Stepping into the modeling world is exciting, but building your first Model Portfolio can also feel overwhelming. New models often struggle with posing, confidence, and understanding what casting directors want to see. According to Shea Anne Studios, a trusted Model Portfolio Photographer Los Angeles, the right poses can make the difference between a portfolio that gets ignored and one that gets callbacks.
Below are the 7 common posing mistakes new models make — and how to fix them fast.
Many beginners freeze in front of the camera. This makes photos look uncomfortable and unnatural.
How to fix it:
Professional guidance from a skilled Model Portfolio Photographer Los Angeles helps new models relax and pose with ease.
New models often copy runway-style poses that don’t fit a portfolio shoot. These extreme angles can distort your frame.
Do this instead:
Hands can ruin a great shot when they look tense or misplaced.
Fix your hands by:
At Shea Anne Studios, hand placement is one of the first skills models learn during guided posing sessions.
Agencies want variety. If all your photos look the same, it signals inexperience.
Try mixing expressions such as:
Practice in the mirror before your shoot for better control.
Every model has strong sides and angles—but beginners rarely know them yet.
Here’s how to find your angles:
A professional photographer guides you through this during your portfolio session.
Slouching, leaning too far, or collapsing into your pose destroys the clean lines agencies want.
Correct posture by:
This creates a more polished silhouette instantly.
One of the biggest mistakes new models make is forcing a mature or overly sexy expression—especially when it doesn’t match the market they’re targeting.
Better approach:
At Shea Anne Studios, new models receive posing direction that captures genuine emotion—not forced expressions.
Poses show your versatility, confidence, and ability to take direction—key things agencies evaluate immediately.
A professional photographer helps identify your strongest angles and expressions during your shoot.
Yes! Practicing in the mirror helps you understand your facial expressions and body movements.
Yes, simple outfits allow you to vary your poses and showcase range without distractions.
A great one—like Shea Anne Studios—provides step-by-step posing direction throughout the session.
Most portfolios include 8–15 strong, varied shots that highlight different poses, angles, and moods.
Your modeling career begins with a strong portfolio. Avoiding these common posing mistakes will help you look confident, polished, and ready for professional opportunities. With the right coaching from an experienced team like Shea Anne Studios, you can create a model portfolio that truly stands out.
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