Today’s post is in keeping with Wednesday’s fashion theme, but with a bit of a difference…
I’ve been asked more than a few times for pointers on how to pose for photos – including outfit shots – so I thought I’d share some of the tips and tricks I use to help me feel comfortable in front of the lens.
First and foremost, let me say – I am not a model. Shocking, I know. This means my face isn’t perfectly symmetrical, I’m vertically challenged, I have more curves than a coastal highway and some days I’m battling hormonal pimples/tired eyes/can’t-be-f**ked-itis… or all of the above.
Basically, I’m a woman and I’m working with what I’ve got!
So in the art of keeping it very real, here’s my very own little guide on how to pose for photos…
1. HAPPY THOUGHTS = HAPPY FACE
If you’re feeling stressed, annoyed or just wanting the photo to hurry up and be taken already, your face will give your game away, every single time.
For me, this shows through my lips – they will be pursed and severe looking, like I’ve just sucked a lemon.
To counteract this, I have three tricks for capturing a natural smile on a calm and happy face:
Take a deep breath in through your nose and a nice big breath out through your mouth
Fake laugh or get someone to make you laugh
Think of something or someone that makes you content {yes, this can be chocolate!}
As for your smile of choice, mix it up – a joyful grin with plenty of teeth or a sweet and subtle closed lip smile – do whatever suits you and the situation!
2. ANGLES, ANGLES, ANGLES!
There aren’t many people in this world who look amazing facing front on to camera.
This is where the age old red carpet ’45 degree angle’ power pose comes into play.
Stand slightly sideways and then do one of two things with your legs:
place one foot slightly in front of the other and shift your weight to your back leg; or
cross your legs (starting at the calf).
Either of these poses will make your legs look longer and your hips look narrower, plus it creates a relaxed, effortless vibe.
As for your arms, try placing your hands on your hips. And by hips, I mean your natural waist, as that’s the slimmest part of you.
If you’re just placing one hand on your hip, make sure it’s the arm closest to the camera, as this will prevent your upper arm from being squashed against your body, which can make it look bigger than it really is.
If you’re not a hands-on-hips type of person, simply try holding your arms away from your sides ever so slightly. Alternatively, use a prop such as a handbag or hat to hold so you feel like you’re doing something ‘useful’ with your arms.
3. POSTURE PERFECT
“Stand up straight!”
Anyone else cop that line from their mum as a kid, every single time a family photo was taken? Yep, me too!
Turns out she was right after all. Not only will standing up nice and straight elongate you in photos, but it also gives you the appearance of confidence, which is naturally attractive.
If you’re sitting down in a photo, be sure to sit up straight and perch your bottom towards the front edge of your chair.
Create angles by adjusting your body, tilting your head slightly, leaning on the arms of the chair and even holding a prop such as a drink. Angle your legs or cross them either at the knee or at the ankle.
All of these tricks will help to lengthen your torso and ensure the camera captures a lovely lean silhouette.
4. UP IN LIGHTS
As with all photography, natural lighting is your best friend.
Cast your face towards the light in order to maximise complementary lighting, which is even from forehead to chin, cheek to cheek.
Try and avoid any lighting that casts shadows on your face, as that will make you look harsh and scary, like an evil Disney queen.
Another thing to note – particularly for night time or event photography – is that foundation or concealer containing SPF reflect light which, when combined with a camera flash, means you’ll end up looking washed out and shiny. A bit like a Top Deck chocolate (pale face, dark body)!
5. THE EYES HAVE IT
Always make sure the camera lens is at the same height as your eyes or slightly higher.
To avoid a full moon face or double chin, jut your chin slightly out and then gently tilt it downward a little. A photographer I worked with recently calls this move The Turtle… for obvious reasons! It’s a great way to remember it, don’t you think?
From there, look at something just above your natural line of sight – which should be where the camera lens is.
For outfit photos on the blog, I like to experiment with looking in different directions.
My current favourite is the ‘what’s that down there?’ pose – which is basically me looking down and slightly to the left or right, depending on which way my head is tilted. I also like looking upwards or off to the side.
Try a few different angles and see which you like best. And don’t be afraid to change it up from time to time.
BONUS TIP: HAVE FUN WITH IT!
Most of us aren’t making a living from being a professional model, so who cares if every single picture isn’t perfect?
The key is to have fun because those are the photos that look the most natural and beautiful.
The more you practice and play around, the more confident and comfortable you’ll become. Before you know it, all of these tricks will soon become second nature and you won’t even have to think about them… plus you won’t even feel like you’re posing.
Besides, life’s too short not to be in front of the lens.
What are your tips and tricks for posing in photos?
Do you have a signature pose?
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