Remember the old adage, the camera adds 10 pounds? Well, I hadn't heard it but that didn’t change the fact that I’ve always hated how I look in photos. Didn’t matter if it was my high school senior session or a photo of me and a beautiful sunset on the beach, I always had a long list of critiques at the ready.
While I’ve always LOVED taking photos the quality of photos I took changed dramatically when I began #demoseducation. Implementing what I learned not only made me proud of the photos I was taking, it made the people in them go from happy with their final galleries to thrilled. My favorite response is the “I had no idea that’s what I looked like!” I love photography for so many reasons but mainly because it’s sharing the beauty of those around me to themselves!
However, I am of the opinion that whether the camera is a DSLR or in an iPhone, everyone should have tips in mind to help them be comfortable in front of the camera. While I learned a lot from Amy and Jordan, there was one tip that stands out to me when posing clients (and myself!) above all others. READY?!
SERIOUSLY. ARE
YOU
READY?
You’re probs not but I’m telling you anyway!
S P A C E.
Space between you and your background.
Space between your arm and your torso. Your chin and your neck. Space errrryyyyywwhhheeerrrrreeeeeeee!
SPACE WITHOUT STRAIN.
You want to create natural paths where light can cut in and thrown brightness and shadows, so you (or whoever is in the photo) will appear lean and tall (cutting out those extra faux-pounds!)
Putting space in between you and your background helps you stand out and appear slimmer. Want proof? Sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you, feet together. Then, lift your knees slightly and if your abs feel up for it, lift your legs (still extended). See how your skin puddles flat (I can’t think of a better word, sorry!) against the floor compared to the lean look of your legs in front of you as the light catches and highlights only the top of your legs.
When I’m looking down a camera lens one of the last things I try to do before I hear the shutter (or the iPhone click), is raise my chin. This is true of pretty much everyone, that the tendency is to curl up and cheese up (smile-wise), and the result is usually an emphasized double chin or a turtle-look of some kind! HOWEVER, chin up does not mean kiss the sky as best you can. Practice in the mirror if need be, but what you’re after is a slight chin raise that adds depth and invites light!
If your hands are showing, relax your hands but create space between your fingers. Focus on every part of your body (not just your smile or your waistline!) creating space everywhere possible, ultimate providing sharper angles. It may feel awkward or uncomfortable, in fact if it doesn’t I’m shocked and impressed. But in my experience, appropriately uncomfortable with a big smile is what creates THE BEST photos!
Don’t believe me STILL?!!
Book a session- see for yourself!!
Much love,
Mary
#marymondays #maryirenestorytelling #blogging #photography #ontheblog #space #lookyourbest #selfie #professional #photos #loveyourself #gorgeous
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