After shooting fashion show runways now for years I have noticed a distinct difference between the experienced and first timers strutting their stuff on the runway. Confidence and excitement exude from the pros. A pro literally takes over the stage, they own it so to speak. They take their time and their whole countenance glows. Each pose has clearly been practiced over and over, and the models give the photographers time to “get their shot”. The next pose just “flows” from the previous one. Almost like a choreographed dance.

I have included a picture of a model that clearly owned the stage. She was full of confidence, poise and fun. She loved being the center of attention.

Conversely the “first timers” or nearly first timers are very much the opposite. You get the feeling that they can’t wait to get off the stage, even to the point of literally not striking one single pose. Perhaps they think that strutting across the stage is enough.

Runway models, if you want great shots from the photographers then take your time, enjoy the moment, interact with the crowd and the photographers, pause just a little longer at the end of your pose, change your facial expressions along with your different poses. When you have traversed back to the beginning of the runway, turnaround, pose again, I am waiting for that last great shot! Pause, smile, enjoy the moment. You worked very hard to get here.

My hats of to the DAMA organization for mentoring and tutoring these wonderful young models. Their runway training alone stands out in every show! What the young models get from DAMA is much more than that including poise, respect and many others. My highest recommendation to attend their schools!

What do I know, I am just the photographer …

Thomas Schmuki Photography

Take a look at this fantastic link on model posing:

https://www.pixpa.com/blog/plus-size-models