Modeling 101
Modeling is a LOT harder than it looks, and if you feel uncomfortable in front of the camera YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Most people do! Here are some pointers to help you look your best in your photos and feel confident posing with your love!
LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER? LET’S GET IN TOUCH!
Almost without fail, the first thing a bride says when we meet for our first shoot together is “You’ll have to help us know what to do, we are so awkward in photos!”
And the truth is, that’s how pretty much every person feels! These are my 10 tricks to help you look like a pro in your photos!
1) Wear Clothes you feel cute in!
It may seem like a no-brainer, but while choosing outfits that are on trend and coordinate with the location is important, those factors are second to how you feel in the clothes. Pick something that you LOVE yourself in. (i.e. if you feel self conscious about _(fill-in-the-blank)_ in a specific shirt, but it matches what your fiance is wearing—wear a shirt you feel cute in and re-evaluate his clothes) If you don’t feel confident and beautiful in the clothes you’re wearing, you’re likely not going to feel beautiful in the photos you get back. (and yes this applies to your wedding dress too. Read all about finding the perfect dress here)
2) Wear Lip Color.
Make sure your lips aren’t dry and colorless in your photos. Put on some lip color and re-apply it right before shooting (and during shooting if necessary) You’ll also want some moisturizer for your man as well (I like Rose Salve for guys). Dry, crackly lips make a massive impact on the overall look of your face in photos. If bold lips aren’t your thing that is TOTALLY fine. Pick a neutral, nude-y lip paint like this one by Bare Minerals for a super natural look that translates well in photos.
3) Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t laugh….. but making faces at yourself in the mirror isn’t the worst thing for your modeling career. Get familiar with how you feel the prettiest (Do you love big smily pictures of yourself, or softer smiles? etc.)
4) attitude is everything
Have a good attitude—I know I know, it sounds cliche, but really go into photos ready to have fun and love it! Even if you (or more likely your groom) “hate having photos taken” You should be so in love that you don’t care a camera is there while you spend time together, and also *note to grooms* these photos really matter to your bride, she has invested money and time and dreams into them so even if you “hate” taking photos if you “love” her, you’ll be a good sport about it!
5) Just Relax.
After all the things you do to practice and prepare before your shoot, once you arrive just CHILL. Photos should be fun. Leave stress at the parking lot and enjoy an hour or so snuggling with your favorite person
6) Spit out your gum.
If you have gum while you shoot you’ll see it in photos when you smile and all candid photos will be of you chomping away. (I know you want fresh breath, may I suggest an extra good teeth-brushing on your way out the door to shoot?)
7) magic hands
Don’t clench your fingers or hands. It’s very common for people to have tight fisted hands when they’re cold or nervous or stressed, or even just playing with your fingers when you’re feeling a little uncomfortable.
PRO TIP:For boys, when in doubt: put your hands in your pockets or around your girl; For ladies a good neutral position is down by your side, fingers relaxed or of course holding your lover’s face…arm…hand…waist..shoulder…etc
8) THE RULE FOR KISSING
I only have one rule for kissing during photos: NO TONGUE. Even if I am far away from you and you think I can’t tell, the camera is high-def and it sees everything. In close-up and far away shots, if you get all french-y with your kissing it will show in photos. You cannot hide it.
So that being said, if you want tongue in your photos, by all means—go for it! just know if you do, it will be seen! you’ve been warned.
9) LINGER LONGER
Your photographer is posing you, but she is also trying to pull some candid interactions out of you through posing you and directing you. One way you can get lots of natural moments in-between-poses is to let your moments linger. If she tells you to go in for a kiss, don’t kiss real quick and then turn to look at her! Have a real moment, go in for the kiss, look at each other, interact like you normally would without the photographer there. Just be into each other, keep things moving and flowing—don’t worry about the photographer, she’ll step in and give directions when she needs to. Your job is to just be with each other.
PRO TIP: When in doubt after a kiss, or hug, or cheek kiss, or whatever- pull away, stay looking at each other, and laugh!
10) Even the best models….
…can have not so great photos taken of them by inexperienced photographers. Make sure you invest in a photographer you trust to capture your “best side”, and guide you through your first modeling endeavors. You want to hire someone who’s photos you love, and who’s personality you are comfortable with.
