one shoulder and resting your hand on the bark, keeping the other free for a dynamic shot. You can also try a seated pose: lean on the object at the base and relax your gaze, reflecting reverie and calm. To emphasize naturalness, lightly squeeze the subject while looking into the camera or into the distance.

First of all, you need to be aware of distortions that can lead to unexpected and undesirable effects. Using the phone camera’s wide-angle mode (mode 05) can significantly distort facial proportions, especially if you are filming a person up close. This can increase the model’s age and weight, add unnecessary wrinkles, and change the shape of the head.

What to do? To avoid the negative impact of a wide angle, you should shoot from a greater distance or use a small zoom to maintain facial proportions.

Lighting plays a key role in photography and can make or break an image. Lighting from the side and back of the hair creates a beautiful effect, but the lack of light on the face results in flat shadows that can distort facial features. To avoid this, it is recommended to add an additional light source to the face or simply hold a white or silver mirror/sheet of paper in front of the window so that the light reflects from it to illuminate the face. It is extremely important to avoid lighting from above. This light creates unwanted shadows under the eyes and can disrupt the natural lines of the face. You should also avoid photographing in direct sunlight, where harsh shadows can make facial features unattractive and cause discomfort to the model.