3: Angles are your friend. You know
all those red-carpet photos of the stars? They're almost never facing
the camera straight on. That's because it's a much more flattering
posture to stand at about a quarter turn from the camera. Put one
foot forward, straight ahead of you. The other foot should be turned
to the side, in line with that shoulder you've already straightened!
Although your body will be at an angle, your face can still be looking
directly at the photographer.
4: It's a good idea to do a little practice first.
Go online or look at some magazines with red-carpet shots or fashion
shoots. If you're reading wedding magazines, the photos in those
are also a great reference. Find the poses that you like and try
them out in front of the mirror.
5: If you're one of those people who are always
blinking in pictures, there's a neat little trick to avoid the closed-eye
look: Ask the photographer to count and take your photo on 'three'.
When you hear 'three', take a breath in. It sounds crazy, but it
works. Odd but true, most people don't blink when they start to
breathe in.
6: Assuming you've hired a professional photographer,
be sure to arrange some 'alone time' with just you, your new spouse
and your photographer. The portrait shots of you newlyweds can be
really lovely and natural looking, but that doesn't tend to happen
if you're trying to pose romantically while your wedding party and
guests are looking on.
7: Don't hesitate to speak up. If the light is
bothering your eyes, if there's a breeze making you chilly, if you're
uncomfortable at all, say something! These pictures are of and for
you. Remember, the person/people taking your photos really will
want you to look and feel happy.
8: Interact with people. On your wedding day, you're
surrounded by loved ones. When you're posing for photos with them,
let that affection show. Whether it's a big, exuberant hug, a simple
kiss on the cheek or a hand on someone's shoulder, an affectionate
gesture can transform a photograph from ordinary to extraordinary.
9: Find something to do with your hands. This is
especially true for anyone in a suit or not holding a bouquet. For
those in suits, a nice, comfortable pose is simply to put one hand
in a pocket and let the other hand hang by your side. Another is
to put one hand on your lapel, holding it just below your collar
bone, again with the other hand at your side.
10: Only smile if you feel like it! Even if you're
gloriously happy, sometimes you don't have a big grin on your face.
Don't worry about forcing a smile for pictures if you weren't smiling
already. The look on your face, your true feelings on your wedding
day will be so much more beautiful than a fake smile. Relax and
just know that no matter what you do in your pictures, your happiness
is going to shine through.
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