Modelling is a difficult job and it requires the ability to communicate feeling through a camera.
After being on countless shoots I often think about what it is like to be the person standing in front of the lens. New or inexperienced models can struggle with posing and moving naturally, and that uncertainty shows up immediately in photos. There is a common belief that modelling is mostly about being beautiful, but beauty alone has very little to do with creating strong images.
From a photographer’s perspective we are always looking for variety in poses and expressions. When a model stays on the same side of their body or repeats the same angle again and again the images quickly become flat and predictable. Strong models understand how to keep moving. They shift their weight, change the lines of their body and create interesting shapes with their posture, hands and facial expressions. Small changes such as lifting the chin, turning the shoulders or relaxing the hands can completely transform a photo.
To help explain this I have put together a list of videos that show behind the scenes footage of models who do this extremely well. Watching them work is one of the best ways to learn. You can see how smoothly they transition between poses and how comfortable they are creating movement in front of the camera.
Another skill that is often overlooked is performing for behind the scenes content. Makeup artists frequently film quick clips on their phones to show the finished makeup look. If a model looks bored, uncomfortable or disconnected from the camera that feeling comes through instantly and the footage becomes difficult to use. Practicing expressions for these moments is just as important as practicing poses. Engage with the camera, highlight the makeup and create footage that feels confident and interesting to watch.
I created this list to send to new models I work with so they can get inspired and practice before stepping onto a set. Watching experienced models move with confidence can make a huge difference, and a little preparation goes a long way toward making a shoot run smoothly for everyone involved.