Taking great holiday pics of YOU!
You’re on your holidays….
its absolutely gorgeous, you’re relaxed and …
there’s a suitcase full of stylish holiday clothes & time is on your side
its a great time to get some good photos of yourself…
Despite all of that, we might still feel a bit awkward having our photos taken so here are a few tips which I hope you find taking pics more enjoyable!
Don’t change your itinerary but do change your expectations of when to get good photos
We go away for the sun but it’s not always out friend when it comes to getting great images. I ‘m not telling you stay home all day and avoid the sun but just manage your expectations and put more effort into creating good images of you when the sun is being a little kinder in photos.
Sunshine adds a gorgeous vibrancy to all photos but during the brightest part of the day, the harshness can wash out the colours or because the sun is so bright, you’re squinting in all your photos or they’re poorly exposed (with very dark faces and bright background).
So aim to get the best images before 11 or as as you get towards sunset.
2. You don’t have to fit everything into one image
Sometimes we try to cram everything into one image….our lovely summer dress, along with the palm trees, and the colourful doorways, along with the top of the cathedral plus the kids and their passion fruit sorbet!
Less is more!
We can now combine images, both digitally and on paper, to show the elements that matter which means you can focus on looking good in your image rather than fitting in everything.
I love this curved walkway but knew there was no way that I could capture the curve as well as me looking half decent so I separated the images - the most important thing is that this pose is more flattering than me standing smack bang in the middle of the walkway, which would also affect the look of it. And, take another look - I’m incorporating lots of tips mentioned below - I’m angled against the wall, i’m holding my hands together so they’re not “hanging” by my side & one leg is in front of the other to give some shape!
3. Bring on the energy
You might be standing still in your photos but bring energy to your body - hold yourself up and tall, don’t let your arms hang by your sides and while I’m not suggesting you go full-on insta-influencer mode, do try and add some poise - the lift of your chin, foot out at an angle, leave space between your arms & body, look away and throw in a small twist in your upper body.
All these tiny things can bring about a real change in how you look on camera. This isn’t always easy so move a little when you’re having your picture taken, it might only be shifting the weight from foot to foot or take a step forward (but don’t actually take the step).
And, snap away, go for it…take lots of photos & choose the one that looks best.
4. Change the angle
We don’t always look great when we’re standing head on to the camera - in the heat of the moment, and you’re desperate to get a pic, you forget the simple trick of standing at an angle.
Standing at 45 degrees to the camera is always flattering …and if you’re conscious of your width, then it also allows to look a little narrower. (Also, if you’re conscious of your size, grab a child - if you have your own - and let them stand half in front of you, with your hand resting on their shoulder so it looks intentional and affectionate!)
5. Don’t do the dead arm…..
Posing for a photograph becomes infinitely easier when you know what you’re doing with your hands so give them something to do…some of the following may help
hand in pockets (yes, the perfect dress helps)
hold the edge of your dress
hold your hat or those cute raffia bags in front of you
hold an ice cream or a cocktail in your hand
run your fingers through your hair
touch the brim of your hat!
First thing, there’s lots of energy in these photos!
In the first pic, Neelam’s got the angle, a hand in her pocket and a bag to boot! In the second image, you can see the twist of the upper body and that bag held in front of her, giving her hands something to do and the final image is a little more low key, but the hands and arms are busy and there is that movement there, as she flicks her hair away!
Go have fun with it - and if they don’t all work out, there’s a delete button but the fun is in the trying and great photos of yourself are wonderfully empowering!
I would absolutely love to know if you find these useful….and if you use them on your holiday! I am planning on creating a more detailed series of these so will be taking lots of photos on holiday - do drop me a line if you want to see more!