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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.
   

 

 

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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

 

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2015 Blue Sky’s Portrait Magazine

Before the holiday rush, I thought it was time for an update to our Blue Sky’s Portrait Magazine.  This is our guide that give you a little more information prior to your photography session.  Take a quick look, you might even be one of the featured families! :)

 

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Beautiful Sarah

Beautiful Sarah is such a sweet soul! Her Mom, Janice, wanted to do something special for her sweet daughter, and thought a photo session to show her just how beautiful she is both on the outside and on the inside, was just in order. Brittany from Brittynortonartisty, showed up early to decide on a fun, youthful look for Sarah. Deseree was on had to provide styling, but Janice got the clothes just right, and we didn’t even need to use any of our wardrobe. We started Sarah’s session in my studio and the surrounding area, but quickly jumped in the cars and headed for an open field. Sarah’s sweet, natural look blended in perfectly with the small purple blooms surrounding the field.

It was such an honor to work with this amazing family. Enjoy!
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Laguna Beach Senior Photography: Fine Art Show

It started over lunch with one of my clients.  He asked, “hey Kristin, you know a lot of people…. what is the best way to start developing relationships in Laguna Beach?”. My answer, “get involved in the community”.   Laguna Beach loves to support people who support the schools, support the arts and get involved in local charities.  I suggested that he host an art show in his new music studio in downtown Laguna.  He said, “great, we will make you our first artist”.

Fast forward six months and I am putting the finishing touches on twelve original art pieces.  I used local students as my models and in celebration on Earth Day, named my exhibit “Elements of Love”.  Over the next few months, I will share each individual art piece and what my inspiration was behind creating them.  Let me tell you, this wasn’t easy.  It was scary and I felt vulnerable diving in to a new area of photography, but I am so glad I had the experience and so thankful to Nicholas Yrizarry’s Wealth Management Group for hosting the art show at Laguna Beach Art Museum.   I also want to give a big shout out to Sriti Fusillo for helping all along the way and Laura Foster and Brittany Norton for hair and makeup.  And a very special thanks to all of my handsome and beautiful models.  I absolutely loved working with every one of you.  Enjoy!