Model Advice

STRIKE A POSE

Do you often wonder how to pose during a photo shoot or on the runway? Tiara Magazine has included some images from one of our very own Tiara Models with advanced descriptions so that YOU can do your very best at your next shoot or at your next runway show! Tiara Model, Cassandra, had a photo shoot prior to the Electrify Your Future 2010 fashion show. Every photo shoot has a purpose, it is either to showcase the model, the designer, a product (like nail polish, or jewelry, etc), or the photographer’s work overall. Therefore, when you have your next photo shoot be sure to think about what it is you are trying to “sell” or in other terms, what is it you trying to promote. In Cassandra’s case she was showcasing the makeup, hair, clothing designer, Saret jewelry, the photographer, the charity (Live Out Loud Charity), and of course herself. That is a lot to handle and she did it so well that we included some of her poses for you to try at your next shoot. Click on each pose to see it upclose.

Tiara Model: Cassandra
This pose is fantastic because it shows so much confidence. It also does a great job of showcasing her awesome makeup. Front on poses can be hard to pull off because often times the model doesn’t know what to do while standing in front of the camera. An inexperienced model comes off very shy and uncomfortable but an experienced model will know how to pull of poses that show confidence with ease. Tiara Model, Cassandra,
may be standing front on, directly to the camera, but she has a slight bend at one knee and she balances this pose very well with having her arm up on the opposite side. Also notice each of her fingers are perfectly shaped. Inexperienced models tend to have something slightly off, especially with their hands. Hands are very hard to master so we will have an entire article about hand positions. Tiara Model, Cassandra does this pose perfectly by making sure every part of her body (fingers included) is in perfect alignment. Perfectly done! Bravo.

Cassandra is seen here highlighting an accent on Lynni B Designs outfit. She highlights this piece by gracefully touching the bow with her hand. If there is something fun about your outfit try posing in a manner that will truly bring out the uniqueness you find in it. It always helps to ask the designer what their favorite part is about the outfit so that as a model you can showcase it better. This type of conversation should take place prior to the shoot so you are fully prepared, having done your “homework” as we like to call it. This type of research allows you to be FULLY ready and prepared the day of the shoot. You can try to guess what you should highlight on an outfit but the designer knows best since it was their inspiration to bring the piece to life. Now it’s YOUR turn to bring the collection to LIFE on camera!
Tiara Model: Cassandra

Notice Cassandra does the usual hands on the hips pose but both times in a very different way. Each pose offers something unique and her expression is genuine. The first time her angle is front on which very few models can actually pull this off successfully. She does the front angle perfectly because of the confident yet playful smirk on her face, the way her eyes shine and tell a story, and the way everything is put in place perfectly. As a viewer, you are able to see her entire outfit and the fantastic, handmade jewelry by SARET Charitable fund. Also notice the position of Cassandra’s hands. One hand is slightly higher than the other. Neither hand is directly on her hip. In fact one hand sits above her hip and the other hand is higher which creates a beautiful angle at her waistline. By placing her hand closer to her waist, Cassandra is able to showcase her physique, which is lost slightly due to the type of dress she is wearing. Most people throw on a little belt to highlight their waistline. But as a model, if you are not given a belt, it is up to YOU to make the outfit most flattering for your body type and Cassandra shows you just how to do so with her hand positions. 

Tiara Model: Cassandra
As mentioned earlier, Cassandra modeled in her photo shoot prior to the runway show. Sometimes events like these can run very long so it is important to stay hydrated and to eat small portions throughout the day to keep your energy up. Cassandra offered tons of energy on camera early in the day, and she kept that consistency on the runway. Inexperienced models tend to let their energy drop so when it comes time to walk the runway they forget to have ENERGY, the most important of all. Inexperienced models tend to forget they will also have their PHOTO taken while walking the runway AND while posing at the end of the runway. Keep your energy throughout the entire event. Make sure to sleep the night before and to lead a healthful lifestyle. It always shows on camera, who is healthful, and who is not. A model can only fake it for so long because eventually it will A) Catch up to the model or B) The model will never advance in their career. Also note that it is perfectly ok to use some of the same poses on the runway that you used during your photo shoot. Some fashion shows like a more theatrical approach with more exaggerated poses like the ones seen during Cassandra’s shoot. Whereas, some runway show producers prefer a more straightline approach on the runway. For instance a straightline approach means that at the end of the runway, as a model you would only pose with a variation of hands on the hips. Once again this goes back to doing your homework prior to the show. Generally speaking there are practice rehearsals prior to the big night so that those types of questions may be answered. Below we highlight everything for your convenience.

Overall tips
Practice your poses in the mirror and start with the poses offered here.
Practice in front of the camera so you can get to know your body and what works for YOU.
Remember when doing a photo shoot to ask yourself, what am I trying to sell?
Keep your energy up throughout the day of your event.
Stay hydrating, eat small meals, and lead a healthful lifestyle.
Practice, Practice, Practice.
If you would like to become a Tiara Model like Cassandra, and model our runway, go to

Audition Today.
Photography by Karen Wade

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PHOTOSHOOT READY

Things to remember when preparing for your next shoot.

Article by Jody Kavanaugh
Photos by Jody Kavanaugh

In the past, I’ve had endless problems with my clients coming unprepared to a photo shoot. Whether it be physical or mental, there are countless ways to throw off an entire shoot with tiny, but easy to correct, mistakes.

Things to keep in mind when you are going to do a photo shoot:  Talk to the photographer and get to know them.  Look at their work to see if they can produce what you are looking for.  Ask how long it will take to get your pictures and/or the media files from them and how many of the pictures will be edited.

Be ready!  Here are some things that you need to do before the shoot:

• Tell the photographer what types of pictures you want.

• Send them a few pictures that you find on the internet so they can see what you have in mind.

• Make sure your nails, hands, and feet are clean and picture worthy.

• Check your make up before you get there and again when you arrive.  Apply your makeup so your eyes will “pop” in your pictures.

• If you’re going to wear several outfits during the shoot, start with simple makeup and hair and build your way up.  It is quicker and easier this way for everyone, and if you’re paying by the hour, time is money.

• Do yourself a favor skip the deodorant. Yes, some people put too much on, and it becomes visible in the photos.

• I know this may sound crazy, but if you are going to get your pictures done in any thing that may reveal your belly, make sure your naval is clean.

• Bring the appropriate undergarments to go with the outfits that you will be wearing.  I can not tell you how many times I’ve had to make adjustments to try to make a shot work.

• Share your personality with your photographer.  This way we know what to expect when you arrive.  Let them know what you enjoy doing, your favorite colors, and how you spend your free time.

• Let your photographer know beforehand what your hair and eye color are, and what clothing you will be wearing during the shoot. It is extremely helpful to have pictures sent to me of the outfits to be worn, so that I may start creating in my mind before the shoot starts, and can have props ready for style that you’re looking for.

• And most importantly, have fun. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give your photographer suggestions, and keep in mind that this time is all about you. A great photographer is only about half responsible for spectacular pictures. The rest falls on the subject’s ability to relax and really emanate their personality to the camera.