Be a Cover Girl During Your Portrait Session

Has the thought of posing for a cover girl shot ever crossed your mind? And then, be honest, did you quickly dismiss the idea because you thought that would mean a full on glamour session and that was just too intimidating? Well, if an entire glamour or fashion photo session is too unnerving for you, but you’d still love a couple of photos in that genre, you’re in luck! A glamourous cover girl photo is possible to achieve during a regular outdoor portrait session. You see, the truth is, outdoor portrait shoots can be unpredictable. For example, the sun is hidden, blazing, or on it’s way down. Rain may or may not be in the forecast, and clouds may be ominously circling your location. Then there’s the wind! The wind can come from the north or the south or the southeast, etc. It’s velocity can vary–from a light breeze to a wind full of gusto that literally propels you forward. A photographer works with all these variables to keep your session moving and to get the best shots no matter the sun, the clouds, the rain, or the wind.

One of those elements, though, the wind, creates the possibility for a different kind of photo. That unpredictable wind is the key to getting you a cover girl shot. So, if you can welcome the wind during your portrait session, you can have that model-like image of yourself. Today, I’m giving you a few suggestions to help you respond strategically to this welcomed windy opportunity.

#1. Release Your Expectations About Your Hair

Our hair–its style, its cut, and its color–is so important. It’s so important, in fact, that it’s worth immortalizing–in photographs. I wrote a blog post about that idea– You Have a Great Hairstyle, So Book a Portrait Session! In that post I discuss the truth about great hairstyles. Honestly, they are elusive when you think about it. First, they’re never the same twice, for various reasons. So, when you have a really good one–you simply must document it. Second, the color and thickness of our hair changes over time.  That fact effects how you can style it as well as it’s overall look. Therefore, I reiterate something I say all the time–sitting for regular photos of yourself is essential. Highlighting that beauty on top of your head is just one of the reasons to do so.

With all that said about how important our hair is, if you want that cover girl shot, you’ve gotta have a different mindset about it. Now, I know that getting your hair just right for a portrait session is a lot of work. I’ve been there too. But, if the wind intervenes, you must see it as fortuitous. Even if you’ve worked extra hard styling it for the session, don’t worry about the wind mussing it. Go with it. Release your expectations about your hair. Let the wind assist you and just keep posing.

#2. Keep Looking at Your Photographer

It’s natural to want to stop posing and fix your hair when the wind is blowing it out of place. We all do that. But, if you’d like to walk away with a photo worthy of the cover of a fashion magazine, you’ve gotta resist the urge. No matter how many directions your hair is blowing, resist the urge to turn away and adjust your hair. Maintain the cued posture and just keep looking at your photographer. She’ll know what to do!

#3. Smile, Smile, Smile!

Following this tip is an absolute must. I guarantee you won’t get that cover girl photo if you look confused, angry, or frustrated. Those are definitely not the emotions you want to communicate for a cover girl photo. Confident, joyous, relaxed, and playful are the ones that convey fashion model. So, whether you feel like doing it or not, when that wind is blowing your hair this way and that, smile! And if you’re having trouble smiling because you’ve never contended with the wind this way, and maybe you’re a just a little bit pissed–laugh! Laugh because you feel ridiculous. Or laugh because your photographer is ridiculous for thinking this could work! Just find a reason to laugh–you’ll look great doing it.

Final Thoughts on this Pose

Keep these tips in mind if you find yourself fighting against the wind when you’re getting your picture taken. Let your hair be. Laugh because you feel like the wind is your foe, but yet I’m telling you that it’s your friend. And, keep your eyes looking in the direction your photographer suggests, throughout your portrait session! Following these three tips puts that cover girl shot within your reach. I hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results!

Happy posing, Cover Girl!