This must be the most common thing I hear whenever I interact with my clients. Whether it's just for a simple passport picture or at the beginning of a photo session. I know you've taken many pictures and you thought you looked weird....it can be awkward and even cause anxiety. Well here are a few pointers that I think would help ease your time at a studio or even in front of a camera. This WILL definitely improve your selfie game.
ANXIETY
We all get quimish when we get to the studio or find yourself at a family gathering, wedding, corporate function etc. The voice in your head is like 'oh gosh....how will I look? How do I stand? Nitakaa aje? Here are some tips that have worked for me over the years: It's as easy as 1,2,3.....
1. Close your eyes just for a minute.
2. Breathe in and exhale slowly, loosen your shoulders to drop down and you exhale.
3. Think of something that makes you happy, you puppy, kitten, your mum, your bae, anything and voila! Before you know it, a natural smile and relaxed face will be captured. It's that easy imagine!
SAY CHEESE!
Growing up my dad had a Nikon camera with which he would, at every chance, take a picture of my sisters and I. He would set us up and tell us, 'Say cheeeeeeeeeese!!!!' and we'd say at the top of our lungs 'CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE!'
Some of the pictures were goofy, with some being captured at the 'CH' sound others with exaggerated 'EEEEEEE' others at 'ZZZZ' others are already do with the word. Let's not even talk about 'GUASHEEEE' Lol.
I discovered an old hollywood secret that has been used for decades. Those who remember Julie Roberts from my all time favourite movie 'Mary Poppins' and 'The Sound of Music' remember her beautiful smile on the movie posters. She was so poised and her smile was just beautiful. You won't believe it.....I was quite amused when I found out.
Drum roll.......
She said 'Don't say cheese, drop your jaw slightly and say MONEY.
Crazy isn't it? Go right now in front of the mirror and try it it really works. I also think the idea of money brings some happiness to you. As the wahengas say 'Pesa ni sabuni ya roho'.
CHILLAX
Sometimes when at a session, especially if you have had a tough day preparing for a shoot, or your part of the steering committee for a wedding or meeting. If someone was to put you in front of a camera all the 'makasiriko' of the day would just show on your face then the photographer say 'Say Cheeeeese.' You are captured with you eyes rolling, yet you didn't mean to ruin the picture.
Here's your game plan. First follow the instructions as stated above and try to distract your mind from the caterer who came late and the food was stale. Think about a song that make you feel happy or engage with the people you are taking a picture with. That should improve your mood for a minute. Then say MONEEEEEEY !!!!
MOTOR BOAT
Those who know me, know I love to sing, and every year I volunteer for a Breast Cancer Charity known as Twakutukuza. We collect money from the show we put up to help the less fortunate in our society. One of the exercises our choir mistress asks us to do as we warm up, is to blow through our closed lips and make the sound of a motor boat. This immediately brings everyone's guard down and we all break out in laughter. Not sure if it's because one feels silly or the sound but that seems to get everyone in a good mood and once that happens it's not so hard to smile and say MONEEEEEEEEY!
L.O.L
The one what really works for me is giggling. I'm always ready for a laugh, I enjoy good chuckle and that always prepares my face for a great smile to say MONEEEEEEEEY!
Na kwa hayo machache, I hope I have given you some tips that will be helpful in the coming family gatherings or get togethers.
X.O.X.O
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