How do I look my best in my pictures?  How do I take better pictures?

There are many things you should know that will help improve the quality of your portraits.  Ladies, pull out the owners manual that came with your body...oh, you didn't get one either?   Then let me give you  few suggestions that will dramatically improve your portraits.   Here are 10 tips you should know, either in front of or behind the camera.

1.  NEVER face directly into the camera! This adds pounds. Your hip and shoulder should be at an angle away from the camera, with your face slightly turning back towards it.

2. Ourdoor wedding?  Beautiful, and maybe very, very hot.  Evian makes a facial mist that's a godsend.  Place it in the refrigerator, mist your make-up to avoid a melt down and anywhere else you need relief. One bride gave her bridesmaids parasols instead of flowers, very beautiful & original, but also practical in mid day sun.  While I'm on the subject, make an emergency kit:  pins, bobby pins, "boob" tape,pepto bismo, anything you can think of that you might need.  And at least eat a light protein snack, fainting is not the most memorable thing you want to do at your wedding.  Don't forget the sunscreen!

3.  Posing-keep your weight on your back foot, with the front  angled comfortably forward.  Ladies, no one is going to pay a lot of attention to the shoes under your bridal gown, so after you walk down the aisle and take pictures pick up a pair of COMFORTABLE shoes to wear for the reception, we've seen everything from flip-flops to bunny slippers.

4.  Dress comfortably, when you feel good you look good.  I often ask, "Is that a grin or a grimace?"

5.  Color isn't always your friend.  Avoid bright red and orange, they can  "color" your skin.  Also reconsider: white, yellow and pale pink, depending on your complexion  they can leave you looking pale.  If you have pale skin, white will  bring out every imperfection in your complexion. Brides-if you are almost as pale as your gown, choose one that leaves a  little space between your face and all that white. If you have very dark skin-just the opposite-darker colors will blend into your skin tones, leaving no definition to your features, keep it light. 

6. Are you a blinker?  You know.  Tell your photographer and if you are the photographer, take several shots of each pose to ensure success.  Keep your subject out of direct sun.  Is the shade too dark?  Turn on your flash, or  use the fill flash settingon your camera.  Yes sometimes you need a flash in broad daylight. Try this-have them close their eyes, have the  photographer count, eyes open on three.  This doesn't allow the body to react to the flash as quickly.  Try taking the shot non-flash, for some, it's the flash they are reacting to. 

7.  Children-if you feel you have to pose them, sit them down,  it's much harder to escape from a seated position.  Try letting them direct you, interact with them until they forget about the camera.  Props, another important way to slow down a moving target.  Give them something you can live with in the picture, a pretty flower to smell, a small basketball, they will be much more comfortable if they have something to hold their interest.  If they are in a bridal party, don't dress them until the last minute.  Bring snacks, books & toys to keep them happy, walk them up and down the aisle, so that it's familiar when they walk it alone. Very young flower girl or ring bearer-have a goal-grandma with ONE animal cookie seated in the front row.  Most importantly, recognize when they're had enough. 

8. Did you intend to include the garbage can?  One of the biggest differences between pro and amature photographers is that the pro isn't just looking at their subject.  Look through your camera, no I mean REALLY look, is your background cluttered?  If so, that will distract from what might have been a beautiful picture.  This doesn't mean you should stop taking those cute candids of the kids, just that you should make a conscious effort to choose the best possible background. Try putting up a softly colored sheet, or look at your backyard in a way you've never seen it before.

9. The name of the game is to fill the frame. This is BIG!  A portrait should be intimate, get in CLOSE.  Anyone who wants to take beautiful pictures should learn this rule.  Just don't repeat it to any of my assistants, as they hear it enough from me and may become  paranoid if they think you're watching them too.

10.  Black & White-take away the color and you have drama!  Don't clutter the picture with busy clothing, no prints.  Look for contrast and texture .  Always work on a copy when editing, this saves the original if you don't like the outcome.  Try directional lighting from just one side-stand your subject in front of a window, don't use your flash.  Experiment.

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