, , , ,

Look Better in Photos: Sure Fire Posing Tricks for Women

We all know those women who seem to look flawless in every photo. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “I wish I was photogenic like that.” You can be! I’m going to pull back the curtain today and share with you just a few of the posing tips I use with my female clients.

Ladies, get ready!

The two most important things to keep in mind before using these tricks are: you need to experiment a little bit at home first, in front of the mirror and work on trying to get comfortable practicing these different poses. A little practice goes a long way.

 

know your good sideKnow Your Best Side. Most of us do not have perfectly symmetrical faces and we usually prefer one side over the other. If you don’t know which is your “good side,” take a few moments to look in the mirror. Look a little to the left, then to the right. Which side is your favorite? Need help deciding? Try taking a selfie, just remember to do it with your front facing camera, or you will have a flipped mirror image of your face.

 
  Barbie arm posing trickBarbie Arm. If your girlfriends haven’t let you in on this trick it just might change your photo world. ;) To avoid your arms looking larger than life (an oh-so-common complaint), hold your hand on your hip and bend your elbow slightly toward the back. This creates a nice slimming effect which utilizes the white space between your body and arm.
 

push back your assets trickMind Your Assets. Push your assets to the back (ladies, that means booty and hips).  The other leg (the one closest to the camera) should be slightly bent.  You do this by putting your weight on the foot that is farthest from the camera and push your front hip away from the camera.  This causes you to lean a little towards the camera so the eyes are the closest thing to the lens!  It always looks lovely.
  lean in posing trickLean In. If you lean forward a little bit (not too much), with shoulders back, it can define the chin, elongate the neck, highlight the eyes, and allows your hair to fall forward over your shoulders, creating a stunning feminine look.
  natural smile trickWait for it. To get a more authentic, natural smile, wait until just before snapping the picture. Holding a smile fatigues your facial muscles, so take breaks between shots. Even better, when it’s time to smile, if you can think of a favorite thing, something that naturally makes you happy, hold that thought while you show your pearly whites.
  posing hairHair. Try different hair styles ahead of time to determine which look best on you–the ones that really compliment your face and body: hair down, behind one shoulder, all forward, swept up, whichever it is play up your best look, by posing not only your face and body, but your hair as well.
   

 

 

,

6 Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Orange County

It’s that time of year for many of us to get in the holiday spirit, and more than gifts, time together is the greatest present of all. So pack up the kids and head out for some local holiday fun. Here’s a compilation of some of fun family holiday events I’ve found in Orange County. I truly hope you enjoy this season with your loved ones!  And don’t forget to take some snapshots that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Sawdust Winter FantasySawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy | Laguna Beach, CA  | weekends through Dec. 18th

This festival is a one-of-a kind annual holiday arts and crafts festival, discover unique gifts in an enchanting winter wonderland. Petting zoo, Santa, food and drinks, thousands of holiday decorations make this a fun event for both parents and kids.

More Info >  | Adults $7, Children 6-12 $4, Seniors $6, Ages 5 & Under Free

spectrumDisney Magical Holiday Lights  | Irvine Spectrum Center | Dec. 7 – Jan. 3

Every night in the Edwards Courtyard a special “magical” tree lighting showtimes start at 5:30pm and occur every hour until 9:30pm.

More Info > | Free

candlelight

Candlelight Walk  |  Heritage Hill Historic Park  | Dec. 12-13, 2015 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Experience this historic park in a new way! Over 1,000 luminarias will light the park’s pathways. Strolling carolers and musicians will set the holiday mood. Santa will also be there. Hot cider, hot chocolate and cookies will be available for purchase.

More Info >>   | Admission: $5 for ages 3 & over. Tickets sold onsite.

zoo

Winter Wonderland at the Zoo | Santa Ana Zoo | Dec. 7-Dec. 31st

The zoo has been transformed into a Winter Zoobilation with magical decorations, lights and falling snow.

More Info > | $10 Adults, $7 Seniors and Children 3-12 yrs old. The Zoofari Express & Conservation Carousel rides are $3 each. 

snoopyhouse

Snoopy House | Costa Mesa City Hall | Dec. 12-23rd.

The sprawling Snoopy House display has long been a Costa Mesa tradition (for almost 50 years). See life-size scenes recreated from the “Peanuts” characters. Santa will also be there from 7pm to 9pm at night.

More Info>> | Free

Winter Fest (OC Fair & Event Center)  | Dec. 18 – Jan. 3.

winterfestWho says it doesn’t snow in Southern California? For a little over two weeks the OC Fairgrounds will be converted into a Winter Wonderland.

Enjoy ice tubing down Snowflake summit, carnival rides and games, indoor ice-rink, reindeer, the world’s largest walk-thru ornament, nightly Christmas tree lighting with snowfall, crafts and exhibits, Santa & Mrs. Caluse and daily entertainment.

Tickets: www.winterfestoc.com   |  $15-45/pp.  Tip: Scroll to the bottom of their homepage to enter to WIN free tickets.

 

For more holiday events visit:  http://www.planadayout.com/Holiday-Celebrations-for-kids-in-Orange-County-54

South County Holiday Events: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/dec-695247-center-saddleback.html

, , ,

What to Wear: Family Photos

What to wear in a family photo–this seemingly simple question grows complex when you realize whatever you and your family wear will be on display for years to come. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right family ensemble.

Nix the matching white shirts and jeans.  The days of matching outfits for family portraits are gone. As an alternative incorporate a color palette like this family photo (colors: white, denim, beige, gray, brown):

earth tone family outfits
from OneGoodThingbyJillee.com

 

Consider your home. These photos will hopefully be on display in your home, picking colors and styles that go well with your home’s aesthetic will tie everything together. In fact, we can even shoot in your home, like this family:

family photo in your home

from Blue Sky’s Studio

Think layers. Layering a few items like jewelry, sweaters, vests, etc. add texture and realism to your family photos.

wear layers for family photos
from babble.com

Classic style. Of course you want your family photo to reflect your unique fashion sense, but remember how some trends can look tacky just a few years later. Bell bottoms or fluorescent hi-tops anyone?

classic styles for family photos

from Blue Sky’s Studio

Color collaborations. Avoid dressing all in the same colors, but accent each other’s unique style by using a complimentary palette of colors and subtle patterns.

complimentary colors & patterns

from Blue Sky’s Studio

Don’t forget the shoes. Remember, your shoes will often be in the shot so buy shoes that go together and fit the overall style you’re trying to achieve. 

Match shoes for family photos
from Project Inspired

 

, ,

Fun Themed Portait Ideas, Part 2

We had so much fun compiling our previous Fun Themed Portrait Ideas post that we just had to do another!

ENDLESS SUMMER

When creating a vintage themed session like this period props are key. What better props could we have had than an authentic VW van, surfboards, and a guitar? Wardrobe is also essential and for this shoot the family dressed boho/casual.

endless summer family photo

 

FALL IS IN THE AIR

If autumn is your favorite season, why not play it up in your photo session? From leaves, to pumpkins, squash or open fields, fall is a great season for warm, family photos.

fall is in the air

 

LOVE STORY

A few good books, some Photoshop effects and you’ve got a whimsical portrait they’ll never forget.love story

 

GYPSY SUMMER

Old world style meets the modern girl. This is a great way to give a colorful fun feel to your portraits.

gypsy

 

AT THE BOARDWALK

Capture the carefree fun of the beach boardwalk. Dressing in pastels or bright colors add to the playful feel of these photos.boardwalk themed photos

 

MUSCLE CARS & BICYCLES

Go vintage with black, white, red and vintage–add in a classic car, or maybe a retro bicycle for a unique photo.muscle car family portraits

, , ,

8 Easy Fashion Tips for Girls Senior Pictures

girls-senior-photo-fashion-tipsHere are a few ways you can prepare for your best senior pictures portrait session:

  • Come to the session clean faced, with clean, dry hair.  Our professional makeup artist will do the rest.  It is also a great idea to bring a picture of makeup you really love so we can give you that perfect look that represents.. YOU!
  • Avoid being overly tan, sunburned or having obvious tan lines. They are harder to color-correct and process, which will add to your cost.
  • Don’t hesitate to rock your favorite accessories and shoes. They are a fun way to show your personality.
  • Make a personalized Pinterest board with images you love and share them with Blue Sky’s.  We want to capture images that you totally love!
  • Vary your necklines and sleeve lengths for different looks.
  • Check those bra straps; correcting strap lines later on is time-consuming and costly.
  • Avoid wearing busy, striped clothing as they tend not to photograph well. 
  • Be hydrated!  Bring water and drink plenty of water prior to your session.  We want you skin to glow!
  • Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before, so you look your best.