Tips on 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 hair style? 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! 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.