Beauty shots and natural portraits are the most important photos a model needs, which is why they can be some of the most difficult images to achieve. They establish how photogenic the model is, how the light plays off of their bone structure, whether they are chameleon-like when wearing lots of hair and makeup, or whether they have a more natural beauty. Agencies choose the best portrait that represents the bone structure and gaze of the model at her best, and use this as her lead image on the agency website, as the first shot in her portfolio, and on her composite card. So yes! It’s very important and it's the shot the agency is always looking for, to capture the attention of casting directors and potential clients. A great headshot can literally change a model’s career and put her on everyone’s radar.
Frequently testing with the right people let’s you learn what works for you and what doesn’t. The best portraits enhance your look and show of the best of you, your uniqueness, and your power to hold someone’s attention with your eyes. It shows if you can be transformed with hair and makeup – fashion designer’s and editor’s dream models. It shows if your particular type of beauty is more sensual, or classic, or edgy and cool.
Whatever your look the basic principles to achieving a great portrait stay the same. Here are some photographers’ tips for nailing a great beauty shot.
Tip 1: understand the hair and makeup so you can interpret what the theme of the shot is, for example: natural hair and makeup shot outdoors versus dramatic hair and makeup in studio – very different, and the best models are amazing at both
Tip 2: relax – any stress you have is going to show all over your face and in your posture
Tip 3: don’t over-think it – let the photographer guide you; you are a team creating the image together, so don’t get in your own head and miss your chance to create something amazing
Tip 4: posture counts: relax your shoulders, angle them to the camera if the photographer suggests it, and think like a ballerina. Be aware of your collarbones and let your head pivot on a long, graceful neck as this lets the light hit your cheekbones, brow bones, and jawline – extra tip – know where the light source is!
Tip 5: It’s all about the eyes: no matter how gorgeous the light is, how amazing the makeup and hair looks, if your eyes don't “talk”, the shot will not work and be flat and amateur. On the photographer’s direction, create a little movie or scenario in your mind and “play the part”. Express emotion with your eyes, thinking about love, joy, happiness, strength, power, or vulnerability.
Tip 6: Relax your mouth and do not be tempted to do fish lips – ever. Some models look great when they bite their back teeth together and leave their lips apart – this makes a more defined jawline. Other models look great when their lips area bit apart and their teeth are not touching at all – it’s vulnerable and sensual if you do it right. Practice in front of a mirror not a phone, which distorts your face.
Finally, trust the photographer. Don’t be an inanimate mannequin. If the beauty shot could have been made by putting makeup on a plastic head, then it doesn’t work. The best beauty images “talk”.
Models and credits:
Fei Fei Sun by Willy Vanderperre
Jena Goldsack by Steven Chee
Edita Vilkeviciute by Boo George
Anna Ewers by Patrick Demarchelier
Amanda Murphy by Thomas Whiteside
Crista Cober by Cedric Viollet
Stella Lucia by Camilla Akrans
Aya Jones for W Magazine
Adriana Lima by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott
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