If you want to become a successful model, you need to know how to pose like one. Posing is the be-all and end-all of modeling, but it's not always as easy as it looks.

The type of posing depends on the category you work in. High fashion, commercial, fitness, lingerie, glamor and alternative models all have different poses they can rely on for the perfect photo.

Read on for tips and advice on the best model poses.

Model pose
Have you ever seen a top model slouching while walking? Regardless of the category they are modeling in, successful models have good posture and strive to improve it through exercises that help them balance their bodies. Many models practice walking upright by balancing a book on their head.

To stand upright like a model, focus on pushing your shoulders back and imagine that a piece of string is leading up from your head and pulling you towards the ceiling. It takes a lot of practice, but eventually standing upright should become a habit.

Posing for commercials
Photo shoots for commercials and advertising photos are generally more relaxed and natural. Advertising brands usually target ordinary people, which is reflected in the poses by a relaxed posture and a cheerful, sympathetic facial expression.

Advertising poses are simple and sophisticated to show off the clothing, accessories or products being advertised. The poses are not exaggerated or overly artistic.

Pay attention to facial expressions, hair positioning and good posture. Typical advertising poses include hands on hips, crossed arms, a slight squat or even sitting down. The poses are usually comfortable to hold.

For advertising models, the main aim is to present the clothes in the right light, which means that they are not wrinkled. Models also need to have a relaxed and often smiling face. Anyone with an acting background will enjoy different emotions.

To practice commercial modeling, set up a camera or ask a photographer to take full body shots of you. Review the photos to make sure the clothes show up well. Brands aren't looking for perfection, they're looking for someone they can identify with and that their audience feels connected to.

Fitness posing
Fitness models need to pose differently to commercial models as they are modeling for a very different audience.

Fitness and body models model to show off clothing or equipment related to exercise or activity. So they need to model to show their athleticism. This usually includes cardio poses such as running, weight lifting, exercises such as cycling or squatting, or tensing muscles to show their definition.

Photo shoots for fitness models usually take place in places where we exercise regularly, such as the gym or outdoors. Action shots are another important pose.

Emotion is not important in fitness posing as it is more about following a workout or showing determination and endurance.

High fashion poses
High-end fashion requires far more artistry in the poses. In haute couture, it's not as important to show off the clothes; instead, it's more about creating an eye-catching and bold image.

In high fashion photography, models are rarely seen smiling. Instead, they tend to make strong eye contact or appear mysterious and unapproachable.

The poses are not natural and are usually awkward to hold. An elongated neck is a popular pose, as are long legs and unusual postures.

Look to magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar for inspiration, as these publications regularly feature ads from luxury brands such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior.

Male model poses
The poses of male models differ from those of women in many ways. In haute couture, men are usually portrayed as relaxed but confident. From suits to perfumes, men are seen looking intently at the camera or turning away from it to portray a strong, sultry and often professional and expensive look.

Men are often seen fastening the buttons of their suit jacket or adjusting their cufflinks.


Should you smile in a photo?
Headshots are close-ups of the face. They are great to include in your portfolio as they show potential employers how flexible you are as a model.

If you are interested in the haute couture sector, you should take shots with a more serious facial expression, as haute couture models are not usually seen smiling in advertising. For advertising models may be required to have several facial expressions ready. These include smiling and laughing, but also more serious facial expressions. It is a good idea for aspiring advertising models to take a course or two in acting to understand how their facial features work.

Models should strive to look good with all types of facial expressions, as this will give them more job opportunities. Practice both in front of the mirror and in front of the camera to learn how to express yourself well with your facial features.

How to pose as a beginner model?
Professional models have a lot of experience and know how to pose best. Beginners need to practice until they understand their body and know how to look best in front of the camera.

Women need to think about how to appear tall, how to elongate their limbs and create a flattering torso line, and how to make sure their chins look taught and defined in pictures. Men need to think about how to look natural and confident while showing their products in the best light.

Profile shots are just as important. Many of us are unaware of how we look from the side, as this is an angle we can't see in the mirror. Practice taking photos from this position so you can get an idea of your body shape. Think about your waist, your height, your chin, your ankles... Do your elbows stick out? Is your back arched? Are you standing upright? Are there unsightly creases in your clothes because of your posture? The lens will find any imperfections and often amplify them. So keep practicing until you know exactly how every single part of your body looks, regardless of the angle.

The best model poses are often the simplest and most elegant. For example, a tried and tested classic for jeans advertising is the upright pose with the thumbs tucked through the belt loops. Read various magazines to get ideas for photo shoots, poses and facial expressions.