Prince William and Kate Middleton released their official engagement photos, and their modern yet traditional approach offer tips for couples around the world looking to take a picture that will represent their newly engaged state. You don't have to enlist the help of a royal photographer in order to get a great picture. Here are a few tips on snapping a photo that will reflect your personality.
Hire a Photographer You Trust
Prince William hired Mario Testino to take the royal engagement photo because he had worked with Testino before and trusted him. Testino had taken pictures of both his brother and father in the past, and was known to capture the light-hearted moments of an event while still allowing the historical importance to come through.
For example, in the royal engagement photo, Prince William and his bride-to-bride offer a slightly less traditional photo showing the couple close up and embracing, while still showing the royal engagement ring. The genuine, almost laughing smiles help convey the couple's personality. However, the couple is not entirely dressed down, and still present a professional image worthy of the future king of England.
Take a Variety of Photos to Reflect Your Mood
Prince William and Kate Middleton chose to release both a formal and a more casual picture. The formal photo can easily be included in other historical engagement photos, while the casual photo reflects their youth and modern outlook. In choosing your own photos, opt for a variety of settings and outfits. See how each makes you feel and be prepared to offer a variety of poses before stopping to look at the results.
Get Your Hair and Makeup Professionally Done
While Kate Middleton chose to do her own makeup for the royal engagement photo, she went with a hairstylist she has worked with many times before. A stylist from the Richard Ward salon was on hand to make sure her hair was picture perfect for each click of the camera. You don't want the perfect smile in a photo to be ruined by a hairstyle that is too stiff or formal.
You want a photo that shows off your best qualities, and a professional makeup artist can do that without making you look "too done up." Getting your hair and makeup professionally done might seem like an extravagance, but if you consider that your engagement photo is often one of the most important in your life next to your wedding photo, the cost is well worth it.
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
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