Taking photos can be hard. Especially when it’s not something that comes naturally and you want it to look professional (any other perfectionists out there?). I still get a bit awkward at first when I take photos, especially when it’s someone that I don’t know that well. I recently had another reader email asking about how to look better in photos (I am loving your guys’ emails!) and so I thought I would share my tips with you all.
1. GET COMFORTABLE: Try to shoot with someone that you feel comfortable with; someone you can look silly with and try out new things. It’s important to experiment with your poses and looks to figure out what you like and what looks good. Remember, the best pose doesn’t look like a pose.
2. MOVE: I move around a lot and try not to pose too much. I feel like I look silly when posing and it’s the dynamic photos that are always my favourite. Just get your photographer to switch to continuous shooting mode and take a million photos of you walking + moving around; you’re bound to get some amazing shots. But be aware that the focus will need to be constantly adjusted if you’re varying your depth – nothing worse than 500 blurry photos.
3. TRY A LOWER ANGLE: For full outfit posts, have your photographer squat down as the lower angle is super flattering.
Note: This angle is not flattering when taking mid-body and face shots. Just shoot straight on (or even a little from above) when taking those types of photographs.
4. TURN TO THE LEFT (or right): Most of my favourite portrait shots are not straight on.. I have learned (slowly) that tilting your chin to the left and slightly down makes the angles of your face more prominent and results in a better photo.
I hope those tips were helpful! It takes time to get to know your flattering angles and what your favourites poses/moves are, so experiment and let me know how it goes!
Alexander Wang dress (old, similar here + here) | Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals
Thank you so much for the helpful tips! I am the first time on you blog and am wondering which camera you use? Thanks in advance for you answer and have a wonderful day! <3
Best, Gilda
http://www.itsgilda.com
Author
Thanks Gilda! So great to have you π
I talk about my camera, lens and link the products here: http://bit.ly/1oT4CJq
xx Jill
Moving and tilting my face a bit to my good side are my tricks too π I like my photos to look candid.
http://www.dressupchowdown.com
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Agreed!
gorgeous dress. gorgeous you. photo shoots can be so stressful and and at times very tough on the self confidence. EEK. You look amazing and always so natural in your photos so thank you for sharing these suggestions.
XO! Gina
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Thank you beauty!
xx Jill
great tips! I’ve been struggling with looking natural in my photos.
leslie
http://www.alifewellconsumed.com
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It can be super hard, you’re not alone!
xx Jill
This was so useful thank you. Will definitely experiment with tilting my chin more. Love the Alexander Wang dress. Big AW fan! So good for tall girls…
Author
The chin tilt is a new trick of mine, and I like profile shots so much more now! Wang is good for short girls too (aka me) π
xx Jill
These are such great tips! I feel like I’m always struggling to come up with new “pose” ideas, but I haven’t tried shooting in continuous mode before. I’ll have to play around with that on my next shoot!
Jackie
Something About That
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Let me know how it goes π That trick always gets my fav photos.
xx Jill
This is all great advice! Thank you so much for sharing!
xo, Liz
http://lipstickandconfetti.com
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Thanks Liz!
xx Jill
I am in love with your make up in these photos. Any chance you could share what mascara you used?
xx
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Thanks love! I will definitely be doing a video tutorial π My mascara is Diorshow in black! Its my fav π
xx Jill
Thank you for sharing your tips!! I always try to forget the world around me and think of a happy place, haha! I also really LOVE your dress, super elegant and feminine! Xx Susanne
P.s. Please feel free to check out the latest outfit on my blog: http://bit.ly/2doxzKv
Author
Thanks Susanne, love you photos by the water… makes me miss Vancouver!
xx Jill
Do you use any programs or apps to apply filters to your photographs? Or how do you make the lighting on your photos so flattering?
Author
Lighting is a big component and one that has taken time to learn while photographing. Try not to shoot in direct sunlight, it’s too harsh. Play around with different angles to see which lighting is best! I can do a photo editing post soon!
xx Jill
Thanks so much for the tips!! I’m new to the blogging scene and I’m still learning how to get comfortable in photos, even with my hubby taking the shots. Love your ideas!
http://www.blushfulbelle.com
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You’re so welcome! It takes time, believe me π
xx Jill
Thanks of the tips! I sometimes find it difficult to come up with new ideas.
Author
Agreed, it can be hard to find inspiration sometimes!
xx Jill
Thanks a lot. Really helpful tips.
http://www.zinnyfactor.com
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My pleasure Zinny π
xx Jill
Such a helpful post! Having photos taken is one of the biggest stressors that comes with my blog. Thank you for these tips!
XO, SS || Seersucker Sass
Author
My pleasure! It’s stressful for me too… it takes time to get a routine down, don’t worry!
xx Jill
Thank you for sharing these tips! I’m definitely going to try them!
x Karen
http://dressinginlabels.blogspot.com
Author
Let me know how it goes π
xx Jill
Thank you for these helpful tips! I’ll make sure to apply these when I do my next lookbooks. π
Thank you so much for sharing these amazing tips. I never get the right photo’s when I am the one being the subject. I love to shoot others. But am a horrible model when it comes to myself. Lol
Thanks again!
These tips are super helpful. Thank you!
great, nice and simple tips, thanks for sharing
menty
http://www.gustobeats.com
That dress is amazing!
great tips – thank u so much for sharing! by the way you look fabulous!!! <3
xoxo,
marie
http://www.heartfelthunt.com
Great work! Iβm really inspired by it π
http://www.cartincoupon.com
Thanks for the tip babe! & love your foto’s
http://www.twoarticals.com
I move around a lot too. When I’m the photographer, I try to capture the movement, so I try this when I’m the “model” too. Sometimes, when there is a lot of people watching me I feel a bit shy. How do you handle with people of the street? Thanks a lot for the advices!
Author
I get shy when people watch me too! I just try not to focus on them and it all kind of fades into the background π
xx Jill
Thank you for the suggestions. I hope they work as well as they do on you. Love your photos and the dress is adorable!
http://www.pippihepburn.etsy.com
Great tips Jill! Will definitely be trying to turn my head left or right for my next pictures. You look stunning!
Coming Soon…The Chic MΓ©lange
http://thechicmelange.com/
10.14.16
These tips are really helpful indeed, thanks for sharing!
xx Frederique
http://fablefrique.com
Thank you so much for these tips! I think the most important thing actually is not to try to hard – and shoot with somebody yo trust for sure!
Margaux γ» bonjourwhite.com
Thanks for the tips!! I recently had my first photo shoot and was a little nervous… luckily I got some good shots. But this definitely helps, I’m going to keep your tips in mind for my next shoot! Can’t wait! π
Author
It can definitely be nerve-wracking… Can’t wait to hear how your next shoot goes!
xx Jill
Yes, you are right about that moving photos! I’ve tryied and i liked some of that photos! π
Author
I’m so glad it was helpful!
xx Jill
Decent, Elegant and stylish are the words example these pictures. Loved them all.
Great photo shoot with the beautiful model
Lovely photoshoot and love all photos.
All the pics are looking absolutely fantastic, the outfits suit you.
Can you post a video showing us how you edit your photos and what apps you use?
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