Practice! Get in front of the mirror and search for expressions and poses. This is not a one minute run just for fun. You have to study your body. Learn how your facial expressions actually feel when you laugh, smile, frown or relax. Try to feel each muscle. You should develop your own methods of controlling yourself to produce a desired expression “on demand”. Practice when you are alone, have time to concentrate and calm enough to listen to yourself. Can you feel a perfect smile without seeing yourself in the mirror?

Search for body poses in front of a mirror without any clothing on. Why? Because without wearing anything to cover your body with, you will suddenly find that it is a challenge to find an attractive and natural position using only what was given to you by mother nature.  With clothing on, you have pockets, textures and colors that distract you from the main object – your body. Once you master that, you will feel much more confident about virtually any modeling assignment!

Look at modeling shots from the fashion and glamour magazines and pay a close attention to poses, arms and legs placements and facial expressions. Analyze those separately and as a complete composition. Bring the shots you like with you.

• Get a good night’s sleep and stay healthy. If you’re tired, it will reflect on
   your face, your overall appearance and your attitude. Try not to stress your
   body and mind a few days before the shoot. No alcohol, sweets, physical stress
   or heavy eating either! Continue with your daily exercising on a regular basis.
   Drink fluids sparingly.

• Shave or wax your legs and armpits a few days before a session. If you’re
   modeling lingerie or open swimwear, take care of the bikini line. If you shave
   right before the shoot, the skin irritation will negatively impact the outcome,
   especially with digital photography.

• You hair. If you need some trimming, a couple of days before the shoot is
   the right time. Any coloring should be done ahead of time.

• If you don’t hire a make up artist, put a base makeup before coming to a
   shoot and don’t forget your own make up kit. Don’t use any gels or special
   hair treatments to keep it healthy for the shoot.

• Good communications between the model and photographer is vital at this
   point. Please follow the verbal instructions from the photographer and give
   feedback. Always mention if something makes you uncomfortable to make it
   easier for everybody and to create a comfortable working environment.

• When working with precision concepts, large format cameras and storyboards,
   the posing can be very slow and must be precise. It may be quicker for a
   photographer or an assistant to adjust the position of your arms, legs, head,
   etc., physically, rather than trying to explain how to move. So if you feel
   uncomfortable with being touched, please let us know upfront.

• Another very important aspect is to stay relaxed and comfortable. This
   would eliminate unnecessary facial tension that may reflect just a hint of
   discomfort, but will be very noticeable on the final photographs.

• Bring your current photographs or a portfolio so we could see what positions
  or setups work better for you. We need to see all types of photos, including those
  you don't like!
 

And remember - the communication between all the people on the set is the key!