Showing posts with label model poses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label model poses. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Business of Modeling: Dance Training Gives Models an Edge


It’s no secret that the best models know how to “move”, giving them a major advantage over others.  Models are not plastic mannequins, and simply relying on good genes and the creative efforts of others to make beautiful images isn’t going to make for a great career.


Models who have a background in dance or theatre tend to have more body awareness, are more likely to know how they are appearing in the shots, and are able to bring drama and personality to the images.  Runway comes easily to them since they know how to move fluidly and without awkwardness.  Girls with even some basic dance training bring life to the styling, and movement to their limbs and hair, creating drama and spirit.  Those who are animated and have good control of their actions are far more likely to be booked over a static, timid girl whose images are flat and boring.  


Dance training gives core strength, balance, endurance, and long, lena muscles.  And if you think these things don’t matter, try standing for hours in stilettos while stylists work on your clothes, assistants set the lights, editors and photographers do digitals and discuss the shots, - and then be asked to move and make magical images.  Supermodel Coco Rocha created a photo book entitled “Study of Pose: 1000 Poses”, the perfect guide for new faces to learn how to model gracefully, quickly, thoughtfully, and artistically. 



It is easy for a photographer to rein in a model if her action does not work for the shot or the styling, but extremely frustrating and annoying to waste time waiting for a model to wake up and come to life in front of the camera.  Models who rely on their faces alone will have a very short career.  Count on it.  Dance training also teaches great posture, shoulder placement, fluidity, how to give the appearance of mile long legs and arms, all while selling the garments with imagination and awareness of the final image.  And it’s FUN! Get some music going and practice! And do the same on set.  Standing still is boring after a while and keeping your energy and enthusiasm up is professional and expected, and if you do, there is a better chance you will be booked by these people again.  


Karlie Kloss at 6’2” is a great example of a model who rose above the rest by being bold and animated, quickly becoming a favorite of photographers and editors for her ability to breathe life into the images.  And that isn’t easy when you are tall, to avoid looking like you are not in control of your actions.  She knows exactly how her body looks to the camera and just how to make each outfit looking stunning in the most flattering, dynamic way.


Theatricality also includes your facial expressions and models who inject some personality into the photos with their face are far more likely to get top editorials over non-emotive models.  They know who to portray dreamy innocence, sensuality, joy and laughter, or strength.  The best models will become a character in their mind and have a story behind them so they can “act” with their expressions.  


There are models who are not traditionally beautiful, or tall, or lanky, who just knew how to play to the camera, to bring emotion to the images or runway, and turned that ability into extraordinary careers, just as there are stunning models who are shy and think it is enough to be beautiful, who never realize their potential and have short careers.  


At the same time, modeling is not dance and forced movements that look rehearsed can look awkward and not fluid enough for photography.  Don’t be shy on set and by all means ask the photographer what they are going for in the shots, and become a part of the creative process, not a hinderance, or worse, disappointing.  Being a new model is not an excuse.  Practice makes perfect, so sign up for ballet barre classes, or jazz, or hip hop, and learn how to MOVE. You will be a better, more successful model for it. 

                                                               XOXO Shelley

#modelsanddancetraining #businessofmodeling #modeling101 #howtoposelikeamodel #modelswhomove #modelposes #modelexpressions #balletformodels #danceformodels #facethisblogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein 



Monday, April 13, 2015

POSING LIKE A MODEL - HOW TO TAKE GREAT PICTURES FOR THE RED CARPET - PROM - WEDDINGS - INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK


Shelley Goodstein & Dr Kevin Pounds
I've had my share of red carpet photo ops. Being a model certainly helps when it comes to knowing how to pose year after year. So I thought I'd share a few tricks I've learned for perfect red carpet moments.  Besides sucking it in and good posture, here's how to pull off a perfect pic!


The Classic.
This is your fail safe, go-to pose. Turn to an angle, one foot in front of the other - one leg bent and one hand on the hip! This might be the absolute, most photographed pose of ALL time. Definitely flattering for any "booty"!

Kim Kardashian - photo credit: Getty image


Cross your legs. 
Yes, imagine you are in need of a bathroom and VOILA you have the super slimming forward facing pose. 

Emily Ratajkowski - Photo credit : HuffingtonPost.com



Unladylike - Legs apart.
 JLow repeats this pose often and may be one of the few that can get away with it. Keep in mind this pose is only flattering from the right angle though HINT: Always know where the camera is. Your legs appear slimmer because of the space between. Point your front foot. 
Jennifer Lopez - Photo credit: Grammy.com

The BFF pose
Let's face it, life and photos are always better with your bestie by your side. Plus if you're the "smarter" friend, you'll cheat yourself a little behind to hide a little extra-whatever. This pose always works well as long as you both don't have the same "better" side!
Madison Reed and Victoria Justice - Photo credit : Wire Image 

Twice as nice. Double bent arms.

For this you need the perfect dress and the confidence of a warrior princess or Greek goddess! 
Taylor Swift from Grammys.com


Working the crowd - Air KISS pose


Adrianna Lim - photo credit: Wire image


Using a Prop - Polly Pocket Style

Katy Perry/Rosie Huntington Whitely - Photos: Hollywood Gossip




Avoid a seated pose - standing will always look more flattering ... unless of course you are half naked with this crew at a bonfire in Puerto Rico!
Photo credit: Victoria Secret