Having a strong posture is essential in modelling. This helps models appear taller and more confident especially during castings and photoshoots.
According to embodied cognition and emotion theories, expansive body postures may have positive effects on cognitive and emotional responses during mirror exposure (ME) therapy for eating disorder (ED). To test this hypothesis, an exploratory moderated mediation analysis was performed.
How to Stand Like a Model
Posing is an essential part of modelling, and the body posture of models is important to get right. A slouched promotional model will not look good in a photo, and a strong and confident pose can help a model feel more comfortable. It’s also important to keep the poses fluid and not too static, as this can look stiff and uncomfortable for both models and photographers. Moving slightly, such as raising or lowering the head, tilting the body, or moving the arms will help to make the pose look more natural.
While it may seem like a tall order for models, keeping the body’s posture straight is a simple trick that can be achieved through practice. In addition, there are a number of exercises that can be used to help improve posture. One of the most common is standing with a book on your head to force the back to straighten out. Another is imagining that there’s a string coming up from the top of your head pulling you towards the ceiling, which can also help to pull the shoulders back.
Getting the body’s posture right can also help to make models appear thinner, and there are some specific poses that can be used to do this. For example, having a model arch her back can highlight the shoulders and create an S-shaped curve in the body that looks great in photos. Another effective pose is having the model put her hands in her hair, which can add a sense of sensuality and sexuality to a shot.
Another way that models can slim their figure is by putting weight on one foot, which can elongate the leg and create a more slender shape. This is a great pose to use in low-key shots where the model is not aiming for a super-sleek look, and it’s something that can be done at home, as well as in the studio.
Posing is not just about making sure that the body is positioned correctly for photos, it’s also about changing the way that people stand and sit in their everyday lives. By applying these techniques, models can ensure that they always have a great posture, and even if someone was to snap a candid photo of them, they would look good.
Posture for Castings
For a model to be successful they need to be confident and have a great attitude. Posing plays a major part in this and it’s important for models to have good posture. A slouched or slumped promotional model won’t be taken seriously and will come across as sluggish and lazy. It’s important for models to spend time practicing their posing and posture, especially before a casting or photoshoot. Practicing will ensure that they have a strong and natural posture on the day of the shoot.
Mirror exposure (ME) has been shown to be an effective therapy for patients with eating disorders, as it reduces body dissatisfaction and restrained eating. However, research as to what type of body posture should be adopted during ME to maximize its effectiveness has been scarce. Previous studies have indicated that expansive and upright postures—often referred to as “power poses”—are associated with positive changes in emotions and cognitions, but these results have been inconsistent.
To examine this, a study was conducted that compared the effects of two preparatory body postures on a range of body-related emotions and cognitions during ME: body- and food-related negative feelings, body image satisfaction, and appraisal of one’s own body description. Participants were seated for 2 minutes in an expansive or contractive posture before completing ME, and the effect of the posture on these outcomes was measured.
The findings showed that women who sat in the expansive posture experienced more positive emotions than those who sat in the contractive posture, and this increase in positive emotions was a significant mechanism of change for the effect of the preparatory posture on reducing negative feelings, body image satisfaction, and appraisal. The exploratory moderated mediation analysis also found that when the BMI of the woman was included in the model, the conditional direct effect of the posture on body image satisfaction was no longer significant, suggesting that BMI does not play a role in the mediation of the preparational postures on ME-related emotions and cognitions.
The researchers also looked at the physiological response to each posture by measuring posturographic data. The results indicated that the expansive posture did not have a detrimental effect on postural stability, while the contractive posture caused a significant decrease in body movement and a change in the position of the pelvis.
Posture for Photoshoots
Whether they’re models on the runway or in the studio for a beauty, fitness, glamour or fashion shoot, it’s important for all types of models to know how to pose their body. While the face is a big focus for most model shots, the rest of the body needs to be positioned in flattering ways as well.
When posing for photos, try to keep the model’s feet apart to create more balance in the frame. They can also prop their legs up on a chair or sofa for added height, as this will also help to slim the leg lines. It’s also a good idea to avoid locking the arms out straight or holding them stiff beside the body – this can look unnatural and make the hands and arms seem bigger than they are. Instead, bending the elbows slightly and having them brush against clothing or hair is a more natural pose.
Another tip for models when posing for photos is to angle their body at a 30-45 degree angle towards the camera. This will make them look slimmer and more approachable. For standing poses, a model can also tilt their head to the side and look away from the camera, or look straight ahead in a full profile. For seated shots, models can sit facing the camera, have their arms crossed or with their hands in their pockets (depending on the type of shot) to convey different emotions.
Sitting down is a common stance for many model photoshoots, especially in fitness and glamor images. This can be done on a chair, sofa or even the floor for a more rustic look. When sitting down, models should be mindful of their posture and keep the back erect to prevent any discomfort. They can also place one or both of their hands in their lap for a more relaxed, candid image.
Models who are used to being photographed often use a ‘photo posture’ that they’ve developed over time. It’s the reason that when you look at models in magazines, they all seem to have perfect posture – although it looks effortless and unnatural for the model in the photograph. The secret to this ‘photo posture’ is that models consciously position their body so that it creates flattering angles and makes the eyes more appealing.
Posture for Fashion Shows
Fashion shows are more fast-paced than a photoshoot, with hundreds of eyes on you as you walk the runway. You can’t afford to hunch over or sway your shoulders – that’ll look clumsy and unprofessional. Instead, work on strengthening your core muscles with exercises like sit-ups and crunches to keep your posture strong. This will also improve your balance and poise, which are essential components of a great runway walk.
The most basic model pose is a straight on or three-quarters profile with your arms either extended or at your sides. This can be boring to photograph if not done well, so try adding some extra flair to your pose by varying where you place your hands or how they’re positioned. Tip your head to one side, run a hand through your hair, move one shoulder closer to the camera, or even move your leg behind the other to frame your hips differently. All of these small adjustments can make a big difference in the overall look and mood of the image.
Posture is important in any kind of modelling, but especially so for fashion shows and photoshoots. A slouched or slumped promotional model will never be as attractive as a model who is confident and poised. The good news is that if you practice a good posture during everyday activities, it will become instinctive and natural to you when you go to castings or photoshoots.
A captivating runway walk is a symphony of well-executed fundamentals, including posture, stride, and the artful placement of the arms and hands. Creating an elegant line requires you to step forward with your dominant foot, and then shift your weight to the opposite side of your body with the other foot. This creates a rhythm that’s both smooth and impactful. To finish off your pose, lean back slightly and tuck in your chin to give your face a strong yet approachable expression that exudes confidence and accentuates your garments. The resulting look is truly unforgettable.
