When I chat with my girlfriends the two topics that come up the most are, how do I “know” how to pose for my pictures and what is my skincare/Botox routine?
WELL, in honor of starting LyvRoxStyle five years ago this month, I thought it would be fitting to discuss both topics. Today we’ll stick with photoshoots!
We are documenting our lives more than ever and feeling confident in a picture can make all the difference! Let’s shed some light into the prep, props and locations behind snapping a snazzy pic.
I’m breaking this topic into two sections:
1. Getting that good shot for the gram! (Individual photos)
2. Family photoshoots
Before we start, the very first step to insuring a great shot is a great photographer. I have used Laura Fulmer for ALL of the five years LyvRoxStyle has existed. It has always been a priority to me for my website to have quality visual content, because that is 50% of relaying the message I want to share with you. Depending on the occasion or event, do some research and hire a good photographer.
I do have a camera I set up on a tripod with a timer that I use for daily shots and traveling. I’ll share that info with you too later in this post!
FIRST, let me say, I am not Gigi Hadid.
BUT, I do think I have enough twirling experience to sell the shit out of some cardigans on QVC. So if anybody knows anybody at QVC or Lisa Rinna, tell them to HOLLA at me!!
Also, I spent my entire life in dance starting at age 2 through college.
That is a TON of years of staring at myself in a mirror and memorizing how my body looks at every angle. I realize we don’t all have time for that, I get it! My point is get to know your body, your body type, what you like and don’t like.
Stand in front of the mirror and memorize what positions you think are flattering. Muscle memory ladies and possibly gents! I can already hear some of you, “UGHHH Lyv, I don’t want to do that!!!”. Ok fine, drink two glasses of wine then do it again. Do you have a favorite side?
Get to know your posture.
Are you naturally slumping over in pictures? If so, straight it up sweetie!! If your back is hurting, that means it looks good. Also, are you happy to be here? You gotta smile and smile like you mean it! The camera does not lie.
As I have said many times before, my body is naturally straight up and down.
Not many curves ahead! Often times I have to create the illusion of curves with my poses. Here I brought one leg forward and naturally have my arms draped on the chairs to create more of an hourglass shape.
When you stand in front of the mirror shift your weight around, do you like a leg forward? What do you like best? Memorize what makes you feel great!
I have a tendency to sit with my neck super forward, kind of like a turtle. So when I prep to take a photo anytime I have to make it a point to push my head back, so my neck is in line with my shoulders and bring my chin down.
Be careful not to try too hard because you end up looking constipated as shown here.
Pick beautiful backgrounds, but don’t compete with the background.
I purposely added too many accessories here to illustrate the example, HOWEVER I have done it before without trying.
Like this…
This picture is SO busy!!! If I had taken off the blazer it would’ve been ok, but my ass was too busy voguing to notice.
Take inventory of yourself and your surroundings.
Don’t chew gum.
Don’t be afraid to use props!
-flowers
-a cup of coffee
-a newspaper or magazine
-your handbag
Sometimes I still don’t know what to do with my hands. Using a prop really takes the pressure off nailing a pose in individual shots.
Notice here I kicked one leg across the front to give a little drama and style.
Create movement!!
My favorite shots are typically action shots.
Use natural lighting to your advantage!!
Natural lighting is your best friend!!! This was shot in my foyer. To my right side (the bare shoulder) is my front door and when we opened it the light just gushed through and granted me ALL the forgiveness on my face.
Even if you’re just taking a selfie go stand in front of a window and notice what a difference it creates!
These are pictures I have taken myself with my camera set up on a tripod with a timer. If you look close you’ll see I have my phone in my hand for all of them. I use the Sony RX100 VI. One of my favorite things about this camera is it is synced to my phone. Meaning, when I look at my phone I can see what is in the camera frame and then I click my phone and it snaps the picture from my phone. I like to use our dining room as a backdrop because of the black grasscloth wallpaper. And believe me, for each of these pictures I had to take 100 to get one I liked.
The camera is a little pricey, but for the amount of traveling we do I was certain I would get our monies worth in the long run. There are great cameras at every price point!
Now, family pictures.
This was a Christmas card picture we did a few years back. I knew we would be sitting on this stone so we all kept our colors pretty neutral. Actually, looking at it now I should’ve taken that damn necklace off because it doesn’t really mesh with the general color scheme we have going on.
Getting the dogs to cooperate was the hardest part. Be prepared to bribe your family when it comes to group shots. Bring chicfila for your kids, beer for your husband and dog treats for whoever needs them. Maybe put one in the beer. I won’t tell.
Check football schedules and don’t schedule a shoot on your mans gameday! Because that anger will translate straight into the shot all day errrryday.
There is NO ONE who does a Christmas card like Laura!
They have got this down to a science and I freaking LOVE it!!! We don’t have to be so serious in our group shots.
Please enjoy more of her family Christmas shots below.
How freaking funny is this?!
Obviously they had some photoshop involved, but the possibilities are endless for creating fun content like this! Think outside the box!
It can be a fun experience for everyone. Making each other genuinely laugh is a guaranteed good shot.
Overdoing a fake laugh can be a damn mess like this.
Lawddd help us.
Maybe your Christmas card photo isn’t even taken at Christmas.
The peach blossoms bloom the most gorgeous scenery in the spring. This is my best friend Mindy and her family. Laura shot this as well.
I think this is the perfect example of letting the background do its job. Everyone has on neutral tones and is coordinated. Coordinating colors amongst the family isn’t nerdy, it creates a steady flow for the eye.
Go ahead Mindy.
Are you feeling a little more adventurous and confident in your smile?!
I hope so!!
At the end of the day, after I’ve typed all of this gibber gabber…just be yourself.
Our smile is the most powerful weapon of all. So if you aren’t sure of a pose or an angle, just smile…
Because being you ROX!
Lyv
DAILY VIBES
