Hi Dolls,
Happy Saturday! Today on PLG I am sharing my tips for the perfect picture. First off let me start by saying I have always loved taking pictures. To me, a picture is forever, and beautiful memories can be looked back on serving as a reminder of all the beautiful moments in our lives. Your children and grandchildren will enjoy your photos for years to come. My son, Chris, and my lifelong friends would get so annoyed with me because I was constantly taking pictures and now they thank me for all the wonderful photos I took. We now have beautiful memories to look back on. We often forget such moments and photo’s are always a great reminder.
I also believe not all photos have to be staged or picture perfect. I love candid shots. Actually candid shots are my favorite. They capture a living breathing moment that cannot ever be reproduced. It’s life happening and a lens capturing it for eternity.
If you were to look on my phone you would be shocked at all the photos I have. I hate to delete any of them because I feel at times that I may not like the photo at that moment, but I will go back a couple days later and love the imperfections of it. My Chris is so great at taking photos of me! He truly is gifted!
Lighting, setting, angles and photo filter is the perfect combo for a great photo/selfie.
Here are my tips:
- Lighting is everything, you need good lighting. Natural lighting is the best. Take pics near a window or outside. Make sure to wear your sunblock if taking them outside in direct sunlight.
- The best time to take pics is during sunrise or sunset. The lighting at these times is the most beautiful.
- Natural smiles are best. If you want to take a more serious photo or selfie use the Tyra Banks technique and smile with your eyes. Practice in front of a mirror until you get the pose right
- Take lots of practice selfies. Tilt your head to the right and then the left to to change the angles so you have a variety of pics to choose from. You will also find your “best side” by doing this
- Know your angles, Chin down and camera up. Extend your neck when taking a selfie , hold the phone so that the bottom of it is level with your eyes. None of us want a double chin in the pic. LOL
- Use a great filter app to keep your pics cohesive on the GRAM. Some of my favorites are VSCO, Snapseed, FaceTune and of course the Instagram filters.
- Don’t over edit photos. Learn to love the imperfections.
- Keep your eyes closed, and right before the picture is taken open your eyes for a more natural look.
- Adjust your shoulder placement. If your shoulders are parallel to the camera slightly turn to right or left to see what works best for you.
- I am short, 5’1″ to be exact. I always place one leg in front of the other like I am walking on a tightrope and tilt my toes downward to elongate the leg.
- Another good pose is to tilt your torso towards the camera. Everything in the foreground will look bigger therefore your legs will look smaller.
- My favorite is the not so casual kick . Kick your leg up like your man is kissing you!
- Crossing your ankles is another favorite pose of mine .
- Use props. Throw on a hat and sunglasses or hold your fur baby. Have fun with it!
- Do something silly and don’t pay attention to the photographer/camera , candid photos are the best.
- Embrace natural expressions and tell yourself “I am beautiful “before you snap the pic.
- Try Portrait Mode on the Iphone X. It separates the foreground, the subject and background and adds an artificial blur to the photo for a more professional looking photo.
- Iphone Tip: You can take a one handed photo by hitting the volume buttons. Pretty nifty feature.
- Purchase a Tripod for those moments you need to be hands free.
- Find great backgrounds for your photos.
Well there you have it, my tips for taking the perfect photo/selfie. I would love to hear your tips. Please leave a comment below.
Now go out and make some memories!
