Most of us have come across a photo of ourselves that we adore, while there are probably many others that we would prefer to keep hidden away. However, it’s often difficult to understand why we look amazing in one picture but not in another.
If you’re planning a family, maternity, or newborn photo shoot, you may be worried about how you will appear in the pictures. Investing in beautiful photographs means that you want to proudly exhibit them in your home and share them with your loved ones. Naturally, you don’t want to invest in something that you’ll regret later.
Fortunately, with a little planning and expert guidance, you can appear stunning in photographs, whether you’re taking a selfie or having a professional photo shoot. The critical factors to consider include selecting a photographer you can trust and feel at ease with, choosing clothing that makes you feel confident, using hair and makeup to enhance your features, and mastering posing techniques.
In this article, I will discuss each of these elements in depth so that you can prepare for your shoot, feel confident on the day, and walk away with photographs that you will cherish forever.
Choose a photographer that you trust and feel comfortable around
When you start searching for a photographer, you will come across numerous options that may seem overwhelming. You may encounter photographers who specialize in studio shoots, while others prefer to take pictures on location. You may find yourself weighing the benefits of selecting the cheapest or most expensive photographer.
However, it’s crucial to choose the right photographer – someone whose style you love, with whom you share good chemistry and trust. Selecting the ideal photographer increases the likelihood of loving your photos.
I suggest conducting thorough research and spending time conversing with potential photographers on the phone or through social media messages before making a booking decision.
Give yourself ample time and space to evaluate the various photographers you’ve spoken to, and their unique offerings before making a decision. Look at their reviews, testimonials and their website for a feeling on who and what they do.
Choose your favourite clothes so you can look good in photos
The clothes you wear in a photo can have a big impact. If your outfit doesn’t suit your body shape, you probably won’t appear great in pictures. You can read more about what to wear for an outdoor photoshoot or what to wear for your maternity photography session.
Pick clothing styles that complement your body and colours that match your skin tone. But the most crucial part is feeling self-assured in what you have on – that confidence will definitely show!
How to do your makeup and hair to look good in photos
Your makeup plays a crucial role in your photos. It’s essential to have the right foundation colour – if it’s too light or too dark, it really shows in pictures. Use a concealer that matches perfectly to hide any imperfections or under-eye circles.
Also, apply a translucent powder on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin to prevent your skin from appearing oily. When it comes to your hair, you definitely don’t want it to look dull and lifeless in photos. Combat frizz because the camera flash can accentuate stray hairs.
Be mindful not to use excessive hair products that make your hair seem wet and stiff. Right before the photo is taken, you can add some volume by flipping your head over (if your hairstyle allows it).
Posing tips for your photos
Here are some handy tips for posing in photos to look your best:
- Lift Your Arm(s): Instead of leaving your arms flat at your sides, place one hand on your hip. This not only makes you appear more comfortable but also helps avoid making your arms look larger than they are.
- Angle Your Shoulders: Standing straight towards the camera can make you seem larger. To look slimmer and more flattering, turn your shoulders slightly to show a thinner profile.
- Occupy Your Hands: When you’re not sure what to do with your hands, it can add to the nervousness. Consider holding a prop like a coffee cup or a handbag to ease that awkward feeling. You can also use your hand to gently touch your face or hair for a more advanced but stylish look.
- Roll Your Shoulders Back: To appear relaxed and confident, take a deep breath, relax, and roll your shoulders back. It will help you exude confidence in your photos.
- Pose Your Hair: Your hair is part of your overall pose. If you have long hair, decide whether it should be in front of or behind your shoulders, all on one side, or even up. Your hairstyle can make a significant difference in the photo’s overall impression.
Smiling tips to look good in your photos
Here are some tips to help you achieve a more natural and flattering smile in photos:
- Be Natural, Don’t Force It: Instead of forcing a smile, aim for a natural one. Relax your facial muscles, engage your eyes, and think of something that genuinely makes you happy. Practice smiling in front of a mirror beforehand for the best results.
- Put Your Tongue Behind Your Teeth: To maintain a natural-looking smile, try placing your tongue behind your teeth when you grin. This technique prevents an overly wide and goofy smile.
- Think or Tell a Joke: If you’re struggling to smile naturally, sometimes I will try to share a joke or a funny story, most of the time this works and we will have a laugh. This can help you relax and capture a genuine, natural smile.
- Wear Bright Lipstick: Bright lipstick can enhance your smile in photos. Dark lipstick may make your lips appear smaller and have an aging effect, while bright lipstick can make your features stand out and give a boost to your smile.
- Practice Smiling with Teeth and Without Teeth: Experiment with both smiling with and without showing your teeth in the mirror to find out what suits you best. If you choose a closed-mouth smile, ensure it still appears pleasant by practicing this technique. Practice makes perfect!
I hope that these tips I have shared about how to look good in your photos, either are outdoor family photos or couple photos, either maternity and baby bump ones, I hope these tips have been useful. As you’ll probably already know, I love photographing families and kids all year round.
Remember, I specialise in lifestyle portraits of not just families, but also newborn babies, children of all ages, and pregnant ladies too. So, if you’d like to secure a slot for your own photography session, please get in touch as soon as possible, I cannot wait to meet you.
