Top 10 Tips On How To Look Amazing In Pictures

Here is my definitive advice to all of you wanting to get amazing images every time no matter what. It’s all about angles and lighting. Here I will share with you a my top tips.

This will help you when you need a go to quick fire list to remind you. I have been a photographer for many years and grew up in a house with a darkroom and studio. My father was a photographer and artist. My mother was a model, so you can see where I get the passion for fashion, style and photography from.

Along with my main job as session nail technician, its all about creating amazing images. My desire to write for you guys comes from a need to help others. Be it beauty advice, great recipes or fashion and style inspiration. Its also a little photography outlet for myself and my husband. All the articles I write need pictures and what better way to get creative than set up little shoots for each and every one!

How To Look Good In Pictures

Top tips on how to look amazing in pictures.

 

  1. 1. Wear clothing that you feel amazing in. If you know your going out and having tons of pictures taken throughout the day or night its important to feel good from various angles. If you hate your upper arms then wear a dress that hides the tops of the arms. You will instantly feel more confident. Or failing that dash out and purchase MAC Face & Body. Most makeup artists I work with use this for runway shows, magazine shoots and editorials. I own a fair few bottles in different shades and its my best buddy if my arms are looking a little blotchy or pasty. Our secret ok!
  2. Invest in the best underwear. Tight and ill-fitting garments just look terrible, especially if shot from behind. Purchase t-shirt bras and seam free pants. Nude is always best in my book. Yes I do own rather a lot of Bridget style pants and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
  3. Don’t use a flash. Natural lighting is always best. I totally hate flash photography when done the wrong way. It can make makeup and clothing look terrible, whats worse.. when food is involved. Don’t do it…Whenever I ever see that dreaded flash go off snapping a beautiful plate of food I die inside just a little every time!! Turn it off and see how it looks. Yes I know there are times when your in a dark restaurant…Then that is telling you its not appropriate. If you really need to snap your food, then go out mid afternoon!
  4. Cloudy days are actually perfect for portrait photography as the sky has a natural light diffuser.
  5. Always turn to your side as this will create a softer prettier look for us girlies. If you need to lift an arm and place it on a hip do so.
  6. Use sunglasses, bags or a hat if you don’t know what to do with your hands.
  7. Practice posing in the mirror. It sounds narcissistic but it will help you the more that you do it.
  8. Always wear heels as this will create confidence.
  9. If you are having your picture taken from the front tuck your arms into your sides as this will create a longer leaner frame.
  10. Lastly Smile. Even if your not looking at the camera. You might look a little crazy but when the images come through you will look radiant and stunning.

Luxurious Lace

Heading out for an evenings fun at Somerset House to see Jessie J. When the weather’s this good, all thats needed is a bright colourful number. A real head turner and conversation starter. We have been so lucky with the weather recently and we have been drenched in heady sunshine, the evenings are perfect for little dresses and special one off looking garments.

One of my favourite brands is Closet Clothing London and I was invited along to their London showroom to pick out a few items for events coming up. This stunner leapt out at me for this particular evening. I can’t tell you how many compliments that I received. Luxurious Lace-Luxurious Lace- Luxurious Lace- Luxurious Lace-Luxurious Lace-Luxurious Lace- Luxurious Lace-

Luxurious Lace Outfit Details

Little black dress & shoes from Asos, Jimmy Choo bag, Chanel Necklace, Apple Watch & Lace duster coat (co) Closet Clothing London

Chi Chi London – Anisha

The sun is out and when that happens its time for strapless little numbers. Weekends aren’t about throwing on those jeans and an old T shirt, but to dress in beautiful clothing. Keep the casual items for rainy, sad looking days when all you want to do is hide away from the entire world. When the sun is drenching us in its sparkles I say a girl needs to dress accordingly. I love nothing more than putting on my heels, a cute dress and head out for cocktails. To while away a few hours people watching or wandering around London grabbing the odd coffee here and there. On this particular day we decided to head towards Holborn. It holds many memories for us as this was the place where we lived when I upped sticks and moved in to London to be with him. Almost 15 years ago. Time has flown by but it still is as beautiful at the weekend as I remember. Its very quiet and chiled unlike the West end. We shot this Chi Chi London – Anisha dress needing a beautiful city backdrop. I think it does it justice don’t you think!

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Chi Chi London – Anisha Outfit Details

Zara heels (old) Russell & Bromley bag, J Crew necklace, Apple Watch, Shellac Nails in Dark Lava & Dress (co) Chi Chi London 

I styled this outfit with a vivid bag to make the blue and white tones in the dress come alive. Id delightfully swishy and extremely flattering. Perfect for pear shaped girls, as it will show off those tiny waists. Its also great if like me your a little straight up and down. It creates curves in all the right places. If you are a little self conscious about those arms ladies add a wrap or contrasting cropped cardigan. This dress would look amazing worn with heels or even flip-flops. Perfect for Summer afternoons spent sipping tea on the terrace too.

HEMYCA

We attended an amazing fashion launch a few days ago in the heart of London. HEMYCA is a luxury womenswear label, launched by designers Helen Clinch and Myra Nigris.

The girls met whilst studying at the London College of Fashion. With a vast passion for fashion and devotion for ultimate luxury and design they launched Hemyca. The Designs are all works of art and they will have you desperate to own the entire new collection. Even the calico toiles where simply stunning and very wearable. The company recently held a pop up event and we nipped along to snap alway at the latest collections launch.

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The designers are so talented, both are really lovely and the entire company where some of the nicest people we have met in a long time. They all ooze passion for style and grace. Each item we pondered on left a mark on my heart. We excitedly chatted about a fashion shoot and I for one have my little eye on one very stunning strapless numbers for an event coming up soon.

Hemyca’s range is for all ages and would look just fantastic on anyone in their late teens to a more mature lady. The cut of the pieces are so well thought out. It had my brain working overtime, back to my early fashion design technology and pattern cutting days! Precise, pretty and perfect are the only words to describe this incredible luxurious new line.

 

At the event we drank white wine, raspberry cocktails and ate loaded crab buns. All in all a very delicious evening filled with fine food a fashion. Check out their website here for more details.

For any enquiries regarding specific items or purchase info, please call us at our Studio. HEMYCA STUDIO, 193b Whitechapel Road. E1 1DN, London email: STUDIO@HEMYCA.COM  or Call +44 (0) 207 655 4950

Top Ten eBay Tips

As you all will know I’m a fashion and style loving lass. When I need to save a few pennies for beauty products or a new camera my go to place is eBay. You can literally find a real hidden gem every day of you know how to search properly. Most of my friends call me the eBay Queen.

I will share with you my top ten eBay tips so you too can look stylish on a measly budget. Whether you missed out on that perfect little summer dress that sold out in a flash or just a tasty bargain waiting to be snapped up. These tips will help you look stylish and turn heads. Enable you to be a little individual but most importantly save you a packet!

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1. Get the app on your smart phone. This way you will be able to look for things 24/7 if you so please.
2. Search for specific things or things that pop into your head. Or items you might have missed out on even years gone by. Like “Wit & Wisdom pink dress” I did this for a few months after longing to find one I didn’t purchase 15 years ago and it popped up for £3.50!
3. Be prepared to wait….ref to No2!
4. Haggle and contact sellers to see if they will take items out of auction. You might be surprised how many just want to get rid of unwanted items.
5. Set a budget each month and stick to it.
6. Watch items all the time as your iPhone or smartphone will let you know when they are coming to an end.
7. Refine settings, like price. Type in max price £1.00. Free postage or distance to you.
8. This brings me to the next tip, avoid overseas sellers that use descriptions like “May look different to image due to lighting” as you won’t end up with what you see!
9. This next tip is one my buddy Claire told me…Type in wrongly spelt terms like “Soze 8” as you will be amazed at how many items are listed spelt incorrectly!
10. Have fun with it. But don’t get too carried away!

Top 10 eBay Tips-5

I hope these little tips help you get a budget wardrobe just like mine!

Johnnie Walker Red Label Takes It To The Wax…

Key visual CompressedTASTY ‘TACHE FOR THOSE IN THE MO…

– Whisky experts unveil the first ever moustache wax that enhances the flavour of your drink –

On 7th July 2015, Johnnie Walker® Red Label – the world’s most iconic whisky released an innovative range of moustache waxes in three bold flavours.

Designed to specifically compliment the Johnnie and Ginger serve – a fiery blend of Johnnie Walker Red Label whisky, ginger ale and a wedge of lime – The Boldest Wax collection has been expertly mixed by hand using 100% natural beeswax.

Connoisseurs will be able to choose from three bold blends – Piperine Pepper, Citrus Essence or Ginger Root – which not only provide scents that linger beneath the nostrils, but equally intensifies the flavour of the serve with every sip.

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Mixologist Rich Woods, Head of Cocktail and Spirit Development at Duck & Waffle and Sushi Samba, says:

The citrus wax delivers real energy, and the flavours work together to give the drink a boost that really lifts a Johnnie & Ginger. This stands in contrast to the Piperine Pepper, which subtly brings out the more sophisticated fruit and caramel aromas in the drink. Finally there’s the Ginger Root, which delivers an immediate kick – and is definitely one for those who prefer a more fiery experience.

The collaboration is in response to the growing ‘mo’ trend – no longer just adorned as a mischievous motif in November – with facial hair now gracing the faces of the boldest fashion-conscious men all year round.

Oscar Ocaña, JOHNNIE WALKER Brand Director said:

“The Boldest Wax is designed to specifically enhance the flavour of a Johnnie & Ginger, and give men the chance to maintain their style on the go. John Walker was a proud moustache wearer himself – and as someone who could appreciate a classic when combined with something bold and new – we’re sure he’d have sniffed out a moustache wax that enhances the flavour of a Johnnie & Ginger as a great idea.”

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Head Barber Chris Ward, from Huckle the Barber adds:

“In the last few years the number of men who request that I leave their ‘tash when shaving them has grown massively. The Boldest Wax is a great accessory for them – they’ll love how it enhances the flavour of a Johnnie & Ginger in a really unique way – and also that they can keep control of their style on the go, so they can keep looking bold all night long.”

The pocket-size wax collection was six months in the making and is now available exclusively through East London grooming hotspot Huckle The Barber (hucklethebarber.com) priced at £7.99 each (or the set of three for £20) until stocks last.

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John Walker, the man himself, has a history with ginger mixers.

Brewing equipment and several barrels were found in his distillery, showing the hallmarks of that pioneering spirit for which he’s famous.

But as a man always looking forward, he’d see no justice in leaving the legacy of Johnnie & Ginger there.

A ‘Johnnie & Ginger grooming experience’ (wet shave, or facial hair grooming, and one pot of The Boldest Wax) is £35, and is available in store at Huckle the Barbers until 2nd August 2015.

 

Henley Royal Regatta 2015

Henley Royal Regatta is one event we look forward to each year with much excitement. Henley Regatta is a huge highlight if you love fashion and style like us. Planning what to wear is one of the main things on most ladies lips. Do you wear a hat? What length dress is acceptable. Well read on if you need a little insight!

If you are attending the event and don’t have a ticket for any enclosures then the dress code is whatever you like. Its free entry to Henley but some bars along the river bank will charge for you entry to get in. From £10-£50. Like The Mahiki Bar that will have various charges the later into the evening you go. It can become a rather expensive day out so be prepared to save those pennies if your planning on partying a little harder!

When in the stewards enclosure the dress code is smart, but ladies those dresses can be above the knee if you like. Unlike the Royal enclosure that has a very strict dress code. Below the knee dresses for the ladies, no trousers or jumpsuits and most certainly wear a hat. Gentlemen hats are an option…No shorts or denim and good breading depicts blazers.

Thousands of vivacious and stunning visitors plan their wardrobes in advance for this 5 day event. For us its the main reason to go, aside from the fizz and the rowing! Also catching up with good friends from all over the world.

As you may already know myself and my photographer husband like to portray any event in a more visual way. So here are a few snaps of the Saturday when we attended. Henley Royal Regatta 2015-2 Henley Royal Regatta 2015-2 Henley Royal Regatta 2015-2 Henley Royal Regatta 2015-2 Henley Royal Regatta 2015-2 Henley Royal Regatta 2015-2 Henley Royal Regatta 2015-5 Henley Royal Regatta 2015-2If you are planning an event and need photography services nip over to www.2boxes.co.uk We can help you with everything you may need. Now back to the fashion scene we snapped.Henley Royal Regatta 2015-11 Henley Royal Regatta 2015-12 Henley Royal Regatta 2015-2 Henley Royal Regatta 2015-2

This lady created this stunning hat herself!

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We had the most incredible day and if you want to see more from our day just nip over to slbstyle.com in a few days time to see the fun we had! Henley Royal Regatta 2015-2

The 100 Most Iconic Wedding Dresses

Just in time for wedding season, vashi.com have put together the 100 most iconic wedding dresses of all time. Sigh, we love them all.

the100mosticonicweddingdressesofalltime

 

 

If you are getting married then get your hands on a copy of The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity. It has great advice on planning your perfect wedding and is written by our editor, Catherine Balavage. It is also available in Ebook format and is a great guide for wedding planning.