I’m a huge fan of iPhoneography. And selfies. And Instagram. Seriously, I live to snap. But there’s something super special about having your portait taken by a professional photographer. And having your hair and makeup done professionally too. Which was why when I got the opportunity to participate in a Portrait Couture session with Simona Janek of gm photographics, I jumped at the chance. I just got the images back — and I’m oh-so-breathlessly happy with them! I just couldn’t wait to share. We shot four different “looks” (there are more pics to come) and strangely enough, my favourite series of images is the one where Simona and I allowed ourselves a bit more freedom in the brief and what the finished product would look like.
I had simply said “I want it to be more free” and sent her one of my favourite Pinterest boards, Daydreams & Whimsy, as inspiration. Simona was incredible in getting me to move: at times I almost felt like I was dancing, at others I felt like a mime, and at yet others I felt quite awkward. I know myself when I’m trying to get a decent shot for Instagram or twitter, I can take loads before I get a good one, so the fact that Simona did all this with me (read: totally awkward and definitely-not-a-model) was even more impressive.
During the shoot, I became hyper-aware of my body, the way I was standing and what I was doing with my face. I’m certain that I had my directions backwards for almost the entire session, since Simona kept using the phrase “your other left”, but we got there in the end. I am so happy with the finished product, it’s wonderful to have actual prints in my hands for a change… and I picked up a few little tricks for posing for the camera too!
* Relax your face by smiling softly, or by blowing some air out through your lips
* Keep your body at an angle to the camera and put your weight on your back foot to slim down your hips
* Hold your head level, then drop your chin and push it forward. It’s a bit like impersonating a turtle, but it enlogates the neck and gets rid of a potential double chin
* If you’re sitting, scoot forwards on the chair a bit to make your legs look longer
* The good old hand on the hip is a favourite for a reason: it draws the eye towards your waist, ultimately stretching you out.
Wearing: White Dress – Thrifted, Floral Garland – by Adrienne, Nails – Face of Australia Pro Colour Nail Enamel in Cool Cotton.
For more info, or to book your beautiful selves into a Portrait Couture session of your very own, check out the Portrait Couture website. I highly recommend it, it’s a wonderful treat, perfect for a gift, or a “just because” reason to spoil yourself.
Happy Friday all, I hope you have an amazing weekend!
Love,
Rosie xox
All images are property/courtesy of gm photographics – Portrait Couture.
I was a makeup model for a makeup artist a couple months ago. We had a professional photographer and I looked so uncomfortable in the photos hahaha. The only decent photos were the ones with my eyes closed showing off the eyeshadow! I am definitely not model material/photogenic either
Hahaha ohhh Jasmine, I feel your pain! I was honestly such a spaz during this session, I was so pleased with the job that Simona did. The finished product was really beautiful. I’d love to see your photos!! Are they up anywhere??
Wow!! Goregous!!
Aww thank you lovely! I was surprised how lovely the finished product was, considering how awkward I felt during the session. The last few shots are the best, I think that’s when I started to relax a bit! xx
YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL ROSIE! this was an amazing post! xx
Reese! You’re far too kind xxx But I’ll take the compliment, thank you
It makes me feel all floaty and loved xxx
You look like an angel! Honestly, you are stunning lovely. M x
Thank you Melinda, you’re so sweet to say so! This is definitely my favourite set of photos. Nice and dreamy. I love the wreath I have on my head, it made me feel like a boho princess
you look stunning rosemary! i seriously love your eyes, you should be so happy and proud of these pictures, ones to show your potential grandbabies one day “see here your granny was a smokin hot boho babe back in the day!” your eye make up is flawless as usual, and the flower garland, oh me oh my… purple is definatley one of your colors
love your face
Hahahah I can’t wait to show these shots to my grandkids one day!! I bet they’ll be blown away at my boho-princess look
Thank you so much for my beautiful garland. It’s honestly my favourite thing that anyone has ever made for me. It’s very special. Just like YOU!! And I love your face too. You gorgeous thing xxxx
YOU GORGEOUS LITTLE ONE!!!
Love the whole shoot – the dress, the floral head band and you of course!! <3
Aww thanks Adeline! I love the outfit, it made me feel like I should be running through a field of flowers and dancing in the sunshine. I think in my head that’s what I was doing
Thanks beautifulx
You look absolutely lovely, thanks for sharing your experience!
Thank you lovely! It was my pleasure. I had such a wonderful time, it was a great experience so I am so happy to be able to share it xxx
The photos are beautiful! You are one gorgeous lady! And now that we know your tricks I swear I can see you blowing air out of your lips in the last photo
Hee hee!! I knew someone would see that
Simona was so good at teaching me some of her best tricks, I bet my selfies take on a whole different level of posing now! Hahah! xxx
Holy smokin’, jesus christ. you are are beauty!!! You look amazing!!!! *WOW*
And “holy smokin, jesus christ” right back at you Ally! You’re my idol when it comes to amazing photos. You ALWAYS look incredible. I just kept thinking “make Ally proud!” Thanks so much beautiful girl. You’re amazing xxx
Such lovely pictures Rosemary – you look wonderful!
Oh thank you Tahira! I had such a great time with Simona, she really made me feel so comfortable. I can’t wait to share the rest of the shots