Model pose: time to strike your best one! But what exactly is the best?

Some of the top supermodels out there can teach us in this area. For example, Tyra Banks has spoken and advised extensively on the subject in America’s Next Top Model. A model pose should be striking and stand out. So, as guided by Tyra and countless others, here are some of our tips.

• It’s all about being confident and fierce. Until you’ve mastered these things, you’ll never be able to make any model pose truly work for you.

• Learn to work with light and pay attention. Someone else stolen yours? That’s no excuse to literally stay out of the spotlight. Find the light, face it, and extend towards it.

• Learn to ‘Smize’ as Tyra would say. That means that when you smile, you must smile with the eyes!

• Elongate your neck for the maximum height you can possibly achieve.

• Don’t be limp. Feel tension from head to toe.

• When perfecting a model pose, create intensity and draw attention. This can be done with your eyes.

• Bend and snap! Pop out your bum for added shape. Work with all of your body when it’s not just an above-the-neck shot.

• Got something you don’t like about you? A model pose can change everything instantly! For a smaller waist, place your hands on your waist. Put your chin up for a smaller forehead, and stand on tip-toes for stronger calves. There are plenty of other tricks in this respect, too. For example, accentuating your shoulders or turning in your knees will give the appearance of narrowed hips.

• Take direction! You need to learn to work with the photographer or director. They’ll want to see that you can work a variety of poses to suit the shoot. You’ll need a mixture in your portfolio to highlight this.

• Be innovative, be creative, and do not be a one trick pony! Diversify as much as you can.

• It’s a combination of body and attitude. Put your mind, body and soul into each model pose!

How To Get There

It’s all about practice, practice, practice. You’ll never be able to develop a signature model pose or even an entire repertoire of them unless you really work on ensuring you’re always trying to improve. Practice every model pose that you know in the mirror, and in front of a camera.

You should also be prepared to study. Look at your favourite model, and shadow his or her career. How do they perfect their model pose? Do they have a unique one that they bring out, time and time again?

It’s okay to emulate,as long as you can diversify.

Do you have a favourite model pose?