Practice, Practice, Practice,
 
Whatever you work at in life you must practice, modelling is no different.  A large part of this means practice posing.  A model that excels at posing will get more and higher paying jobs than just standing there and looking beautiful.
 
So what should you do to practice?
 
   1. Before your photo shoot get posing ideas.  Look through ads, magazines and websites.  Try and remember poses from previous shoots.
 
   2. Choose 10 of these poses and practice them in front of a mirror until you feel comfortable and know how great you look doing these poses.
 
   3. Control your hands.  Look in the mirror, are your hand placed with purpose and add to your pose or are they hanging there limp.  Don't just let them hang, put them on your hips, hook a thumb in the pocket or belt loop, or do something with them.  See where magazine models place their hands for ideas.
 
   4. Sell your expression.  Don't just look at the camera, the viewer should get an idea of what you are thinking in that instant.  Don't be thinking about the outside world, who called your cellphone, or the latest gossip.  If you are trying to look sexy, think sexy.  If you are doing a shoot for a car ad, think "I would love to drive this car".  Close your eyes, think whatever thought you need, and when you open them express those thoughts through your eyes.  This is where a good model develops her "look".
 
   5. Smile - sometimes.  Practice different smiles, serious looks, and full out laughing.  You should be able to do any of these nearly on command.
 
   6. Eyes as the "window".  The photographer knows, in almost every case, that out of anything in the photo, the eyes have to be in focus.  This is because the people are drawn to the eyes of a person.  Use your eyes to convey a feeling.  Looking straight into the camera with you chin slightly down can give a sexy look.  Looking to the left or right of the camera can generate a sense of mystery.  This is another case of looking at photos can help you.  See where the model is looking and determine what feeling you get from the image.
 
   7. Keep good posture, unless the photographer tells you otherwise.  Keep you stomach in to give your abs a slightly more toned appearance but breathe naturally.
 
   8. If it bends, bend it.  Elbows should be slightly bent, as should wrists, knees, hips, fingers, etc...  Don't bend anything an exact 90 degrees either, more or less is usually better.
 
During a Photo Shoot
 
   1. Be on time, friendly and patient.
 
   2. You should be posing.  This is your job.  The photographer will tell you to stop, move this arm or that hand, look left or right and a variety of other things, but you were hired for your ability to pose.  If this shoot is for your portfolio, the photographer sets the scene and its your job to show off what your posing abilities are.
 
   3. If the Photographer tells you a pose to do, ignore #2 for that pose only.
 
   4. If the shoot is uncatered and may last a little while, bring water and some small snacks.  It will allow you and the photographer to focus better if you are not hungry or thirsty.
 
   5. If any of the shoot will be with exposed skin, arrive at the location in loose clothing, no bra and loose or no panties.  Elastic in these items leaves unsightly marks in your skin that can take 5-20 minutes to fade.  Also bring a warm robe to cover yourself during down time in case the studio temperature is set for people with more clothing.  Try and avoid sitting between sets as this can also leave mars on your skin.
 
   6. Don't Blink!  Learn to ignore the flash and try and time blinking between photos if you can.  This can be harder than it sounds and may even cause you to blink more if you are thinking about trying not to until you learn this skill.
 
   7. Don't be afraid to offer a suggestion of a pose or idea to the photographer.  Also don't be upset if the photographer doesn't want to do that idea. 
 
Wardrobe
 
   1. Avoid clothing with Logos, this limits the photographers ability to market the images for commercial usage.  I the shoot is for your own private portfolio this is less of an issue but you should still have some clothing that is Logo free.
 
   2. Under-dressing or over-dressing can create drama in a glamour photo shoot.  Think evening gown at the beach and a bikini in a warehouse.
 
   3. Bring ny unique props you may have to show the photographer.
 
Other Tips
 
   1. Bring your favorite music cd or an ipod.  This may help you relax. For in studio work, our sound system can take CD's or the headphone output from an mp3 player.
 
   2. Get a full nights sleep the night before you shoot, your eyes will show it.
 
   3. Avoid any activity that can cause bruising a week before the shoot.
 
   4. No fake tan.  Almost every product gives a slightly off color cast in photos and look blotchy at very high resolutions.
 
   5. Avoid sun exposure or tanning beds for 36 hours before the shoot.