Posing tips: 10 tips for new models

Being comfortable on camera isn't something you're born with — it's a skill you build. Experienced models keep practising their poses in the mirror and on set. Here are 10 easy posing tips for new models.

1. Put your weight on one leg

Standing square with weight on both legs looks stiff. Shift your weight to your back leg and soften the front knee. Your lines look more natural.

2. Relax your shoulders

Tension shows in the shoulders first. Before a shot, lift them up, drop them and take a deep breath.

3. Angle your body

Turn your body 30–45 degrees away from the camera and bring your face back towards it. It looks more dynamic and shows the clothes better.

4. Keep your arms off your body

Arms pressed against your sides make you look wider. Leave a little space, or bring one hand to a pocket, your waist or your hair.

5. Soften your hands

Fists and tense fingers distract. Keep your hands soft, as if holding a feather, and show them from the side.

6. Bring your chin slightly forward and down

To define your jaw and neck, push your chin slightly forward and lower it a touch. Try it in the mirror — a tiny move makes a big difference.

7. Talk with your eyes

Empty eyes make a flat photo. Think of a thought or feeling and your expression changes with it. When you smile, smile with your eyes too.

8. Move between frames

After each frame, change something small: turn your head, shift your weight, take a step. Photographers love natural in-between moments.

9. Build your own routine

Prepare a routine of 5–6 basic poses and run through them on set: front, side, back, walking, seated. It's especially useful on e-commerce shoots.

10. Practise with a mirror and your phone

Spend 10 minutes a day posing in the mirror and take a few timer shots. Knowing which angles suit you makes shoot days much easier.

On the day

• Listen to the photographer and stylist, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
• Remember the clothes are the product: keep your arms and hair from covering them.
• Ask for a short break when you're tired. Keeping your energy up is part of being professional.

Using this in your application

You don't need a professional shoot to apply to CastLyra. Recent phone photos taken in daylight with these tips are enough. Include a close-up portrait, a waist-up shot and full-length photos.

Application photo guide · Start your application