Getting the shot!

Whether (like me) you love the camera, or you shy away until the family reunion compulsory snaps come around; everyone knows getting that “perfect shot” can be a difficult process. Here are a few of my top tips:

• It’s all in the mouth…

Tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth ensures that there’s no “double chin” trying to steal your limelight. Also – admittedly more for men – clenching your teeth helps give your jawline more definition, and who doesn’t like a good, strong jawline?

• Know how to use your filters

Knowing which filters to use based on the shot you take, is literally, my number one rule. Sometimes a shot calls for a more relaxed, natural look in which case, less is more – don’t play with colour. Black and white is a good filter to use when the colours are not so important, for example; the shot below works in black and white so much, because the outfit doesn’t actually match. The jacket is a gold colour which looked bad against the white top – the solution; take out the colour and nobody will ever know!

• Your best angle

It is said that often that it has almost become a cliche. “Make sure you get my best side!” There is however, a lot of truth to it! Whether it’s a new spot that has appeared that day, a bit of windswept hair you can’t correct or in my case; I’ve shaved a bit heavy on one side of the beard (I do this often)! Knowing your “best side” is paramount in getting the perfect shot.

• Lighting

In my opinion, natural lighting always works best! If taking indoor shots, try to make sure you have the lighting directed toward you as much as possible. If all else fails, there are loads of apps nowadays that can artificially correct lighting for you – some are even free! The shot below, has a lot of lighting fixes.

• Eyes forward… right?

No! Not every photo needs you to be looking directly at the camera – in fact some shots are better not to! Looking away can give a more “natural pose” to the picture. Staging photos is absolutely fine, but knowing where to look can make the difference between it looking real or fake. The photo below is 100% staged because…. I don’t drive! But looking away definitely makes it look more natural.

• It’s behind you!

Literally. What’s going on behind you is just as important as the clothes you are wearing. I spend ages looking for perfect spots to take photos – it’s so annoying when I find somewhere and I’m not “photo ready,” so I make a note in my phone of the place, and decide what sort of look would go well there. I have been everywhere around my hometown looking for great photo opps, only to find there’s a church literally 10 seconds away that has AMAZING potential! Needless to say I use it a lot now!

• Have fun!

Whether you smile or not, having fun is part of every photo and it shows through regardless of the facial expression. If you’re feeling awkward and uncomfortable, it will find its way into the photo. Go crazy; try out new poses and don’t be afraid of who is looking. Your whole life is a catwalk – why not let some of it get caught on camera?