Posing is a skill you can learn
Nobody is born knowing how to pose. With a little practice and understanding, stiffness turns into natural, confident presence.
Relax before you pose
Tension shows in the shoulders, jaw and hands before it shows on your face. Take two deep breaths before you start, drop your shoulders and gently loosen your neck. A good photographer prefers simple, natural movement over a stiff, perfect pose.
A stance that gives you presence
Standing square to the camera makes your body look flat and wide. Turn your body to roughly 45 degrees, put your weight on one leg, then bring your face back to the lens.
- A straight back without stiffness.
- One knee slightly soft instead of locked legs.
- A little space between your arms and body.
What to do with your hands
Hands are what throw beginners most. The fix is to give them a job: hold the edge of an abaya sleeve, adjust the end of your shemagh, rest a hand lightly in a pocket or hold the product. Keep your fingers relaxed and avoid clenched fists.
Face and eyes: where the story starts
Push your chin slightly forward and then slightly down; it defines your jawline. Look into the lens as if at someone you know, not a machine.
A genuine smile starts in the eyes. Think of something that truly makes you happy, and change your expression slightly between frames so the photographer has options.
Movement makes photos come alive
Many fashion shoots ask you to walk or turn slowly. Move slower than you think you need to, keep your steps short and steady, and let the fabric move with you; the flow of an abaya or thobe creates shots a still pose can't.
- Walk towards the camera and away from it in a straight line.
- Turn slowly: shoulder first, then face.
- Repeat the same move several times at the same pace.
Posing with products: make it the star
In commercial shoots, the product is the star and you're presenting it. Hold it close to your face or chest, keep the label facing the camera and don't cover it with your fingers. Interact with it naturally: smell the perfume, sip the coffee and smile as if you've really tried it.
Practise for ten minutes a day
Put your phone on a stand, turn on the timer or burst mode and try ten different poses. Then review the shots, pick your best three and ask yourself why they worked.
Follow campaigns from brands you like and notice how their models stand and use their hands and eyes.
Posing lessons in the AcademyIn-depth guides for every stage
- How to become a model The core steps from setting your goal to your first paid job.
- A beginner's guide to Saudi Arabia How the local market works, where the work is and what clients expect.
- A portfolio that wins clients Which photos you need, how many, and how to order them.
- Commercial modeling Ads, catalogues and events: the widest, most varied way into the work.
- Modest fashion and abayas How to showcase garments professionally, from abayas to thobe and shemagh.
- Creators and brand work How to turn your presence on TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram into paid work.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Shyness is very common at first and fades with practice. Start by shooting alone at home, then in front of someone you trust, and you'll notice the difference within weeks.
Learn a few basic poses to start from, but focus on moving smoothly between them and responding to the photographer's direction.
Say so calmly and suggest an alternative. A professional photographer respects your boundaries, and if they insist on crossing them you can stop the shoot.
To an extent, yes: the focus is on showing the cut, the embroidery and how the fabric falls. You'll find more in our modest fashion guide.
Turn practice into bookings
Add your best shots to your free profile and let clients see what you've learned.