{create} people photography tips

Happy Wednesday friends! I have really missed this space and all of you! But I'll be back Friday to show you what's been talking up all my time outside of work. :) Today, though, I wanted to share about a fun little event  I went to a couple weeks ago. 

Portland has a group called Portland Bloggers, which exists solely to connect Portland area bloggers through meet ups. So great, right? I've been wanting to go to one of their events for quite awhile and last month they had an event that seemed perfect - it was called 'Strike a Pose.' They brought in a team of local professional photographers, stylists and makeup artists and for just $10 (I KNOW), everyone attending had mini portrait session.

I was teamed up with Ali of Murray Photography and Portraits by Ali and, friends, she was fantastic! If you're in Oregon I cannot recommend her enough - she was so sweet and easy to work with (which is great because it turns out that I'm super awkward at posing for photos!) and I LOVE the photos she took! I am so excited to update all my social media accounts with a fun new professional photo.

Best of all though, and the reason I'm even writing this post (besides to give her props!) is Ali shared a few pointers for taking self portraits that I think could actually be applied to any photos you are taking of people. Friends, be prepared to take your vacation and kiddo photos up a notch.

1. If you're planning on taking self-portraits, invest in a mini tripod. Bonus, you can take them on vacation. This is great if no one is around to take your photo and you don't want to do the arm-reach-around technique. You know what I'm talking about!

2. Make sure the camera is slightly above eye level. The angle is more flattering. To look even thinner, keep your chin down. <-------- This. This paid for the session. Chris is so tall and always has a weird chin in photos. Because I'm shorter than him! Brilliant!

3. You do not always have to look at the photo. Laugh, look over your shoulder, jump, but mostly just have fun. I think this is so true for any people photos - action shots are great and seem so much more "real" than just posing and staring straight at the photo.

4. Avoid taking photos outside in bright overhead sunlight. Facing soft natural light creates the most beautiful images and prevents harsh shadows.

Great tips, right? Thanks, Ali! :)

Want to see one more photo from the session? :)

Friends, have you ever had professional photos taken of just you? This is not something I'd ever think about doing, but I'm so glad Portland Bloggers thought of it! It was such a fun afternoon. And, do you have any pointers for taking photos of people? If so, please share in the comments!