How to Pose For Pictures Like a Model
8 Bloggers Taught Me How to Pose For Pictures Like a Model, and It's Really Not That Hard
Product Credit: Wearing H&M's Fall 2018 Collection
I'm going to be completely honest, my selfie game is not so strong. As soon as I get in front of the camera when I'm working with a photographer, forget it. I instantly freeze and my body becomes timid, just like my beagle Dylan's when he hears a burst of thunder during a storm. You might not be able to see me tensing up if you're an onlooker, but it eventually becomes obvious through my lack of inventive poses and my tendency to make conversation with whoever is off to the side. "Make me laugh or something!" I shout. That usually works for one shot, but what to do next?!
When H&M invited me on a press trip to Scribner's Catskill Lodge to check out the new Fall 2018 Studio Collection, I was stoked. Then I saw the itinerary. Aside from actually being able to explore the new line, touch the clothes, try them on, and learn about the inspiration behind them — Studio was influenced by David Lynch's Twin Peaks this season — we were going to be the subject of two photo shoots. I think I started to sweat as soon as I read over the agenda. But that sweat had nothing on what was sure to pour down my face once I actually became the subject with a lens pointed at me.
As it turned out, I was headed to the mountains with eight influencers who have quite the handle on modeling clothes. As I watched them work with photographers Cam Kirk and Kim Geronimo aka The Street Sensei, I was blown away by their grace and ability to float from one stance to the next, flaunting a slit here and fiddling with a shoelace there. When it was my turn, I felt like I had a few new ideas up my sleeve thanks to the diverse group of women you're about to meet ahead.
Scroll to see which poses I learned that I know will stick with me as I carry on in my fashion career and inevitably end up in front of the camera once again. Whether you're just getting your feet wet or you're an experienced blogger, you might pick up a tip or two as well. Not everyone may be able to pull off a shoot with as much prowess as these ladies, but their tricks are way more worth your while than a good old "make me laugh, would ya?" Trust me, I would know.
1 Prop Your Arm Up and Lean on It
2 Casually Drape Your Arms Between Your Legs to Show Off a Cool Pair of Pants
3 Purposefully Show Off an Earring or Jewelry
4 Master the Casual, Premeal Shot
5 Busy Yourself With Your Bag
6 Sit on the Edge of Your Seat and Post Up, Stretching Out One Leg Further Than the Other
7 Utilize Your Pockets
8 Laugh
9 Lightly Clasp Your Hands in Front of Your Body
10 Do the Bag Swing
11 Stretch Like You Do When You Wake Up in the Morning
12 Lean Forward Like Something Just Caught Your Attention
13 Be Playful
14 Peer Over Your Sunglasses
15 Think "I'm So Over It"
16 Find a Prop in Nature
17 If You're a Hat Girl, Show It
18 Is Your Outfit Bodyconcious? There's Only One Way to Make That Obvious
19 Act Distracted
20 Let Your Hair Get in the Way
21 Walk Forward, but Look Back at It
22 Lounge Like You Would at Home
23 Twirl a Slitted Dress Around and Around
24 Walk Toward the Camera With a Purpose
