Clift Photography

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07/25/2012

Weddings by Clift Photography
www.cliftphotography.com

07/18/2012

Let's Talk About Posing (Part 3-last)
We've talked about-
1. Beware of Short Cameramen and
2. Stand Tall (& Thin)
3. Pay attention to the lighting.
4. Turn to the Right (or Left)

Final hints -

5. Avoid "Frozen Stare"
And what I find the hardest part myself when I'm getting photographed - "just relax!" So many people tense up the second a camera is pointed at them and start looking uncomfortable. We've all been there - people give someone 5 cameras so everyone has a pic... It takes the "photographer" forever with the unfamiliar cameras - and you get a "frozen stare". Don't hold the smile for multiple photos -- let it go and then start again with a fresh smile." Extra hint - look behind you while relaxing. That way they will call your attention when they're ready to snap the pic and you won't be caught unaware.

6. Smile or Don't
Just be yourself. Smile naturally, but don 't over do it -- think of something funny that will make you smile from the inside out. Or
if you are posing for a portrait and don't want to smile that's ok. Whatever mood you want to portray will show in your eyes. (I just got a lot of compliments for a picture I wasn't smiling in.) Try a full smile, half smile, slight smile, mishievous smile, etc....

7. Practice
Don't think Eva Longoria practiced that over the shoulder look? Or Posh didn't practice that forward leg, hand on hip, pi**ed off look?
One of the differences between most of us and people who pose for photos for a living, is that we don't have very much practice having our photo taken. So don't be afraid to use your bathroom mirror to practice (no one will know except for you!).

Don't think it'll make a difference? Get a friend to take a picture with a digital camera and ignore all of these rules and then take another but apply them, and see the kind of difference it makes.

07/17/2012

Let's Talk About Posing (Part 2)
Okay we covered-
1. Beware of Short Cameramen and
2. Stand Tall (& Thin)

So today's hints -

3. Pay attention to the lighting.
When light hits you from above, it creates shadows on your face, particularly under the eyes. So whether you’re inside or outdoors, try to stand behind the sun or away from overhead lights. And tilt your chin up slightly to minimize any casts. (We'll talk about the "dangers" of on-camera flash another time.)

4. Turn to the Right (or Left)
According to new research from Wake Forest University, the left side of your face is the sexiest. Why? Researchers found that our left cheeks tend to show more emotion which people think looks more attractive. Turning your face slightly to the right shows more of your left cheek in pics. But check in the mirror. If it's your right side you find irresistable - go with it.

Don't worry I'll get you all the hints before your big weekend events.

Do your homework: We all have our good and bad angles; the trick is knowing what they are. Take time to look at pictures you've been in and see what angles you look best at and try and stick with them – try and recreate them.

07/16/2012

Let's Talk About Posing. (Part 1)
Have you ever noticed how celebs always pose exactly the same in every single red carpet photo? Well it's not an accident. The most often photographed stars have figured out which stance looks best for them and they stick with it, knowing that they'll always look great. Not everyone is as photogenic as the stars on the cover of Cosmo and remember they get a lot of pre and post production help. But here's some hints to look good.

Hint #1 Beware of short cameramen.
Seriously, if the lens is below your eye level, then you’ll gain an extra chin — not hot. The lens should be at your eye level. Finally, project your chin out an inch or so more than you normally would.

Hint #2 Stand tall (and look thin).
You can totally trick the camera into making you appear taller and leaner (what belly pooch?). Here’s how: Stand up straight and turn slightly to the side so one shoulder is closer to the camera. Once you’ve hit this position, look toward the lens. And be careful with your arms. Don't make your arms look too big by allowing them to squish against your body. Hands on hips or in pockets help your upper arms appear toned.