Wondering how to pose and get a perfect picture every time? Well, it makes sense to look to the A-list—they practically do it for a living.
With wedding season just around the corner, we sought the advice of Shutterstock's red carpet photographer, David Fisher. He's captured everyone from Beyoncé to Sienna Miller and can see the common threads that weave through the most successful shots. Meaning not only can you bag the best wedding guest dress on the market, but can also happily pose up a storm wearing it.
So before you fear a spring of untagging, just up your photo game a little and learn how to pose. Keep reading to get the full lowdown from a red carpet pro.
What's (Generally) the Most Flattering Pose?
"The standard pose that female celebrities tend to use is one where they stand at a slight angle, one foot in front of the other and with one or both hands on their hips. This shape usually works well for the photographer," explains David. "The most important thing is standing up straight with your chin up and looking straight down the lens. I also look for the more natural walking shots that would show off the movement of the outfit being worn."
)
Which Celebrity Has the Best Posing Skills, and Why?
"Beyoncé and Tom Cruise. Beyoncé always looks amazing whenever you see her on the red carpet, and Tom always ensures that he looks at every single lens before moving, wanting everyone to get the shot … Both exude confidence and have grown up in front of a camera, so it's very natural to them."
)
Take a tip from Beyoncé—always pull your shoulders back and stand up straight.
Related: What to Wear to a Wedding: 9 Outfit Ideas That Never Fail to Look Good
Are There Any Clever Tricks for Looking Taller or Slimmer in Photos?
"The angle that the photograph is taken from is definitely a factor. I like to shoot people at eye level but by getting lower and looking up at the subject gives the impression of them being taller," says David.
"I once heard a story that a certain singer wanted to look taller and slimmer than the rest of her bandmates in their shots. The photographer selected the shots where she was slightly front of the rest of the band and that did the trick." So the memo on group shots is definitely to be "in the middle, being the centre of attention. I've seen people standing on the end of a group shot asking more people to join in and stand next to them to make them more central."
)
Shooting from a lower angle made Bella Hadid's long legs look even longer in this daring dress at Cannes last year.
What Kind of Lighting is Most Flattering?
"I mostly use a flash mounted on the camera even in daylight. It's a lot more flattering as it gets rid of the shadows that can show lines on a closeup. Sidelight for someone with big facial features isn't good, and uplighting only works for Halloween!"
)
Sienna Miller's delicate features can handle this side light. If you aren't sure, opt for a camera with a fairly bright and even flash.
What is the Most Common Mistake People Make When Having Their Picture Taken?
"People not taking direction. People see themselves differently from how everybody else sees them, so sometimes you have to be patient. You can often take 20 or 30 frames before someone starts to 'loosen up,'" explains David. So don't be afraid to keep on going to get that shot—you aren't alone.
)
Here, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore the kind of dress that benefits from being moved around in a photo. Always try to use your clothes as a prop for taking alternatives shots.
And now for the part that we know inside out—the clothes that are always photogenic. Shop some of the most flattering pieces in the gallery below.
It's the shade of red that suits everyone, you know.
Feathers or ruffles around a neckline harks back to old Hollywood glamour.
Related: I'm in My 30s, and This Is How I Shop Topshop
The V-neck cut on these shoes lengthens legs.
Satin always looks luxe in a picture.
A giant pair of brightly coloured earrings frames and lifts one's face.
Next, see our guide to the best shoes to wear with skinny jeans.