Klerksdorp Weddings Nov 2013 #1 | Page 32

A picture paints a thousand words--and on your wedding, your photos should speak volumes about the love that you and your groom have for each other. After all, when the excitement has died down and you're back from your honeymoon, you only have your wedding photo album to look back on your big day. Everyone has the same dream - to be sitting togther on a porch when you are 70 years old, paging through your wedding album. To make your photo's count, try these tips for posing to look your best in your wedding photos.

SMILE. Nothing makes a wedding photo more gorgeous than having a smiling couple as the subject. Not unless your desired look is something dramatic, don't hold back on smiling-you want your happiness to be infectious! A tip - say the letter "A" while smiling, before the shutter clicks. This will show off your teeth and shape your lips without making your smile look too stiff.

FIND YOUR BEST ANGLE. Even professional models know their tried and tested poses. Practice smiling in front of a mirror, and tilt your head in different angles to see which side of your face you should highlight in your wedding pictures. Go through your old photos as well and determine which smiles and poses work for you, then copy these during the shoot.

LET YOUR BODY DO TRICKS. Wish to make your arms look slimmer? Keep a space between your arms and your body, and create an angle without spreading out your arm too far. Stand on your toes in your shoes for extra height if you need it. Your head tited back only makes your chin and neck look wide. If you dread close-up hand-shots because of your veins, try waving your hands from side to side, like a beauty queen's wave. Do this for a good three minutes and your veins disappear!

MIND YOUR POSTURE. Remember how our moms would remind us to sit up straight? Follow her advice; having good posture will make you look taller and leaner in your wedding photos. Tuck your tummy in, keep your spine straight, push your shoulders back, and elongate your neck. Don't overdo it though; you don't want to look too "posed" with your poses - you are beautiful - let your beauty, happiness and personality shine through..

LISTEN TO YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER. Your photographer has a trained eye; s/he can find creativity in unexpected places and situations. When s/he suggests something out of the ordinary, listen to the recommendations and enjoy the moment. Wedding photos need not be stiff and formal - let go of apprehensions and take wacky photos! The main objective is for the both of you to enjoy and have a great time - make your photo's your own!

RELAX. With everything happening all at the same time, it is important to stay calm and relaxed. You wouldn't want to look like a deer in headlights on your special day; the stress will show in your wedding photos. Whatever happens, remember that very little will probaby ruin your happiness on that day!

(Photo courtesy of http://donovanroets.co.za/)(076 100 1527)