Madonna said it best: “Don’t just stand there, let’s get to it. Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it!” For female models, figuring out how to work your angles and finding the best poses to show off your figure is key to becoming the next Cindy Crawford or Naomi Campbell. Whether you’re kick-starting your career or want to freshen up your go-to moves, try these 10 proven poses to expand your versatility and get noticed.
Tyra Banks coached an entire generation on the importance of finding your light and perfecting your “smize,” and this advice remains golden. No matter your pose, knowing the most flattering angles for your face and body will give you the confidence to build your portfolio and professional edge in front of the camera.
Practice is everything. Start in front of a mirror and play with the contours of your body, changing up your posture and positioning until you find what’s most complimentary and empowering. Your expression, too, will make a huge impact on making the pose come alive. Think Kendall Jenner’s straight-face catwalk or Cara Delevinge’s expressive eyebrows. With a few simple changes, female models can bring a full spectrum of characters to life, from the girl next door to a woman in power. Sex appeal, like adding a wink, laugh, or lip bite, can also be incorporated into a look, transforming a pose from sweet to sultry, depending on the type of shoot.
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Think about how different shapes can accentuate your assets and empower you during a shoot. Start with these classic poses, and then layer in more details to mix things up. Remember, poses should align with the type of jobs you’re booking, such as a light-and-airy catalog feature versus a high-fashion or editorial gig.
1. Walk toward the camera.
Sometimes the simplest poses are the best places to start. Simply stride toward the photographer (or your camera) with your hands on your hips, in your pockets, or swinging casually by your side. The faster you walk, the more movement you’ll create in your hair, allowing it to flow along with you.
2. Look over your shoulder.
Looking over your shoulder invites viewers to follow you on a journey. With your back to the camera, glance over your shoulder, showing either your entire face or just your eyes. This pose creates a sense of mystery while accentuating your backside.
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3. Arch your back.
Showing off your natural curves can give you an edge during your shoot. Arch your back to create an S curve, pulling the top half of your body up while pushing the bottom half out. This pose works standing, seated, or lying down; try extending your arms over your head and stretching your legs to further lengthen your curves.
4. Lie down.
This pose can be done either on your back or stomach. On your back, position your head closest to the camera, toes pointed away. Tilt your chin up with one knee bent and one hand on your chest, in your hair, or reaching backward toward the photographer.
On your stomach, you have several options. For a casual look, rest your head on your hand and kick up your legs, crossing at the ankles. For a more provocative approach, use your arms to push your chest up and out, or position your arms and legs as if you’re crawling toward the camera in desire.
5. Get in action.
Action shots make for fun, energetic shoots. Depending on your wardrobe or the product you’re selling, work with the photographer to plan jumps, kicks, twirls, or other dance movements. These are some of the most athletic modeling poses for women and require the right expression, from fierce determination to amused wonder.
How to Find Your Perfect Camera Angles 6. Nail the power pose.
There’s something innately powerful about setting your hands on your hips. Chest out and chin up, this stance conveys you are queen of all you survey. Pair with a smirk and knowing twinkle in your eye and you’ll have followers in no time.
7. Play with your hair.
A good hair tousle elevates practically all model poses for females. Playfully wrap a long strand around your finger to make them wonder what you’re thinking, or tuck it back behind your ear to reveal your killer smile. Caught in the wind? Catch a few loose tresses but let some linger across your forehead and eyes, shrouding you in mystery.
8. Pucker up.
Your face—and especially your mouth—can change the entire look and feel of a shot. Purse your lips to play up sex appeal, or gingerly bite the end of a fingernail mid-laugh for lighthearted charisma. From a scrunched-up smirk to a jaw dropped in wonder, your mouth communicates so much without saying a word.
9. Work the product.
Modeling poses for women often revolve around showcasing a product. Whether you’re slinging a handbag over your shoulder or swinging a new set of irons, playing with props opens the door for making a realistic connection with your intended audience. Get in the mindset of who would buy this item and illustrate its values, from showing off a diamond’s shine to demonstrating how a gadget works.
10. Flirt with the fabric.
Every detail of your wardrobe is an invitation to showcase your creativity. From buttons to bra straps, highlighting the selling points of your ensemble will delight clients and intrigue customers alike.
- Skirts: Skirts were made for twirling. Spin in a circle to help them come alive, making the flowing fabric a costar in the shot. You can also scrunch up the bottom of a long skirt to show off shoes or elegantly cascade down a staircase.
- Shoes: Whether you’re lacing up sneakers or slipping on a stiletto, position your feet near the camera for an up-close perspective, or kick up your heels for a lighter-than-air feel.
- Jewelry: Rings, bracelets, earrings—touch each piece with a mix of longing and admiration, making the gems sparkle like your personality.
- Blazers: Just like with the power pose, certain wardrobe pieces just make you feel different. Stand tall and button the blazer’s front to show who’s in command, or simply tug on the lapels and look off the horizon of your success.
- Athleisure: Wrap viewers in the cozyness of loungewear. Run your fingers over soft sweatpants fabric or bury the bottom half of your face in a hoodie, letting your eyes delight in the comfort.