From The Straits Times    |

Every bride and groom want to look their best for pictures on their big day. Although looking good and natural should come easily, most couples tend to “freeze” in front of the camera because they’re too aware of the fact that they need to look good.

So, there’s no easy way to say this: You can keep practising your smiles in front of the mirror before the big day, but come the day, paradoxically, you’d need to forget all that. Enjoy the emotions of the day, smile brilliantly – and be your natural self.

Wedding photography advice: That perfect shot

Insider tips on how to cinch those perfect shots for your wedding album. Image: Getty Images

That said, there are some ways pros in the industry know that help your pictures look great. Bear these pointers in mind – and practise them in front of the mirror until they come naturally to you.

1. IN THE POSE
For those of us not blessed with a slim waist, here’s the trick to getting one. Straighten your upper torso and place one hand on your hip – this creates a space between the elbow and the hip, giving the illusion of an hourglass figure. Just remember not to push your shoulders back so much that your chest looks too puffed up. Now smile as if you’re not aware of posing.

Pro tip: For this pose to look more natural, don’t face the camera full on; turn your body slightly to the left or right. Also, make sure the camera isn’t too close to you or coming in from a lower angle, or you’d look a little heavier in pictures.

2. BEST FACE FORWARD
Want your face to look slim and elegant? Try sticking out your neck and chin. This “separates” the face from the neck, making the face look slimmer and the neck longer. Facing the right direction and good lighting also help.

Pro tip: Kissing shots are good because they naturally “force” you to stick out your neck and chin. But if you don’t want every shot to be a kissing one, just remember the pose and
replicate it.

3. BASK IN THE LIGHT
Many photographers say that the best times to get great pictures are between 7am and 9am, and between 4pm and 7pm. Sunlight falls at more flattering angles during these times, so you’ll look more radiant.

Pro tip: No outdoor pictures between 11am and 4pm because light falls at a harder angle during this period, creating harsh shadows which don’t do anything for your features or skin tone.

4. NO RAIN ON YOUR PARADE
Having a Plan B with your photographer is a must to prep for bad weather. In such instances, go indoors and pose near glass windows and doors – the diffused light that comes through these will give you lovely “moody” shots.

5. IN BLACK AND WHITE

For pictures that look timeless, try black and white. Sepia shots can look dated, so don’t include too many unless you’re a fan. However, having black and white shots also depends on how your photographer wants to work his choices. Some lensmen prefer to shoot in colour and do the conversion during digital processing; others may prefer to shoot in black and white film because there’s great texture to a photo. Therefore, it’s always important to look through photographers’ portfolios and use them only if you like what you see. Oh, and make sure everything is explained clearly to you.

Pro tip: Telltale signs of poor, digitally-enhanced black and white photos are washed-out areas, muddy, flat tones, and pitch-black shadows that lack the texture of real ones. Photographs shot in colour, then converted to black and white tend to lack natural tone contrast, the experts say.

Most photographers don’t think in black and white so they don’t realise that reds, blues and greens look grey in digitally-changed black and white shots. A really good photographer will prefer to “work his light” and capture black and white as it is, on film.

6. LEVEL OFF
If your husband’s a lot taller than you, one way to minimise the height difference in photos is to have him stand in the background and you in the foreground. Having the taller of the two of you sit, squat or kneel could also work. If you have outdoor shots, look out for stairs or slopes.

7. GET MOVING
Anytime you feel you’re stiffening up in front of the camera, take a five-minute time-out and do something else with your fiance to relax. Natural shots are best captured with the couple unawares, so leave your photographer to do his work while you’re relaxing.

8. A FRIEND IN DEED
Good photographs require a two-way effort. Make time to get to know your photographer during the portfolio viewing or when you’re planning shots. The rapport built helps you feel more comfortable; and he can capture the essence that is you on one of the happiest days of your life.

This article was originally published in Her World Brides March-May 2011.