Tips For Your Most Flattering Portraits –
Black Forest Photography
When people call or email for their Colorado Springs portrait sessions I get many questions about what to wear to make-up. Here are some questions that I have been asked to help you with your own picture taking as well as when you come in for your professional portraits. Here are some tips for your most flattering portraits.
Why are some of the most common reasons people say that they don’t like pictures of themselves?
People always tell me that they don’t look like themselves in photographs. That can mean several things. They say that their smile isn’t natural but, forced. They freeze when a camera is pointed at them so that they always have a “weird” look on their face. They don’t like a certain part of their body or face and they don’t like seeing it show up in photographs. The key really is to stop for a minute and play. Turn away from the camera so that you aren’t focused on it but, on your family or the surroundings then you will get a more relaxed and natural body language and smile from you.
What are some of the most flattering poses that people can take in pictures? For standing, For sitting?
When standing whether alone or in a group always put a tilt in your hip and bend a knee. Give your body curvature.
Mind your posture whether sitting or standing. Roll your shoulders back to make sure your spine is nice and straight.
Lean slightly towards the camera. It slenderizes and reduces the look of wrinkles.
Put your hands on your hips or in your pockets but, away from the sides of your body. Keeping the arms against the body makes them look larger, keeping them away is slimming.
Have the photographer shoot you from slightly above so your chin is raised. This helps get rid of double chins and slims the entire person.
Open your mouth slightly. It relaxes your face.
What are some of the most flattering colors that people can wear for certain picture situations? i.e., holidays, social gatherings, family photos, weddings, etc.
A bride is expected to wear white but, other than that it is not a shade most people can pull off. It washes most people’s skin tone out and should be avoided if possible.
Colors vary on skin tone. Everything is suggestive and most people know what colors flatter their skin. However, you either have a cool complexion or a warm complexion. People are then broken down into Spring, Summer, Winter, or Autumn skin tones. There are colors suggested for each of these people. If you do a Google search of those terms you will be able to come up with a pretty good idea of what colors work best for you.
Holidays and weddings usually follow that year’s fashion trend. Follow the fashion for all social events!
When it comes to family portraits it should express your style as a family. My most important tip is to not mix patterns! It would seem logical but, you would be surprised how many people show up with one person in plaid and another in stripes. It puts all the focus on the patterns and not on the people who which the photo is about!
Many people think they all need to wear the same color in a family portrait. That is not true. Although, it has been trendy for everyone to wear all black or denim it is not necessary. Mom can wear a great fuchsia if it is good color for her while dad wears a nice chocolate brown shirt. Those colors compliment each other and it is not a sea of all black, or khaki, etc.
What are some great smile strategies?
One of the best things to do is say the word “yes” when it is time to snap the photo. It relaxes the mouth muscles and mimics a natural smile.
Think happy thoughts. If it’s about your upcoming wedding, your new baby on the way, or a favorite vacation, put it in your mind. When we think happy thoughts our face portrays our happiness. It’s also okay to tickle each other. Laughing photos are great photos! It also relaxes everyone and more natural smiles come out.
What are some other important tips for looking great in photos?
1) Wear flattering clothes. People wear clothing that is too big or too small all the time. Find your correct fit. Find your assets and showcase those.
2) Wear your make-up like you normally do. You don’t need extra thick make up for your photographs. If you need touch-ups we have photoshop. However, remember photoshop is NOT a cosmetic surgeon!
3) Always do something with your hands. Don’t just leave them hanging at your side. If your photographer doesn’t instruct you or even if you are just hanging out with friends find a place for your hands! It creates a more interesting photo.
4) Pick a nice location. It can make or break a photo. Even though it is about you in the portrait, you don’t want a lot of unattractive clutter in the background. A flattering background makes a more flattering portrait.
5) Relax. The more comfortable you are and the more fun you are having the better the portrait. The camera can only capture your happiness if you are feeling it.
6) Have confidence. If you feel insecure it will show up in the photos. Feel like the wonderful person you are.
Black Forest Photography are award winning portrait photographers in Colorado Springs that specializes in capturing amazing images and turning them into family heirlooms. We serve Colorado Springs, Denver, Monument, Manitou Springs, and the Rocky Mountains. Let us be your portrait photographer and capture all of your precious memories!
