How to Look Your Best in Front of the Camera
When it comes to doing your make-up, don’t fall victim to
the saying “more is better”. Use the same shades of make-up that you
normally wear and don’t make any radical changes to your looks.
Remember, you want to ENHANCE your looks with make-up …not
cover them up!
Consider using a professional make-up artist. They
are trained to understand camera lighting and angles, and how to accentuate
your BEST features and minimize others. HOWEVER, always do a “test run” before
the wedding day!
Do a TEST RUN with hair and make-up just the way you are
going to wear it on your wedding day. Have someone take several pictures
from different angles and with different facial expressions. Then, look at
the pictures. Do you like what you see? Too much make-up or not enough? How
about the hairstyle? Too much height or not enough? If something doesn’t look
right start again and do another test run until everything looks just right.
It is important to actually TAKE pictures of yourself because it can give you a
different perspective rather than just looking in the mirror.
Make sure that you bring along a small make-up bag to
“FRESHEN UP” during the day. All you need is some translucent or pressed
powder to absorb any shine and some lipstick. If you’re outside taking
pictures, bring along some blotting paper, which works great to absorb moisture
without rubbing off your make-up.
When discussing the type of pictures to take with your
photographer, keep in mind that full-length photographs capture all the beauty
and magnificence of the wedding dress, wedding attire and beautiful scenery or
backdrops. Close-up or half length (above the waist) photographs better
capture facial expressions and reveal more emotions. So, it’s a good idea
to get a mix of both types of shots.
Particularly if you are taking pictures before the
ceremony, remember to RELAX in front of the camera. If you’re feeling nervous
or anxious, this can show in the camera by your facial expression, your posture
and smile.
On your wedding day, you're going to be in front of the
camera and you're going to be smiling! A lot of smiling. Too much smiling. Take
a break every so often and change your expression and move/exercise the muscles
around your mouth. If you don't, your facial expressions in your photographs
may look "strained".
When taking your wedding portraits, sometimes
it’s better to choose a "SIMPLE" background (with nice, soft
lighting) rather than an elaborate one. A "busy looking"
backdrop or sometimes a floral garden landscape can take away from the picture
and distract from the focal point - which is the bride and groom. The location
you select should also have plenty of open shade. Bright sunny areas will cause
you and your family to squint!
When
your photographer is taking candid pictures during the reception, DON’T look at
the camera! The beauty of a candid shot is capturing the magic and emotion of a
particular moment when people in the photograph are interacting with each
other.