Your Equipment
Make use of the best camera you can get your hands on. Mobile phone cameras are not the best. The better the quality, the more we have to work with.
The Formal Shot
- Make sure that the background that you choose is as plain as possible. Make sure not to take your photo against a busy background e.g.: brick wall, preferably black or white.
- Take your photo in a well lit room, check that the lighting is more directional to your face than above, this will prevent shadows.
- Make sure that the photo is in focus and not blurred.
- Take the photo straight on, as a higher / lower angle also creates a perception of either submissive or dominant.
- For a corporate look, wear dark colors, like black or navy. Bright color will give you more casual look.
- Try to avoid Red, as it is distracting and perceive to be aggressive.
- Posture makes a huge difference, do not slouch, stand up straight.
- Turn shoulders to a 40 degree angle.
- Turn your face back, facing the camera. Slightly lean forward and drop your chin. This will give a leaner appearance.
The Fashion Shot:
- Start with your Core.
- Pulling your navel back into the spine helps the core to pull tight. This is necessary for any pose.
- It helps with balance and to keep the body tight (especially the tummy area).
- Always use your one leg to support yourself when doing a standing pose. The leg that you use for support, always have it straight and locked, this will help you to use the other leg to do the work.
- Use your other leg to either cross over with a slight lift or by pushing it out to the side.
- Crossing your leg over the other - gives a soft sensual look to the pose.
- When standing with your leg out to the side, make sure to support your leg on your toes, this helps with posture and gives tone to your calves and upper leg muscles.
- Turn your hips slightly off centre and turn your upper body back to the camera.
- Place hands on your hips, make sure there is enough space between your arms and body (this is necessary later in post production).
- Pull the elbow slightly back and push your shoulders forward.
- Turn your face by 45 degrees to the side and drop your chin slightly down.
- This enhances your cheek bones and jaw. By dropping your chin down, will help to put emphasis on your eyes and prevents shooting in the nose.
- By using these basic guides when posing, you can alternate your poses by understanding the basics.
Things to Look Out For