How To Look Good in Photos

Can you hear that ticking sound in the distance? It’s usually me bombing a photo. Sometimes involuntary. Probably around the 3+ vodkas mark. I like to think of it as next-level “Smize-ing”. When you have a group of 10 absolutely stunning friends, it’s always fun to look at a group photo and be the only one bombing, and thus ruining the entire photo.

Opening your eyes: you're doing it wrong

I Heart 90's. And sleazy eyes

Is that a wink? hell no! it's a bomb!

Poor guy never even saw it coming...

Note to self: if you find yourself in a group photo situation, being visible is important

As is holding still

It can happen to anyone. We call this one "The Onion"

If, like me you have a sleaze eye that like to catch you unawares if there is a camera nearby then help is on its way…..

Erica Serena is one of Perth’s most talented wedding and portrait photographers, having fallen in love with photography in high school and over 14 years later is one of the best in the biz! We met through our first jobs when she first started out, and was naturally the best person for me to ask for advice on how to lift my photo game.


Erica’s top tips for looking good in a photo:

“If you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside! If you hate having your photo taken, you will carry that attitude with you, and it will absolutely translate in the photo. 

A carefree attitude, having fun and naturally smiling will make a world of difference in your photos. Some other things to consider to make a photo better, are to avoid taking a photo where the light is behind you. An iPhone or simple point and shoot camera will struggle with these lighting conditions. So next time you stand with a window behind you, turn the other way and have the person taking the photo stand near the window instead (but without blocking the light). The light will be much more flattering. 

No one wants a double or triple chin in a photo! There are two ways to make sure you only have one in your photos. One way, is to take the photo from a higher angle. The lower the angle, the more chins and larger you'll look. The second way, you will feel silly doing it, but I promise it works! A little disclaimer though.... it only works if your face is front on to the camera. This technique doesn't work with side shots. Ok, so try this... chin out and down. And there you have it. One chin only. You can even try just leaning into the camera a little bit and raising your chin slightly. 

I think photos with family and friends always look nicer and more relaxed when everyone is cuddling up together, so I say don't be shy! Turn slightly side on and put your weight on your back leg. This gives you a nice S curve for the ladies. Front on shots are generally the least flattering. And overall, just watch your posture. It makes a really big difference.”

And for all you gals that are planning a wedding, here are Erica’s top 4 features to look for when hiring a wedding photographer:

1. Firstly, and obviously, you need to absolutely LOVE their work! If you can feel an emotional connection to their photos which are going to be of a bunch of strangers, then that's an excellent indication that you're looking in the right place. Imagine how you're going to feel looking at your own wedding photos if you've already connected to a stranger's wedding photos?

2. Meeting in person is very important. If you love someone's work, and then you meet them, and realise you're not a good personality match, then you can forget all those beautiful photos you've seen in their folio. They won't happen. It's imperative to feel comfortable with your photographer, as it will affect your images. This is why it's best to meet with photographers as a couple. Not just the Bride.

3. You also need to be on the same page when it comes to products. Is a wedding album the most important thing to you? Aside from having amazing photos obviously! If so, then it's probably best to choose a photographer who specialises in producing these wonderful and personalised story books of your wedding day.

4. Budget. We all have budgets to work with when planning a wedding. Wedding photography is usually a good 15% + of the overall wedding budget. Of course not everyone can afford to spend thousands and thousands on wedding photography, so if you are on a tight budget, I would recommend that you choose the best photographer you can afford. Spend as much as you can on your wedding photos, because as clichéd as it sounds, these are your memories! It's the only thing (aside from your marriage and rings) that you will have to reflect on when you celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary with your kids and Grandkids.

To see more of Erica’s stunning work or to enquire about her services, check out her site www.ericaserena.com, follow her on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/EricaSerenaESP/ or Like her on Facebook www.facebook.com/EricaSerenaPhotographer .