6 Tips on How to Pose in Photos

Let's be honest- we are all trying to look our best in photos.  Especially in the world of social media when we see a lot more of each other!  Here are a few quick tips for women on how to easily look their best!

TIP 1: Stand a quarter turn away from camera

Think about your feet.  Try not to have both your feet facing forward toward to the camera with your weight equally distributed, but instead turn your body a quarter turn away.  You show your widest when facing the camera, but a slimmer sliver if you turn slightly!

TIP 2: Pop your front leg

Place the weight on your back leg and bend your front leg- this gives a nice feminine curve and lengthens your body. 

TIP 3: Create negative space with your arm

If your arm is straight against your body, it makes your body look wider then it really is.  By putting your hand on your hip, leaning it on someone/something- anything to get it away from your body, it creates space and shows the difference between your body and your arm!

TIP 4: Twist and Lean In

Twisting your torso and leaning slightly toward the camera creates a cinched waist and lengths your neck and chin- all very flattering things!

Tip 5: Tippy Toes

If you're not wearing heels, pop up on your toes. It lengthens your whole body and gives you great posture!

TIP 6: Shoot from above

If given the choice, always shoot from slightly above instead of slightly below.  This lengthens the neck and jaw and tames those double chins and harsh lines! Give a slight tilt to your head - this makes you look more relaxed and natural!

So there you have it!  6 easy ways to instantly change the game of your photos!  A pretty dramatic before and after with just a few simple tricks of the trade! (and now you'll see me doing it every photo!!)

 BEFORE                                  AFTER

What to Wear at a Family Session

A very popular (and important) questions when it comes to family portraits is...what to wear??So here goes...my top suggestions when planning out your family portrait fashion!

1. Compliment each other, don't try to match exactly. Think about colors and patterns that compliment each other and stick to a few colors that work together well.

2. Start with the kids- they are focal point- you want them to "pop!"  Bold colors or patterns work well.

3. Find a color that brings out the color of their eyes

4. Layers, textures, accessories all play really well on camera.  Sweater texture, ruffles, ribbons, hats, scarves, boots, tights, etc.  Use some bold jewelry to accent your main colors.

5. Can’t decide?  Bring a few to choose from and we can work in a quick outfit change for the real little ones halfway through!

That's the basics!  Pinterest (of course) has some great ideas too!  If you have specific questions about YOUR family or location, please don't hesitate to ask!

5 Secrets to a Great Family Session

It’s easy to look at some of my family sessions and wonder how in the world everyone looks so happy and perfect and well-behaved at the session!  What is the magic?  How does this perfect world exist?

I’m here to demystify the family session and give some good practical advice on how to be successful for your session!

1. The final photos don’t show everything….  With fast-moving kids, photos can sometimes be a numbers game and I’m shooting constantly, knowing sometimes it’s the split second "in-between" that give us “the shot”.  Out of an entire session, there is probably about 20% usable shots out.   I’m not showing you the constant breaks we are taking, the random temper tantrums, the child behind me that decided not to cooperate, the accidents, spit-ups, etc.  It ALL happens.  EVERY time.  But the beauty of photography is being able to paint the perfect picture after the fact with culling down to those gems.  I even have clients ask me "can we keep that one?" knowing it's still important to capture and remember the reality and challenges of a particular age!

2. Meet the kids at their level.  I think anyone who has spent 5 minutes with a kid knows it’s very difficult to “force” them to sit still and smile on command.  It’s just not going to happen.  So don’t expect it and don’t force it.  Instead, go with the flow.  If the kids want to run? Let’s do some candid action shots.  If they are feeling clingy to mom or dad?  Let’s get some cuddle shots.  Need a snack break?  No problem.  Trying to force anything will just result in tears and longer recoup time.  So let the kids be how they are and you’ll be surprised at what great photos we can get!

3. Play games.  If I can turn something into a game, it all of sudden takes the focus off of “boring photo shoot”.  Walking photos can turn into “freeze” walking, sitting on a blanket can be a tickle fight, and airplane can be a fun and exciting game for the really little ones.  Having a toy or a book to interact with often helps them relax into being themselves.

4. Prepare and Reward.  Kids respond well to expectations and rewards.  Give the kids a pep talk ahead of time so they know exactly what they are getting into.  Even the young ones can get what you are saying to a degree.  For example “Jacob- we are going to spend an hour with Miss Ginny and she going to take some photos for us.  We’ll play some games and run around, but there will be times she asks you to sit nicely and smile.  It’s important that you are a good listener today and listen to everything we ask of you. Do you think you can do that for us?”  And if you are so inclined, provide a reward. ”and if you do a great job, we’re going to get donuts afterward [or get a lollipop, or whatever reward works for your kids!]

5. Relax.  Kids can easily pick up on the tension of their parents.  If you are tense and anxious, they will be too.  The goal is to have fun, enjoy the time together and not be too stressed about the “perfect shot” and more about capturing the natural interaction of your family at this unique stage.  Usually, my favorite photos are the ones we could never plan for but just happen naturally.  It will always change, so enjoy and embrace the stage as it is now, as it will only continue to evolve!