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.
