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Posing 101 for Senior Pictures with KC portrait photographer, Andrea DeLong.




How to Pose Like a Pro and feel like one too.


If you want different results, then we have to do your portraits differently. That starts before the session even begins and is the groundwork and catalyst for change. Take the time to practice and find your own modeling style. don't be afraid to take risk. Know that it will always feel "weird". But once you know the tricks you can push past the weirdness to create images that have never been done before in the senior portrait genre. It's time to say goodbye to cheesy, over posed images that say nothing about who you are.


There is a lot of information in this post I have been collecting and curating for years. I was a model. I was the art director. I've been the photographer and even the assistant. I have been on all sides and what is most important is that you trust me to do you a solid and for me to do that, it means you taking the time to show up prepared. You will NOT get the results you see in my book if you do not. I hate cheesy posing and you and I will both be frustrated if we are wasting time on education when you on arrival, have listened to and read the material below.


I have taken the time to make this as short and sweet as possible for you to learn what you need to prior to the session. I trust, when we decide to collaborate, that you will do your end of the bargain. This is critical. I can't stress that enough.......


HERE WE GO........ LET'S DIVE IN WITH WHAT I FEEL IS THE MOST DOWN TO EARTH EXPLANATION COMING FROM A SUPERMODEL HERSELF. HER ADVICE IS SPOT ON.




Tip #1 - Never Stop Moving


This is the most important tip to remember when you get on set. Here's why:


Moving during a photoshoot creates dynamic and interesting poses. Moving can also help to create different lines and shapes in the body which can be used to show off clothing or accessories to their best advantage. Additionally, movement can also create a sense of energy and life in the images, making them more engaging for the viewer.

In a runway show, models move to show the clothes and their movement from different angles and perspectives.

Also, models are trained to move their bodies in a way that is both elegant and flattering, so they are able to create a wide range of poses and expressions while keeping their movements smooth and graceful.





Tip #2 - Facial Expressions


Facial expressions are important while posing because they can convey a wide range of emotions and moods. A model's facial expression can help to tell a story or convey a message in a photograph or on a runway. It can add depth and personality to the image, making it more interesting and engaging for the viewer.


In addition to conveying emotions, facial expressions can also be used to direct the viewer's attention to certain aspects of the image, such as the clothing or accessories being modeled. A model's facial expression can also be used to create a sense of movement and energy in a photograph, making it more dynamic and visually interesting.

Facial expressions can also be used to show off the makeup and hairstyles used in the shoot, as well as make a model's features more defined.


In short, facial expressions can enhance the overall impact of a photograph or runway show and make it more memorable and effective. Even being serious requires an emotion behind it or we risk it looking like a resting B face.




YOU HAVE TO TRUST YOU WILL FEEL A LITTLE SILLY. YOU ARE LAUGHING THEN SERIOUS, THEN LOOKING OFF AND LAUGHING. TRUST THAT IS PART OF THE PROCESS AND KEEP DOING EVERYDAY MOVEMENT. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A NINJA. IT'S A LOT OF REPETITION – ANDREA DELONG

Tip #3 - Editorial vs Commercial Posing


Editorial posing is typically used for fashion or fine art photography, and the poses are usually more creative and artistic. The focus is on the clothing or accessories being modeled, and the poses are often dramatic and convey a certain mood or theme. Some of you and your concepts will fall into the group. There is a little more edginess and the posing and concepts can be anything.


Commercial posing, on the other hand, is used for advertising and marketing. The poses are usually more natural and relaxed, and the focus is on the product being advertised. The goal is to make the product appealing to potential customers, and the poses are often chosen to showcase the product in the best possible light. Some of you will fall into this group. You just can't pull off the edgy vibe or really do look best when making eye contact to the camera.


There is no right or wrong here. Know which is you prior to the session and communicate that with me. This does NOT mean I won't push you to find out for myself, but it does give me a direction on how to direct and coach you while on set. You know yourself better than I ever could. I trust you however i want you to dig deep as well. So unless you are flowers and rainbows most of the time, then this likely isn't' a slam dunk fit for you.




Tip #4 - Watch it being done behind the scenes





Tip #5 - Trust yourself - How and Why

How is simple. You practice in front of a mirror. You do the work and you arrive to your session prepared so we can start making next level photos quickly.


It's important to trust yourself as a model in a photoshoot because it allows you to be more relaxed, confident and expressive in front of the camera. When a model trusts themselves, they are more likely to be comfortable with their body, movements, and poses. This comfort level can translate to natural and authentic-looking images, which is something that photographers and clients often look for in a shoot.


Trusting yourself also allows you to take direction from the photographer more easily and be open to experimenting with different poses and expressions. This can lead to a more diverse range of images and can help to capture the photographer's vision for the shoot.


Additionally, trust in yourself allows to be more in tune with your body and movements, which can help to bring a sense of ease and flow to the images.


Finally, if you trust yourself, you'll be less likely to become self-conscious or nervous, which can negatively affect your performance. Being confident and relaxed during a shoot can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.


You are going to have a blast.


Come prepared, bring water and snacks. Make sure you have makeup and brushes for any touch ups. Have a towel that can be a sweat towel and make sure you get a good night's rest.

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