studio photography

Have you ever dreaded a photo shoot simply because you don’t know what to wear, how to pose, or how to smile? There could be many reasons you don’t feel comfortable behind the camera, but we’d like to give you some simple tips to make you feel more at ease and confident for your next photoshoot.

Here are 10 tips:

10.  Watch what you wear
Just because you have that colourful floral blouse, doesn’t mean that is the best option for your photos.  Styles change, and although we want your photos to represent your personality, consider instead a solid-coloured shirt to suit your personality.  When you look back on that photo in a few years, you will be less likely to regret the outfit you chose.

Also, avoid stripes or crazy patterns.  V-neck blouses and dark colours are sure-fire slimming secrets.  Get a good fabric that follows your silhouette without being too clingy, and keep in mind that clothes that are too loose and shapeless will only make you look  bigger and sloppy.

9.  Avoid severe hairstyles
Do you want another picture like you had in the 80’s?  I didn’t think so.  Ensure you avoid messy, tangled hair when preparing for a photo shoot. While it’s often easy to pull back your hair into a ponytail, and there are so many classy updos, hair that is pulled tightly back can look very severe and harsh in photos.  We encourage you to let your hair down.  This will soften the curves of your face and also frame your face if you are in a busy setting.  You could also consider a partial updo, keeping it loose and maybe pull a few strands down so they give it some body and personality.

8.  Watch where you stand
A professional photographer can help you with this one.  Choose an interesting background.  It could be a pretty outdoor scene to stand in front of, or look for a wall with interesting texture or colours.  We love fall because the naturally beautiful outdoor settings makes stunning backgrounds.

While you want the scene to be interesting, try not to choose a location that is overly busy that will distract from the subject matter – YOU!

7.  Choose your light
If you are being photographed outdoors, aim for a time in the early morning or late afternoon to early evening (depending on the season).  The light is more flattering at those times.  If you are being photography in the middle of the day, find a shady spot for the best results.

If at all possible, avoid using flash on your camera.  If you can’t get around it, try covering your flash with a small piece of paper or translucent plastic for a softer result.

6.  Strike a pose
Whether you knew you were in for a photo shoot, or just spotted a camera-happy friend, there is good reason to be ready with a bit of a pose!

Ladies – we are going for an “S curve”.  Place your back foot angled almost 90% from pointing at the camera and place your weight on that foot.  Your other foot should be pointing somewhere in the direction of the camera which will naturally make your shoulders at about a 45% angle to the camera.  A slight bend in the front foot is also a nice touch and don’t forget to maintain good posture in your upper  body.  This pose will make you look taller and slimmer and though you may not feel it, relaxed!

5.  Make your arms look thinner
One of the main areas we are most self-conscious in when it comes to taking photos is our arms.  Here’s what you can do to make them look slimmer:  Give them a little big of an angle; a hand on the hip gives a nice curve and helps you avoid having your arms squished against your body.  The gap between your torso and your arms will show the curve of your body and keeping your elbows angled behind you will minimize the size of them.  A shawl can also help if you would rather not show your arms.

4.  Hide a double-chin
This may feel strange, but to hide a double chin, first straighten your neck, keeping your shoulders relaxed.  Then push your chin out and downward.  If you try this in front of a mirror you will see the difference!

If you can, have the person taking the picture be a little higher than you, maybe stand on a chair, so they are shooting down on you – a much more flattering angle!  For the best and truest image, the photographer should take  a few steps back and zoom in as long as they are able to get a good shot using optical zoom.

3.  The secret to a photogenic smile
Here’s a secret from the modeling industry:  Push the tip of your tongue behind the top front of your teeth.  This will avoid that stiff smile!  Your facial muscles will relax and also help you avoid a double chin.

Smile with your eyes – think of something happy and pleasant, and look straight at the camera.  Avoid the vacant, fake smile.  Your smile doesn’t have to be huge, just genuine.  If you’ve been smiling too long, your facial muscles will look fake, so stop and puff up your cheeks for a second before smiling again.

And please…even when you are caught off guard and possible would rather not have your photo taken…smile!!  It will be better than a grimace or a goofy look any day!

2.  Breath out
If possible, ask your photography to count to three before taking the picture.  Close your eyes and breathe in.  Then, just before the shutter clicks, breathe out, open your eyes, and smile.  Your face will look relaxed and your smile will be real.  Your body will also relax as you exhale!

1.  Hire a professional!
If you really want quality shots, you will hire a professional.  The tips we stated above are just starters.  A professional photographer will know so much more about the way you should smile, we encourage you to hire one today.

To book your professional photo shoots, please visit here. We would be happy to help you look your best in photos!

Perhaps you are looking forward to school photos this year….  and perhaps you are not!  This year if you would like a different look for the portraits you share with your family and friends, you may want to check out Miko Photography.  When you book your family photo with Miko Photography we will make sure we get a beautiful portrait of each child and present you with a generous package of prints to share with family as well as for them to hand out to their friends.

Does this look like a good alternative to your typical school portrait?

Miko Photography child portrait

Miko Photography child portrait

Kids love the monogrammed wallet sized photos to hand out to their friends!

Call today!  The ‘school photo package’ offer is good for on location or studio photo sessions but the fall photo spots fill up fast!

This year at Miko Photography we are pleased to offer two special options for our home school families!

Just the Kids!
~ only $59 per child – any age, you can include siblings that aren’t quite school age yet!
~ includes session and three ‘sheets’ of your favorite pose.
~ professionally retouched images!

Family Sharing package!
~ only $195!  Includes full family photo session!
~ includes 8×10 Print of your favorite Family Portrait.
~ includes 3 ‘sheets’ of your favorite pose for each child.
~professionally retouched images!

Call 403 451 9769 to book.  Sessions available in studio or on location.

(Homeschooling is not a prerequisite to take advantage of this offer!  For an creative alternative to the photos offered through the school, give Miko Photography a call!)

Happy Fall everyone!
’til next time…
Jana Miko
Miko Photography
Calgary’s child & family photographer