Strike a Pose!
Whether you post outfit photos on your blog every day or once a week it can be frustrating to constantly pose the same way every time. Smiling with one hand on your hip and the other relaxed on your side carrying one of your favorite bags is classic and most everyone likes it. It's an easy way to say "I'm cute, and so is my outfit." However, repetitiveness is not my thing and lately I've been challenging myself to come up with at least a couple new poses each time I'm preparing an outfit post. My husband (who happens to be my photographer) also comes up with some of the poses you've seen and is there to let me know if I need to move my head this way or adjust my hand a little. It's great having someone to help you achieve great shots and I would definitely recommend talking to your photographer if you haven't already.
For inspiration I browse through photos of models in magazines and scans on the web as often as I can. One of my favorite models is Coco Rocha. She comes up with such unique poses and facial expressions and works as fast as a flip book! I love that she's quirky and elegant at the same time and from the videos I have seen it seems that she has a blast being a model. I also try and work with my environment and connect with the clothing and accessories I am wearing. I find that various emotions and ideas come with different pieces I'm wearing and the atmosphere around me. Let your imagination do it's thing and move with it like you're dancing to your favorite music. And always remember that you're modeling (yes, you're a model! How about that!) what you're wearing and every pose that you make should compliment the pieces and make them look exciting and interesting. Don't be discouraged if the photos don't turn out so great. It's ok! Accept it as a learning experience and be proud that you allowed yourself to be creative!
If you're looking to work on your own poses, here's a little jump-start of inspiration for your next outfit post!
Karen Elson, Vogue UK - October 2008
Liu Wen, Vogue China - April 2011
Coco Rocha, Vogue Spain - January 2009
Mia Wasikowska, Blackbook - April 2011
Raquel Zimmerman, Vogue UK - November 2010
Zen Sevastyanova, Blank #55 - October 2010
Devon Aoki, Elle US - February 2011
Anne Seleznevat, Numero Tokyo #44 - March 2011
Go get 'em ladies! I'd love to see what you come up with!
-Jenmarie