A Note to Aspiring Models - By Emmanuel Abazu

People often think that modeling is just about looks. This misconception turns a beautiful person into just a body with no skills. Modeling is not about having the perfect "looks." The key to successfully modeling is the mindset. With just one thought, a photographer can take his or her models to the next level.

Oftentimes, people think of models as the unique looking people or pretty faces. But ask any professional photographer in the fashion industry and they will tell you that modeling is so much more than physical appearances.                              

 Professional models are the ones who know how to work with the camera; they are the individuals who need little direction and throw solid poses, one after another. It is a skill that can be mastered.

So, what is the one thing that divides the professional models from the amateur ones? Confidence.

The key factor in a model is their ability to convey confidence through their poses and facial expressions. A model that is poised and assertive rarely has to ask “Ok, where do I put my hand now?” “How do I look?” “Is my hair ok?”

Confidence leads to lack of inhibitions and that translates into solid pictures. Even if someone is inexperienced hang-ups and reservation rarely result in quality poses. It’s important to let go of the mindset of a beginner. A model might argue that they aren’t sure what their angles are, or how they look most flattering. But these exact thoughts are what keep models from truly experimenting and finding these angles. Further, confidence will override any sort of lack of experience.

 It’s important to remember that while on a shoot, the photographer will be taking 400 pictures or more. Of those 400 pictures, only 5 of them have to be perfect. If the majority of the poses a model is throwing at the camera look ridiculous, that is ok! Chances are that the unique and different poses are what make an image a spectacular one. It’s crucial to be confident when trying the “wacky” or “weird” poses. With time, you will learn which poses work. But first, you have to discover those poses. 

As with photography and many other jobs that require a certain skillset, experience is key and is inextricably linked with the confidence a model brings to the table. Practice day in and day out to master the craft. Watching YouTube videos, practicing in front of the bedroom mirror and find pro models willing to help out are great places to start. Sometimes the best way to gain confidence is by making the atmosphere a comfortable one. Whether it’s wardrobe, getting hair or makeup done or even the music playing during a shoot—it's great to find something that helps the models feel like themselves.   

Another thing to remember is that when photographers have a few models to choose from, the majority of the time they will pick the models easiest to work with. What determines that is the models that are cool, calm and collected in front of the camera and they can communicate with the photographer. A pretty face will only get you a foot in the door. Talk to your photographer first and get a feel of their personality and what they need. Then while the photographer is behind the camera, let the world fall away from you and show them your confidence, poses and the way you move.

 

For photographers, try to make the environment a relaxing and fun one. Even though I am not a model, when I work with newer models I like to be prepared. Personally, I skim through photo sharing sites like 500PX and take screenshots of all the poses that catch my eye. Once I’m on the shoot, I’ll take out my phone and show my subjects these images to give them ideas. When they see other models pulling off creative poses and expressions, it builds their confidence. They think, “Hey, I can try that.”

The purpose of this article is to make modeling and photographing models an easy, less stressful experience. Photographers, feel free to share this with your models and friends! Every one works differently but I have found that this is what works for me. What tips do you have? As a model, what have you wanted from your photographer, or found helpful? Post your thoughts below!