Beauty Tips by Tania

Category Archives: Photography

Perfect Wedding Hair – for You, That Is

Chunny 4Decisions, decisions, decisions. Preparing for the wedding of your dreams, whether it is simple or lavish, requires so many decisions. The ones that are captured on film that you will look back on in years to come can be some of the most difficult to make. So, let’s make this one a little easier.

Several things factor into your choice of hairstyle for your wedding. First, are you planning a formal wedding in a church or do you prefer a more casual wedding on a Hawaii beach? Is your dress extravagant or simple? Starting from there and then narrowing down the hair style makes the decision easier.

The next step in the decision making process is simple: structured or unstructured. When you look back on your photos do you want to see every hair perfectly in place or do you want to be able to see the wind blowing it whether it’s across your chest or even in your face?

Once you’ve made these basic decisions, you can work with your hair stylist to design the right style for you. A trial run a month before the wedding helps to bring that perfect look more into focus. Book your trial session when you feel ready with sample hairstyles photos, veil and/or hair embellishments. See our Pinterest boards for inspiration to help you choose the perfect style.

And, above all, don’t be afraid to speak up while your hair stylist is designing on wedding day. At Beauty by Tania, we always do your bridal hairstyle in front of a mirror so that each bride can watch it evolve and make changes in a timely manner. We are there to help you and work with you to have your dream bridal hairstyle. Happy styling!

Posture Check-up!

Iris_004As soon as you read the title, you straightened up a bit, huh? Was your mother or teacher’s voice running in a recording through your brain, “Stand up straight!” “Don’t slouch!” “If you don’t stand up straight…(insert dire warning here).”

Turns out, mom was right for more reasons than one. Not only does good posture affect your health, but if you think about it, people with good posture seem to exude confidence and vitality. And, if you plan to wear a strapless wedding dress, good posture is an absolute must!

How do you know if you have good posture?

One way is to stand up against a flat wall with the back of your head and entire shoulder blade touching the wall and tuck your pelvic bone forward so the small of your back touches the wall and your heels touch the baseboard. Stand there and feel that for 2 minutes, then walk away from the wall maintaining that posture. This exercise will also strengthen your core and becomes easier as you become stronger (we recommend some good stretching as well).

It’s not easy to hold that perfect posture, but practice every day so you know instinctively what it feels like and you can turn it on for the camera on your wedding day!

Strike a Pose (Part 2)

Missed Part 1? Check it out here!

For over 20 years, Tania has taught models how to pose in front of the camera & every photo shoot requires a little practice beforehand if you want to look & feel amazing. Strike a Pose photo 1Here are some more tips on striking the perfect pose for the perfect wedding photos!

  • Keep your shoulders relaxed, down and back. If you are self-conscious about your upper arms, keep them slightly away from your body and avoid ‘smooshing’ poses.
  • Stand at a 45 degree angle, not straight on, to slim your figure. (A good photographer will be able to let you know what angle slims you the most.) Put each leg in a slightly different position and put all your weight on the back leg.
  • If your dress is shorter and your legs are showing, point your toes, bend your knees and position each leg differently. Don’t forget to shift your weight on one leg more than the other. Interestingly enough, “awkward” leg positions photograph better than the more relaxed, comfortable.
  • For a more natural look, hold your bouquet in one hand and allow the other arm to relax and your hand to be soft. If you feel your hands and arms tensing up, take a moment to shake them out and start again. A slight curve of the fingers always looks better than straight.

 

BONUS TIPS ::

Research. I know, that sounds like homework. But look through the bridal magazines and all the Internet photos of celebrities at award ceremonies & movie premiers. They are experts at posing so they look their absolute best – learn from them.

Practice in front of a mirror! Gather your bridesmaids, some snacks, a bottle of champagne and practice till you feel you look your best. Then, it will be more natural on the big day.

Strike a Pose (Part 1)

Your wedding photos are some of the most important photographs you will ever take. Let’s face it, each of us is concerned with how those photos will turn out. Your hair and makeup will be perfect, you will look Strike a Pose photo 2radiant and you want it to translate in photos.

For over 20 years, Tania has taught models how to pose in front of the camera and every photo shoot requires a little practice beforehand. Here is how you can strike the perfect poses and look your best on your wedding day!

  • Remember the basics – take a deep breath, exhale deeply, raise your chin slightly and twist your head slightly away from the camera. Then focus your eyes either a little above your natural eye line or back down at the camera.
  • Natural emotion is more beautiful than forcing your smile through compressed lips to hide your teeth. If you’re not confident with your teeth, let your photographer know – that is what post-production is for.
  • Think happy / excited / romantic / confident thoughts and it will come through in your smile. Don’t forget to smile with your eyes!
  • To soften “profile” photos, turn your face 45 degrees from the camera, rather than 90 degrees.

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week – more ways to prepare to love your wedding photos!