Ever scrolled through Instagram or a fashion magazine and thought, “Why is every model looking off to the side? What’s so interesting over there?” Turns out, there’s more to this than just avoiding the photographer’s eye. Looking away from the camera is a classic trick to make a shot feel more natural, relaxed, and sometimes even mysterious. It’s used everywhere from full-blown editorial spreads to budget-friendly headshots.
Photographers love this pose because it shifts the focus onto the outfit, the vibe, or the model’s profile. Staring straight into the lens can feel intense or awkward, especially for people new to modeling. By having the model look away, the whole photo opens up—you get story, movement, and a candid feel that’s hard to fake with a direct gaze.
This style also gives models a break. Let’s be real, holding a “smize” for twenty minutes gets old fast. Glancing sideways or pretending to daydream actually relaxes the face, which makes everyone look better, from seasoned pros to camera-shy teens. Next time you’re in front of a camera, try looking just past the lens (pick a real object to focus on for authenticity). You’ll be surprised at how much softer and more approachable you look in the final shot.
- Why Models Avoid Eye Contact with the Camera
- What This Pose Communicates
- Tips to Nail the ‘Look Away’ Shot
- When to Use (and Not Use) This Technique
Why Models Avoid Eye Contact with the Camera
Avoiding eye contact with the camera might seem weird at first, but there are some legit reasons why you see this in almost every model photoshoot. For starters, photographers and creative directors use this technique to draw the viewer into the vibe of the shoot rather than making it feel like a posed yearbook photo. It instantly makes a photo feel more natural and less forced.
You know that awkward feeling when someone stares at you? That happens in photos, too. Direct eye contact creates tension and sometimes can make the picture feel intense or staged. Looking away breaks that tension, making the shot feel more candid, like you caught the model in a moment, not in the middle of a photoshoot with five people shouting instructions. This is a trick even used in advertising—when viewers see models looking off into the distance, they feel like they’re catching a slice of real life, not just another ad.
There’s also a practical side. Not every model is used to being in front of a camera, especially newbies. Giving them a direction like ‘look at that plant’ or ‘watch the sunset’ lets them relax their expression and avoid that frozen, deer-in-headlights look. It’s easier to smile or look thoughtful when you’re not staring straight at a big glass lens.
Designers and editors also prefer this pose for showcasing clothes or accessories. When models look away, their faces aren’t the main event; the focus shifts to the product, the outfit, or whatever the shoot is trying to sell. This is especially big in high fashion and editorial shoots.
Ever noticed how runway and campaign shots look very different? Here’s a fun comparison:
| Type of Shoot | Eye Contact with Camera | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Fashion | Rare | Sets a mood, tells a story, showcases lifestyle |
| Commercial Ads | Sometimes | Connects direct to the audience, usually product-focused |
| Lookbooks | Occasional | Puts the spotlight on the clothes, not the model’s gaze |
The trend isn’t going anywhere soon. Looking away brings just the right amount of mystery, while keeping the vibe casual. So, next time you slide in front of a camera, take a hint from the pros: look a little to the side, and let the rest of the photo do the talking.
What This Pose Communicates
Looking away from the camera isn’t just a random habit—it’s a secret weapon for setting a mood. When a model glances off to the side, they instantly create a sense of story or emotion, even if it’s just an empty background they’re facing. This move lets the audience imagine what’s going on outside the frame. Is the model waiting for someone? Lost in thought? The pose invites people to fill in the blanks, and that keeps them hooked.
This trick is huge in the world of models and fashion photography. Brands want you to focus on the clothes, the accessories, or the general feel of the ad, not just the person’s face. By having the model look away, the spotlight falls on everything else in the shot. In fact, one 2024 industry analysis showed that magazine covers where the model wasn’t staring into the camera had a 27% higher engagement rate on social media platforms compared to direct-gaze covers. Who knew looking a bit distracted could be such a power move?
The pose also helps avoid what pros call "camera stare"—that awkward, stiff look when someone’s just not sure where to put their eyes. It makes the subject look less self-conscious, more natural, and way more interesting. This style is especially popular in lifestyle and editorial shoots, where the goal is to look effortless and real, not staged or formal.
Here’s a quick breakdown of messages this pose can send, depending on how it’s used:
- Mystery: By not revealing their direct gaze, the model keeps some of their attitude or story hidden, making viewers curious.
- Confidence: Not needing to meet the camera suggests assurance and self-possession, like the model is comfortable in their own skin.
- Motion: Glancing off to the side suggests action or anticipation, perfect for images that are supposed to feel dynamic or spontaneous.
- Relatability: A sideways look can seem more candid, like a behind-the-scenes moment rather than a formal portrait.
To make it concrete, check out this handy table. It compares what different types of gaze usually communicate in fashion shoots:
| Type of Gaze | Main Message | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Looking at Camera | Directness, Connection, Power | Portraits, Beauty Shots, Ads Needing Eye Contact |
| Looking Away | Mystery, Storytelling, Natural Vibe | Editorial Spreads, Lifestyle & Fashion Shoots |
| Looking Down/Up | Vulnerability, Reflectiveness | Artistic Projects, Emotional Campaigns |
So next time you see a model gazing off into the distance, know it’s not by accident—it’s a simple choice that sets the entire tone of the photo.
Tips to Nail the ‘Look Away’ Shot
If you’ve ever tried posing like a model and felt awkward, you’re definitely not alone. The ‘look away’ shot isn’t just about turning your head. There are some simple tricks to make sure it actually works for you—and doesn’t look fake or forced.
First, relax your body and face. The camera picks up everything, so tension shows. If you’re stiff, take a second, shake your arms out, and breathe. Most pro photographers start a session by having their model move a bit, not just stand still.
- Pick a real spot to focus on. Don’t just glaze over; actually look at something in the distance. It could be a tree, a doorknob, or a bright light. This makes your gaze look natural instead of blank.
- Angle is everything. Turning your head too much feels unnatural. The sweet spot? About 30-45 degrees from the camera. This still shows your face’s shape but keeps things chill.
- Your eyes matter too. If you squint just a little (think ‘smiling with your eyes’) you’ll avoid that deer-in-headlights look. Real pros like Tyra Banks actually practice this so their eyes don't go wide or flat.
- Let your hands move. Play with your hair or adjust a sleeve. Subtle hand movements add life and help you relax. I sometimes ask my own daughter, Lysandra, to touch her cheek or chin—kids get the hang of it instantly!
- Switch up your emotions. Looking away doesn’t have to be serious. Mix in a soft smile, curiosity, or laughter depending on the vibe you want to show off the outfit or scene.
Being comfortable helps most with this pose. If you’re really unsure, practice in the mirror. You’ll find what side and angle works best with your features. Even top models do this before big shoots.
| Tip | Quick Fix | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Focus beyond the camera | Pick a specific spot in the room | Makes gaze look authentic |
| Relax your face muscles | Shake out tension, take a breath | Prevents awkward or stiff expressions |
| Use your hands | Adjust hair, collar, or jewelry | Adds realism and movement |
| Tilt your head slightly | About 30-45 degrees | Keeps profile flattering and relaxed |
| Practice different emotions | Try soft smile, laughter, curiosity | Keeps the image fresh and real |
Classic ‘look away’ poses have been around in model photoshoot trends since the 1970s. And honestly, brands love them—about 70% of current fashion ads use at least one off-camera gaze because it sells a story, not just a face. Next time you’re snapping pics, try switching up where you look. The difference is right there in your camera roll.
When to Use (and Not Use) This Technique
So, when exactly should you bust out the signature look-away pose? It works best when you want to draw attention to fashion, setting, or even just mood. You’ll see it all over runway campaign shoots and lifestyle branding because it suggests the model is “caught in the moment.” This trick is gold for product shoots—think sunglasses, jackets, or hairstyles—because it doesn’t distract with intense eye contact. It also helps quiet nerves for folks who feel awkward staring directly at the camera.
But, just because this pose is trending doesn’t mean it fits every shoot. For headshots, especially those meant for professional bios or LinkedIn, looking away can seem detached or uninterested. In those settings, direct eye contact builds trust and feels more engaging to whoever’s looking at your photo. If you’re doing a family portrait or something that’s supposed to feel personal and warm, looking into the lens is usually a better call.
Here’s a quick list to help decide when it works:
- Fashion photoshoots where the outfit or accessories are the main star
- Editorial and magazine spreads that want to tell a story
- Branding for lifestyle products aiming for an effortless vibe
- Product shoots where you want to highlight details without stealing the scene
And when to skip it:
- Professional headshots for resumes or business sites
- Personal portraits where connection matters (like dating apps or graduation)
- Group shots where eye contact brings energy and unity
Fashion photographer Mario Testino summed it up best:
“A model looking away feels candid, like you’ve stumbled into their real life—but sometimes, meeting the viewer’s eye is what makes the picture unforgettable.”
