Tips to make you beautiful

Careful processing will make you look flawless, but it helps to set the right foundation

Have you ever wondered how some people look so great in photos? How does the photographer do it? What does it take to make the subject look so good.

Let's share the mystery

“The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides" Audrey Hepburn

It's easy these days, with careful processing, to make anyone look more flawless. Fine lines can be removed, skin can be made to look as smooth as a babies bottom, eyes can be given more sparkle, face and body shape can be altered.....great!

But hang on a minute - doesn't that mean the subject doesn't look the same as they really look. Well, yes, that can be the result.

Let's bring out your natural beauty

Your photoshoot should produce a result that makes you look superb in a way that still looks like you. In other words your natural beauty and good looks should shine through. Yes, you do have natural beauty - stop telling yourself you don't. The mark of a good photographer is to find that sparkle, that inner you, and bring it out. Lighting, setting, framing and mood all take part.

What can you do to help?

“Be original, show off your style, and tell your story.”

Firstly, carefully select your clothing. Colours that bring out your skin tones, your eyes and your hair. In the main it's best not to go over the top with too many colours, but certainly wear the clothes that show off your character. Next, apply good quality make up in a way that shows off your best features. Remember that make up can always be enhanced or made more extreme during processing (if that's a desired result). Finally, think about your hairstyle. This is very dependant on what you feel most comfortable with, but think about the type of photos you ideally want. Loose hair in the wind might make a very interesting shot, but not if you wanted to look perfect and neat.

Processing is great. I love it. But the less processing that's required is likely to help make the balance that makes the best of you.

Get Inspired

Have a good search for the type of photos you are hoping to obtain. Cut them out from magazines or google search the types you are wanting and print them out. This will help inspire you, and give me a good idea of what to create for you. Bring copies (printed or on your phone) of photo inspirations to the shoot. This will help us get creative with poses and glances!

Finally, be prepared to have fun. I good photoshoot should be fun and relaxed, and a good memory in itself. That way, your natural beauty will shine through.