Strike a pose

Photoproof in 6 steps

“Maybe you should hire someone to give you some posing lessons.” Ai, always nice, such an honest friend. In this case, the comment came from friend Micha (yes, her from Micha Models) when I, quite reasonably pleased, showed my press photo for Holland’s Next Top MModel.

Still, she is right. I am not a model and I abandoned any ambition in that direction thirty years ago (too short, too round, too this, too that), but looking somewhat good in a photo, we all want that.

Hans de Vries was the right man in the right place. This photographer has been around for so long that eleven years ago he did a test shoot for one of our editors (I won’t name names but it starts with an L). Keeping the motto 1 + 1 = 2 in mind, I decided to book Hans for the shoot for our new photos with our pieces. While I was posing there, I asked him to shout the right tips at me.

With a a bit from Hans and from me, I’ll give you some advice on how you can also look quite successful in a photo.

Remove everyone who is not strictly necessary from the room

This tip is from me. It’s really so annoying when someone walks by and says “Moh dear” or “Wow, wow”, or “Well nnow” or “Goodness” mumbling. All detrimental to the concentration. Get out. All of you.

Turn up the volume (but not too loud)

A bit from HHans and a bit from me. Music is great to get you in the right mood. During a shoot, it’s good to forget everything. Don’t think about that Facebook post that still needs to be made, that piece you still need to type, and oh yes, that payment for the sports day. Don’t think about it. So, music on. ‘Four ffive seconds’ from Rihanna works very well for me. But again, not too loud, because then you can’t hear the photographer anymore.

Throw your hip in

In the image, everything gets smaller, so you can really exaggerate your movements. Shift your weight onto one leg, throw your hip forward, put one hand on your hip and work your way up from that point. Make sure you get length, stretch your head long and, very importantly, push your chin forward. This way, you catch more light and more light is better for everything.

Think of inner fun

Once you’ve determined the right position with the photographer, you start playing with your gaze. “Just think of inner fun,” said Hans. So I thought of Jet who ordered a massage at the Conservatory itself instead of at the Conservatory Hotel, of my neat colleague who told her son that he should just pee ‘in the sea’ to which he then took his little penis in hand while standing on the beach and proudly and elaborately peed into the sea and yes, I also thought of those things that I can’t share with you further. All for the picture. You get it, right?

Ensure a top makeup artist

In my case, that was Elles Nijkamp. She brings out the most beautiful of you but also keeps an eye on making sure it stays that way. And she sends people away and such. For example, if someone with a camera is going to make a report of the day and you don’t have any makeup on your face yet. She knows what you like, so you feel safe and thus you look good in the photo.

Take a sip

I didn’t happen to do that yesterday (it was Monday, it was just a bit too much for me) but a small sip of soda or something white can sometimes help to loosen the hips a bit. Don’t be shy. Everyone does it.

One more thing. When you pose, think about how you want to look in the photo. Recently, a photographer took a group photo and said we all had to look ‘proud’. And really everyone looked good. Go for it. I’m already looking forward to all your Instas.