A Celebrity-Approved Guide to Clicking the Best Pictures

Tip 1: Make sure to catch the golden hour ☀️

26 August, 2021
A Celebrity-Approved Guide to Clicking the Best Pictures

You'd be lying if you said that you've never gawked at a celebrity image, wondering just how perfectly captured a shot it is—the right angle, the right lighting, and (obviously) the right photographer. While it's a fact that stars most often hire professionals to click their shots, they do seem to do a more-than-decent job when clicking selfies as well. And, when we attempt to mimic these picture-perfect portraits (tbh, we all do), we likely end up looking like a *wannabe social media influencer*. 

But let us tell you, it's no rocket science. Celebrities have a few easy tricks up their sleeve that would be a BIG help when trying to capture an Insta-worthy picture. Let us break it down for you:

 

It's All About the Lighting

 

 

It's no news that lighting matters (probably the most) when taking a photograph. Since natural light works best—as compared to artificial sources of light such as a ring light—find a spot that is bright enough, not too much, not too little. Try to schedule your photoshoot between the timings 7:00 am to 11:00 am or 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm since you'd have the ideal amount of light you'd need. 

 

Ace the Aesthetics

 

 

Another important factor that decides the nature of your photographs is the aesthetic that you go for. While it may be subjective, pick an aesthetic that is tasteful and pleasing to the eye. In the above picture, Alia Bhatt not only uses the light emitted from the neon signage to brighten up her face but also opts for a retro aesthetic, owing to the pineapple signage and framed quote in the backdrop. 

 

Get the Angle Right

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by KIARA (@kiaraaliaadvani)

 

You must choose an angle that flatters the shape of your face. Since the lens of your front camera is rounded, holding it up straight might make the picture appear abnormally stretched. Hence, either hold the camera straight and angle your face slightly or opt for a top angle shot that will make your face appear leaner and more defined. You could also point your chin slightly downwards and look up at the camera. 

 

Put On a Pout, Strike a Pose

 

 

Pull out a pout when clicking a selfie (courtesy Kareena Kapoor Khan, all day erryday). Life's too short to frown—or hold a serious, straight face—in your pictures. Next time, make sure you pose the hell out. 

 

Edit, Or Use a Filter

 

 

There's absolutely no harm in using a filter when clicking a picture (they literally exist to beautify your pictures further). Besides, if you choose not to—cause you want to flaunt your blemishes, or whatever—there's always scope for post-picture editing! Play with the brightness levels, contrast, saturation, and shadows to highlight your best features and put them in the spotlight. 

 

Wear Your Hair Differently 

 

 

It's the same you, same face, same look. But, apart from your outfits, there's another thing you can change each time—your hairstyle. Play around with your hair and sport a side-parting, a fishtail braid, a messy bun, a wob (wavy bob), or a ponytail look every time. Keep it cool, chic, and fresh!

 

Take Note of Your Surroundings

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif)

 

While you obviously want your audience to focus on YOU, their senses will inevitably take in your backdrop as well. Therefore, click a picture in a sunny, lush green garden, a well-decorated living room, or a beachy, nature-inspired spot. The trick is to blend in with your environment while making sure that you stand out. 

 

Balance Your Backlight

 

 

Professional photographers often use backlight—positioning the main light source for a photograph behind the primary subject—to add depth into an image. However, this skilled technique often poses to be a tricky one to get right. When not used properly, backlighting can present unique challenges for the exposure and composition of the picture. 

 

Capitalise on the Golden Hour

 

 

Catch the golden hour—the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset, during which daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky. It's undoubtedly THE BEST time to click sun-kissed selfies. Take a cue from Mira Kapoor!

Comment