If you are a professional model, a photographer will most likely guide you through a variety of model poses throughout the photo shoot. But if you are an inspiring model and are still working your way up to the top—you may have to control your poses to ensure great headshots and sample modeling photographs.

Live show models, promo models, photographic models, and runway models all rely on professional model poses to succeed. Whether you aspire to appear in print magazines or fashion shows and Hollywood movies; if you want to be a model, pay special attention to this insider guide to modeling poses.

Breathe
Although sometimes concentration enhances a good photograph, obvious concentration can distract and often ruin a good photograph as well. Do not hold your breath for a modeling pose; always remember to breathe and appear at ease.

Posture
Bad posture is an unrecognized flaw in many people. However, for models, posture is a harmful flaw. Always remember to keep your back straight and your shoulders up. Slouching affects the mood of the photograph and enlarges the appearances of your stomach. In addition to your back and shoulders, always remember to flex your stomach muscles. Despite your weight or state of shape, your abdomen will appear more toned if you flex.

Limbs
Symmetry is officially out in the modeling world. When posing, make sure to differentiate your arms and legs with asymmetrical poses. If you have one arm long and straight by your side, make sure the other arm is bent. Whether a big or small angle, the bend will make the modeling pose look more real, less artificial. Continue the asymmetry to your legs. If one leg is locked straight, give the other leg a casual bend.

Camera
Although the camera is the ultimate focal point of a modeling photo shoot, great models do not look directly into the camera. To enhance the quality of your photo shoot, look away from the camera with a mix of head and eye poses. Looking off to the right or left side, or tiling your neck to either side can help you avoid direct eye contact with the camera. In many cases, your head and neck can remain stationary in your modeling pose—and your eyes can do all the work. Head and eye positions, coupled with personable facial expressions make for great model poses.

Sitting Poses
If you are sitting down during your photo shoot—don’t think it’s ok to slack off. In fact, sitting photo shoots require a lot of extra work. If you are sitting down or reclining, it’s important to put your eight on the back of one thigh, rather than distributing your weight equally on both thighs. If you roll one hip up from the ground or surface, shifting your weight will be simple. This pose results in a slimming effect that you don’t want to miss out on.

Cleavage
To make sure your best assets shine, there are a few basic guidelines to follow. Based on two distinct poses, a forward lean and a backward lean, any model with any breast size can maximize cleavage. When leaning forward, either bring your arms together at your waist, keep your arms straight at the elbows and clasp your hands together below your waist, or simply cross your arms. When leaning backward, raise your arms about your shoulders and head, keep your arms apart, and always slouch for the best cleavage results.

Smile
If you have a naturally beautiful smile—show your pearly whites with pride, just not every time. If you smile in each modeling pose, modeling agents will notice your lack of versatility, not your smile. To add variety to your modeling poses, try switching up your smile with a cute frown, a bratty bout, a friendly laugh, or even an edgy scowl. Your facial expressions can make or break your modeling poses. Let your smile show, but make sure to show what else you can do.

In addition to these personalized tips for modeling poses, every model should be aware of the basics of posing. There are 4 main types of model poses: lifestyle pose, movement pose, portrait pose, and body pose.

Lifestyle
The lifestyle pose evokes a sense of everyday living with common body movements and facial expressions. Throughout the day, moments of happiness, love, anger, and hope arise. To succeed at the lifestyle pose, each model must be able to recreate these everyday emotions.

Movement
The movement pose captures a specific action, such as running or jumping. Because this pose is most often used for a marketing photo shoot—the model is used to promote a product. Each model must be able to smile and laugh when using the products in the photo shoot.

Portrait
This modeling pose emphasizes the face of the model—and relies purely on facial features. The model will be in modest makeup and relaxed hair and should pose with a casual, genuine smile. Many portrait photographs are close up and emphasize details of the model’s face. If you are scheduled for a portrait photo shoot, make sure to pay extra attention to your skin and drink at least 8-12 glasses of water a day.

Body
Full-length photographs require body poses. Models are encouraged to shift weight between hips and make arms and lengths into asymmetrical stances. Although many body poses do not require specific facial expressions, putting your entire body into character during full-length poses helps your body find a natural balance.

Keep these insider model posing tips in mind during your next professional model photo shoot to ensure you blow the photographer away. Whether you’re a trained expert or an ambitious beginner, all models have the ability to excel in photo shoots. Focus on your posture, attitude, and facial expressions to succeed beyond your wildest expectations.

The CW’s hit series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL breaks the mold for cycle 13 by offering women 5’7″ and under (below the industry height standard) the chance to become America’s Next Top Model. Fourteen hopefuls from across the country are given the chance to prove they have what it takes when the competition kicks off with a two-hour premiere on Wednesday, September 9 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET), with encore performances on Fridays (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET).

Tyra Banks leads the panel of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL judges, comprised of leading fashion industry experts. The panel consists of photographer Nigel Barker, runway expert J. Alexander and guest judges – including Lauren Conrad and Kim Kardashian – who closely evaluate the progress of the models to narrow the field each week.

The winner of The CW’s AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL will be managed by Wilhelmina Models, receive a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl and appear on the cover and in a six-page fashion spread of Seventeen magazine.

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment, in association with Bankable Productions. Tyra Banks is the creator and executive producer along with Ken Mok (“Making the Band”) and Daniel Soiseth (“Hell’s Kitchen”).

For over 30 years, wet n wild has been at the forefront of color and trend in the beauty industry. This year marked a significant change to the beloved brand with a gorgeous, sleek makeover to ring in the new decade. For 2011, wet n wild and Talenthouse are teaming up to give aspiring models everywhere the opportunity to become a part of its campaign efforts! Simply submit your best head shot for your chance at joining their fun, seductive, and wild world. You and a runner-up will be showcased across the nation as the glamorous, fabulous faces of wet n wild!

The winning models images will gain mass exposure and be used for the following:

• pre-packs, displays and in-store materials
• wet n wild in-store merchandising headers/graphic boxes etc…
• posters/banners
• retailer circulars
• trade advertising
• wet n wild website
• wet n wild gift sets

You will have an opportunity to participate in an online makeup video, and at the wet n wild Beauty Editor Launch Event In NYC where there will be over 70 of today’s leading beauty editors.

You will also receive the standard two year wet n wild agreement that will be negotiated between the model, her representative and wet n wild. In addition, you will also receive the standard wet n wild day rate for the days of the shoot.

Incentive: Receive a two year wet n wild modeling agreement

Submission Deadline: March 16, 2010

REQUIREMENTS: Only women are eligible to enter. Must be age 18 to 30 on the date you enter into the contest. Must be 5’8” or taller in bare feet.

HOW TO ENTER: You may enter the Search either online or by attending one of the “open castings” discussed below. Regardless of which method of entry you use, you may only enter the Search once.

A. ONLINE ENTRIES

You may enter the Search online by submitting a video essay that meets all of the requirements, specifications and conditions set forth below. To submit your online entry, upload the video to a computer, go to either www.vsallaccess.com or www.cbs.com/victoria and follow the instructions on how to submit your video. You must be physically located within the United States when you submit your online entry.

Video Content Requirements

Your video cannot be more than 90 seconds and must include:

1. A full body shot of you and only you in swimwear (no lingerie).
2. You demonstrating your best “model’s walk” in swimwear and high heels.
3. A 10 second “held in place” close-up of your full face.
4. You stating in English your full name, age, and city of residence.
5. You telling us in English about yourself, what is unique about you, and how your appearance as a Runway Angel in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Television Special would enhance the Fashion Show.

Video Technical Specifications

Running Time: 90 seconds maximum.
Video Formats: .avi, .wmv, .mov and .mpeg4 formats
File Size Limit: less than 250 MB
Language: English

Online Entry Deadlines

Online entries must be received between Oct. 1, 2009 at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and Oct. 24, 2009 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. The Websites are the official time keeping devices for the Search. Initial Screening of the Online Entries

All of the online entries will be initially screened by a professional casting agent based on the following criteria: entrant’s potential public appeal, entrant’s presence, how photogenic the entrant is, and the consistency of the entrant’s appearance with the Victoria’s Secret brand image.

B. OPEN CASTING ENTRIES

You may enter the Search at one of the following live “open castings,” which will be videotaped and/or photographed:

NEW YORK
October 3
Yankee Stadium
One East 161st Street
Gate 6
Bronx, NY 10451-2100
Entrants must arrive between 8 AM and 10 AM

MIAMI
October 10
Gansevoort South Beach
2377 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Entrants must arrive between 8 AM and 10 AM

LOS ANGELES
October 17
W Hotel Los Angeles – Westwood
930 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Entrants must arrive between 8 AM and 10 AM

CHICAGO
October 24
W Hotel Chicago – Lakeshore
644 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611-3017
Entrants must arrive between 8 AM and 10 AM

Do not wear any visible logos at the open casting.

To help ensure your admission to an open casting, go to one of the Websites as soon as possible beginning on Sept. 29, 2009, and download and print the Open Casting Registration Form for the particular open casting you wish to attend. Sponsor may terminate the availability of the Open Casting Registration Form for one or more open castings based on considerations of time/space availability, in Sponsor’s sole judgment. Complete the form and bring it with you to the open casting. Anyone coming to an open casting without an Open Casting Registration Form for that open casting will be admitted only if there is time/space availability, in Sponsor’s sole judgment.

You must also bring with you two forms of ID, one of which must be a photo ID that shows your date of birth and address, swimwear (no lingerie) and high heels. If you are not admitted to an open casting, you may enter online within the deadlines for online entries stated above. Initial Screening of the Open Casting Entries.

The open casting entries will be initially screened based on the following criteria: entrant’s potential public appeal, entrant’s presence, how photogenic the entrant is, and the consistency of the entrant’s appearance with the Victoria’s Secret brand image. This initial screening will take place in three stages. First, you will be viewed by a professional casting agent. Those entrants who pass this first stage will proceed to the second stage, at which time you will walk in your swimwear and high heels for a professional casting agent. Those entrants who pass this second stage will proceed to the third stage to be interviewed by Victoria’s Secret’s Chief Marketing Officer, Victoria’s Secret Executive Vice-President of Public Relations, and a professional casting agent (the “expert panel”). You will be asked to pose and demonstrate your best “model’s walk” in your swimwear and high heels, and in English to state your full name, age and city of residence and answer the judges’ questions about yourself, what is unique about you, and how your appearance as a Runway Angel in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Television Special would enhance the Fashion Show.

SELECTION OF 10 FINALISTS AND MODEL BOOT CAMP: From among the online entries and open casting entries that pass the initial screening, the expert panel will select the top 10, who shall be the potential Finalists, based on the following criteria: entrant’s potential public appeal, entrant’s presence, how photogenic the entrant is, and the consistency of the entrant’s appearance with the Victoria’s Secret brand image. The expert panel will also select two Alternates, based on the same criteria, who may become Finalists should Sponsor determine that any of the potential Finalists is not eligible to become a Finalist. Any ties will be broken by the expert panel’s reconsideration of the tying entries based on the above-stated criteria.

Model Boot Camp will commence on or about Nov. 3, 2009. The ten Finalists will live together in a loft apartment or other shared accommodation with meals provided and will participate in Model Boot Camp where they will receive basic training and coaching in modeling skills. Each Finalist will be subject to videotaping/photographing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and may have little or no privacy. Each Finalist must continue to live in the loft apartment/shared accommodation, participate in Model Boot Camp, and attend events and activities scheduled by Sponsor, until she is eliminated from the Search, which will range from approximately two weeks to a month, depending on how far the Finalist progresses in the Search. Once eliminated, a Finalist will be transported home by air and/or ground transportation, as arranged by Sponsor. If a failure to comply with these Official Rules becomes known or arises after a potential Finalist, an Alternate, or a Finalist has been brought to New York City, the Sponsor can arrange for her immediate return home.

SELECTION OF THE SEARCH WINNER: There will be 3 rounds of public voting to select the Search Winner. With each successive round, the number of Finalists remaining in the Search will be reduced until the Winner is selected.

In each round the public will be invited to visit either of the Websites, view a video or photograph of the Finalists still remaining in the Search, and vote for their favorite video or photograph. Each round will showcase the skills of each remaining Finalist in one or more particular aspects of modeling including presence, confidence, personality, poise, photogenic qualities, versatility, ability to cope with pressure, ability to deliver scripted lines, ability to brand, walk, style and star quality. The public will be limited to one vote per day. The schedule of rounds is as follows:

Round 1
Public voting Nov. 9 – Nov. 11
The 5 highest scoring Finalists will remain in the Search
Results announced Nov. 16

Round 2
Public voting Nov. 16 – Nov. 18
The 2 highest scoring Finalists will remain in the Search
Results announced Nov. 23

Round 3
Public voting Nov. 23 – Dec. 1
The Runway Angel is selected

Results announced Dec. 1 on the CBS TV broadcast of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Television Special.

THE SEARCH PRIZE: The Search Winner will appear walking the runway in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Television Special and receive a $5,000 Victoria’s Secret Gift Card. Gift Card cannot be redeemed for purchases of gift cards or as an adjustment to prior purchases, or exchanged for cash. Approximate Retail Value of Prize: $5,000.

WINNERS LIST: The name of the Winner will be posted on the Websites after Dec. 2, 2009.

SPONSOR: Victoria’s Secret Stores Brand Management, Inc., 4 Limited Parkway East, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.

The unisex fragrances and unique, eye-catching advertising campaign aim to provide one thing- A collection of colognes that give consumers the freedom to express themselves, no matter what their skin color, sexual orientation or gender.

The fragrances are each represented by a number and named after Tarot cards: 1- Le Bateleur 3- L’Imperatrice 6- L’Amoureux 10- La Roue de la Fortune 18- La Lune

Visit http://www.dandgfragrances.com for more information on the perfume line, advertising campaign or to find stores near you.

Well, then put your photos where your mouth is! Rockstar uses a combination of professional agency models and non-professional models for Rockstar sponsored events, product images on the Rockstar website and in printed materials.

Rockstar has photo shoots and sponsored events all over the continental United States. So send Rockstar your photos and resumes and become Rockstar’s next beauty.

Featured Rockstar Model

Hi, my name is Vanessa James. My friends call me “V”. . . In a HOT nut shell I’m a pretty Easy going, Level headed, Sarcastic, HAPPY, Stubborn (Damn Taurus’s), Down to Earth, Keepin it real, Sweet, Loves 2 Have fun like. . . 6 Years deep Of Snowboarding, eating shit on skateboards, Quad Riding, Candy Eating (like it’s nobodies business. . .hA), Shops up a Storm, Loves with all she’s got, French Bulldog Wanting, Models for fun, Clothing Designing, Diamond in the Rough, Living Life Positivly, CHICK. . . xO xO Muah.

Mini Biography

Heidi Klum was born in Bergisch Gladbach, a small city near Cologne, Germany, in 1973. Her career as a top fashion model and swimsuit star began almost by accident when, on a lark, she submitted photos to a model competition hosted by Petra, a young woman’s magazine. Klum won the competition, and signed with Metropolitan, the German modeling agency. After modeling in Europe for a few years to great success, she went to the United States to pursue modeling there, and met with more success, culminating in her relationship with Victoria’s Secret. This brought her to the pinnacle of modeling and, in 1998, the coveted cover of Sports Illustrated’s annual Swimsuit Issue, cementing her status as one of the world’s top models. Along with that came lucrative marketing opportunities, including her own signature lines of sandals, jewelry, and perfume.

Like many other models, most notably Famke Janssen, Klum then sought to parlay her fame into a career in Hollywood. She has appeared frequently on TV in the US and in Germany, and has had several small parts in movies, including a cameo playing Swiss bombshell Ursula Andress in the Peter Sellers biopic The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (2004). Klum is married to British singer Seal and, as of June 2005, was expecting a child with him — she has a daughter, Leni, with a boyfriend from a previous relationship. While she is best known for her beauty and perfect figure (one of her nicknames being “The Body”), the tall and willowy Klum remains surprisingly down-to-earth for a supermodel – a middle-class Westphalian girl from a small city – and has an endearingly goofy, engaging sense of humor. She is famously close to her father, Gunther.

Zimmermann was discovered by a scouting agency in Porto Alegre, Brazil at the age of 14 and made her way to Japan and onto Paris. Shortly thereafter, Steven Meisel booked her for the cover of Italian Vogue, September 2000, and her modelling career began in earnest.

Zimmermann’s friends at school convinced her to pursue modelling as a career. She is known for being very professional and polite to everyone. As for a plan after modelling, she says she would like to work with something creative.

Zimmermann has campaigned for such brands as: Balenciaga, Bloomingdales, Cavalli jeans, Cerruti, Chanel eyewear, Chloé, Christian Dior, CK by Calvin Klein, Clairol, Dolce & Gabbana, Dsquared, Emanuel Ungaro, Escada, Fendi, GAP, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, H&M, Hermès, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, MAC Cosmetics, Max Mara, Neiman Marcus, Prada, Roberto Cavalli Valentino, Versace, and appears regularly in American Vogue, French Vogue, Italian Vogue, W, Harper’s Bazaar, Visionaire, POP and Self Service. She also appeared in the 2002, 2005 and 2006 Victoria Secret fashion shows.

Zimmermann has appeared on many magazine covers, such as: Vogue (Brazil, USA, Italy, France, Japan, China, Greece, Germany, Russia), Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Numéro, L’Officiel, Marie Claire, i-D, V and French.

In the May 2007 issue of American Vogue she was featured on the cover with fellow models Doutzen Kroes, Caroline Trentini, Hilary Rhoda, Sasha Pivovarova, Agyness Deyn, Coco Rocha, Jessica Stam, Chanel Iman, and Lily Donaldson as the new crop of supermodels.

Most recently, Zimmermann has appeared on the cover of V and in the first ever television commercial by Gucci for its new fragrance, Gucci by Gucci directed by David Lynch.

Zimmermann is currently ranked number 1 on international model ranking website models.com, and appears on the March 2008 cover of i-D magazine. She’s recently being featured in the H&M, Fendi, Lanvin, Printemps and Roberto Cavalli advertising campaigns as well as appearing on covers of the June 2008 issue of Elle Brazil, the July 2008 issues of Vogue Japan and Numéro Japan and the cover of the August Issue of Chinese Vogue. She is currently featured on the cover of Vogue Nippon December 2008. She is the new face of Oscar De La Renta for the spring/Summer 2009 adv campaign by Craig McDean.

Source: newyorkmagazine.com

After 30 years Elite Models is still going strong and continues to produce the industry’s most beautiful Supermodels.

Representing SuperModels Veronica Webb, Rachel Hunter, Cheryl Tiegs, Jerry Hall and Christie Brinkley, Ford Models continues to be an industry powerhouse.