The Commit Factor

So, here's another tip; when you're posing... commit to the pose.  Really commit. 

• If you're going to laugh, then laugh out loud because a fake laugh doesn't spread joy through the face and to your eyes.  THAT's how a laugh is photographed.  Through eyes.  
• If you're going to jump, reach for the stars not for the kitchen cupboards.
• If you're going to pose with attitude then bring it sister.  No half-hearted giggly shit. Don't be afraid to be dramatic.  And don't be shy! You already have a blog dedicated to your personal style.  Your vanity is already out there. ;-) Now put your stamp on it.
• If you're going to do 'The Manero'... thrust that hip and commit.

I get a lot of comments about my poses/posing 'talent' but if I have to blow my own trumpet (I'd say orchestra but...that sounds all kinds of wrong...), I'm more chuffed about my self-pic-clicking skills.  Now say that really fast.

I did say I'd share 'posing-for-your-blog-photo-tips' rather than photographic tips because, although I know my way around a camera, I'm not too sure where to start giving tips about photography. 

Posing however...well... that's just second nature.  Plus I modelled back in the dark ages.  So I know my angles.  And when I don't, 'delete' is always an option.

MORE PICS & POST AFTER JUMP!

I play around a lot with exposure and ISO settings (keeping both low when theres lots of good strong natural light, increasing when I'm indoors but not the ISO so much because that's when photos get grainy.  ISO doesn't actually stand for anything refering to a camera!)
...and also shutter speed and aperture (this is how I sometimes capture my 'action' shots, my flaring skirts, etc).  Obviously I also use self-timer & continuous frames (point & shoot cam) or remote (DSLR)

It's a bit, um, presumptuous of me sharing posing tips because

a) I'm not making squillions from my 'talent' and

b) way more popular bloggers seem to be doing just fine without my 'expert' help.

Not everyone wants to pose pose or see posed poses.

...many are not comfortable posing and really, we all pose according to what our personalities want to do so... you know... do what you want and what makes you happy but whatever you do.... COMMIT to it.  Don't just stand there like a limp biscuit in a sauna.  And be aware of what you're doing.  I don't believe in non photogenic people. People are just 'disconnected' from their physical selves.

When I pose... I am always aware of what every part of me is doing.  eg. when I'm doing a jump shot... I think about keeping my toes pointed, my body arched, my arms stretched, my neck elongated and my face relaxed but not floppy and not in tight-mouthed "trying to focus" mode! 
It sounds extreme but for me, it is seriously second nature!

To stop 'tight-mouth syndrome', I touch the tip of my tongue to my palate.  This also makes my mouth open slightly which makes my jawline more prominent and balances my face because... [deep breath. divulge fault time]... I have a small jaw. 
I have my reasons why I counter-balance but I'm not telling you.  J

But okay let's take a simple, hand on hip, straight to the camera shot.  You can stand as is or you can spice it up by simply contorting the body a little.  Think of your body as two separate components, hinged at the waist then...swivel!
Hmmm... I may need to demonstrate via images because there's lots of variations to this simple pose.  Without looking like a beauty pageant entrant.

Also... there is no need to freeze up in front of the camera.  It's a camera, not a soul-sucker.  And the camera only picks up your "faults" if you let it.  Feel free to ask me questions. 

Having said that... sometimes the best poses are not the most comfortable.  Like the image in the 2nd link in this post ("laugh out loud").  My weight is being carried by my legs.  Not saying you need to do stuff like that! 

I am dramatic in manner (NOT in mood) but I'm also trained in certain techniques like ninjitsu, levitation and how to distribute my body weight. 

Guess which two may be figments of my imagination and could get me committed if I tried to do them? 

wearing:
vintage shag vest * black things * 'Shakti' * turquoise eyes and ears * COCO LIBERACE ring & bead bracelets