How to Look Better in Photos

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Ahh the festive season… Christmas parties, social gatherings, family get togethers… Soo many photo opportunities! If you are one to dive behind a Christmas tree when the camera comes out try out these few tricks to make you more confident in front of a camera… 

Firstly, if you’re standing, turn your body 45 degrees to the camera and put all your weight on your back leg, it sways your hips giving more shape to your body. Twist your torso so one shoulder is away from the camera and the other closer to, it makes your body appear more slender. 

Take a tip from the red carpet and put the arm closest to the camera on your hip. By moving your arm away from your body it creates negative space and is more flattering to your arm shape. 

To avoid a double chin, elongate your neck (imagine a string pulling you up from the top of your head) and push your face forward a bit. Tip your chin down slightly. It feels kind of awkward but will give your jawline more definition! 

It’s a good idea to avoid standing directly under a light, which can cast unflattering shadows on your face. Try to find a natural light source, such as a window, or in a spot where soft light hits your face from the side for a more flattering effect. 

And finally... Don’t be cheesy! Forget saying the old catch phrase and instead think of something funny.  A natural smile is your best accessory! 

If you've got any other go-to tips I'd love to hear them below! 

Happy holidays everyone… xx

Confessions from the Other Side... of the Camera

I knew I had to get my photo taken... There was no way around it. I'd scoured all my archives for something I could use as an 'About Me' photo. Zilch. I thought about not having one on here but after meeting an overseas model for a shoot who was surprised I was a woman I thought I better. I'm definitely not a man, man.  I am awkward in front of a camera, after 34 years I still don't know my 'good side'... 

So. What do I tell my clients to do...? Think Jodi, think! I did the usual, washed my hair, put on make up and covered the pimples on my chin as best I could. I knew I only wanted a cropped photo but I put on my favourite high heels... because they make me FEEL GOOD. (In a confident way, not in a literal comfortable foot way) 

I strutted out to where we taking the photo. The wind was blowing, my tension was high. Something wasn't right... It was too quiet. So out comes the speaker with a playlist of Rolling Stones, The Doors and John Lennon. Because they also make me FEEL GOOD. (Thanks lads)

My philosophy - if you feel good, you look good! 

We start snapping away, me posing nervously trying to channel Tyra Banks. I ask the photographer (my dear beloved who I set the camera up for) to see some of them... OMG. Do I really look like that? OMG look at my double chin. OMG I need to suck my tummy in. OMG... OMG... Then I realised... This is what I get upset at my beautiful clients for doing! I see beautiful women but all they seem to see is their 'flaws'. It's human nature I concede.  So I took a deep breath, shook it out and started again. Sure, I was still a little self conscious but I relaxed and tried to have more fun with it. We were telling jokes and being silly. I had to delete 23 photos with my eyes half closed and about three 'Blue Steels' but after much deliberation I settled on one. (Pimples removed - thanks Photoshop) 

Point of this ramble? I get it. I know the feelings. But I also know that as uncomfortable as I was and no matter how many 'flaws' I can see in myself today I know I will look back on these photos at some stage in the future and think "wow, wish I looked like that now!"  

Happy shooting beautiful souls, remember to be kind to yourselves x