Capturing a photo that stops your friends in their tracks is easy with one simple trick. . .
I have too many girlfriends who hate being in photos. I confess, I am often one of them. After sitting in a photography session at the Type A blogging conference over the weekend, three of my best bloggy friends and I were inspired to try taking new profile pictures.
The speaker suggested using window light. I personally find that scenario to be more dramatic and moody than fits my style but we gave it a try.
We took a few shots in our hotel room and this is what I captured before we headed out for dinner:
I took one look at our restaurant of choice -- a bar across from the hotel -- and begged our server to seat us at one of the windowless tables:
My friends probably thought I was a little pushy, but I insisted they take turns in the chair in front of the brick pillar for a 5 minute photo session.
At 5:00pm the sun was still in full glory with a clear blue sky. This chair was sitting in a spot where the sun was blocked by the building but the light is reflected off the light pavement. There are no harsh shadows, no direct light, and just oodles of reflection in their gorgeous eyes to give us some catchlights.
The beautiful Zina from Lasso the Moon and Jean from The Artful Parent
My girls took turns in the "hot seat" while we waited for our glasses of wine to be served. I got my settings in place and just patiently waited for the right expression.
The lovely Allison from No Time For Flashcards.
Once I captured each of them, it was my turn. I've learned that taking my own selfie with my iPhone helps me to see how open my eyes are, tilt my chin just so, and control my smile better. This is a trick I couldn't even do with a tripod and makes me love my phone even more:
I shared my new profile to my personal account on Facebook and got these comments:
"This is a STUNNING photo of you!"
"Gorgeous!"
"Luv!"
"Hey, beautiful!"
80+ likes and counting on the image and it's enough to make me blush.
Want to get a new profile pic for yourself?
The most important thing you can do is look for open shade:
Update your own profile picture with these tips:
1. Find outdoor open shade.
2. Face your body out towards the light, not in towards the building.
3. Look for a textured background, ours was a brick pillar in a bar! No need to be fancy.
4. Have a glass of wine, chill out with your friends, and smile a nice relaxed smile!
There's joy in numbers and it will shine in your eyes.
Sarah @ 2paws Designs
You rocked the tips from Lucrecer & David! The title totally had me sucked in and laughing. And I am loving the photos - the brick wall and indirect lighting were perfect.
Heidi M
Hey, Girl! Great tips here for anyone looking to take flattering photos. Some of my favorite photos have been taken with my phone. Why not? Nice post!
Sisters From Another Mister
All so pretty xxxx
Kristin Fuhrmann-Simmons
Tiffany, these are great pictures. I love the laughing and warmth in them. Did you open the aperture all the way? Would love to know the settings you used. Thanks for showing the side by side comparisons.
Tiffany Dahle
Kristin, sorry I didn't think to add that! It was as open as my lens allows. The settings were:
ISO 800, f/2.8, 1/320 shot on a 40mm lens. I was shooting close enough to my subjects that even if I could have opened up more, I'm not sure I would have. You don't want one eye blurry if their head is turned a bit.
Kristen @ Busy Kids Happy Mom
You all look GORGEOUS! These photos capture each of you perfectly!
Kim Vij
Thanks for sharing your tips Tiffany! So great to see you connect with Allison, Zina and Jean at Type A, wish I could have been there this year. The brick wall and lighting totally make each of you pop with personality!
maggy, red ted art
Great tips!!! Such lovely photos!!
And I am SOOOO JEALOUS! Wish I could have sat in that coffee bar with you!
Mariah
Great post... Amazing women!
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