POSES TO TRY

1. Experiment with different facial expressions. When it comes to your visage, make sure you get some variety in your shots. Have some looking directly at the camera, some looking away, some smiling and some serious. Also, try not to blink when the photos are being taken!
You don't have to stick with the feel of the scene. You are totally allowed to be frolicking sadly in a meadow -- it could lead to dynamism and a greater message.

2. Work with poses that are just the torso on up. The photographer can either cut you off at your midsection for a closer up photo, or you may have a surface in front of you blocking the rest of your body. Work with this in a number of ways.
Turn around and look backwards over your shoulder. It's very simple, but it can also be evocative.
Play with your hands near your shoulders or face. But remember the rule: only show the sides of your hands! This continues the line of your arm, making them look longer and leaner.
Lean forward slightly. This, when done well, can look candid and emphasize the curve of your body. Since you don't have the entirety of your shape to create the "S," allude to this by leaning forward slightly, invitingly.

3. Master the full body pose. With your whole form on camera, you have loads of options when it comes to posing. Ask your director what he/she is looking for and narrow it down from there.
Turn slightly and put your hands in your back pockets. If you don't have back pockets, place them where they would be if you did. This accomplishes another rule previously discussed -- leaving space between your trunk and your arms.
Support your back against a wall. Throw up the leg closest to the camera and rest the foot on the wall as well. Don't put up the other leg -- you generally want to keep the outer thigh exposed, not the inner thigh.
Move your hands up and down your body and slowly twist side to side. Full height shots are hard to do and you'll want to keep a constant curve and natural flow. Consider raising your hands above your head, too, for a rather sensual pose.

4. Use the ground. Just as you have a plethora of options while standing, you have just as many on the ground. And you may be more comfortable!
Place your hands behind your back, resting on the ground and throw out your legs, with one knee slightly up. Throw your head back a bit. The long line of your body will create a nice angle and shape.
Sit Indian style, but pull up one knee to your chest. Wrap your hand around the leg closest to you and tilt your shoulders and neck. Clasp your hands together just past the view of the camera.
Sit on the ground, but on your side. Throw one hand to your side and one arm resting loosely on a bent knee. Place the foot of your other leg at the heel of your foot that is resting flat on the ground.
Regards.

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RUNWAY WALK TIPS

It requires good posture, balance and technique - all of which take time to develop. Practice makes perfect!
If the shoes are new, scratch the soles with scissors so that they will not slip when they touch the floor.


Alternatively, you can cover d sole of the shoe wth masking tape, if you don't want to scratch your shoes. Whatever u do, don't wear flip flops!
Learn to stand like a supermodel. Practice posture,throw your shoulders back and down & push ur hips slightly forward.


You should be able to balance a book on the top of your head. Place the ball of your foot down first (not the toes), then your heel.
but keep most of your weight balanced on the ball of your foot rather than on the heel.
It may feel strange,but keeping much of your weight on the ball of the foot gives you more of an elegant stride than a clunky (stepped down).
heel- weighted walk would. It's almost like walking on your tippy-toes, the way ballerinas do, but more natural.
Put one foot in front of the other (literally). Toes should face forwards. Your footprints should form a zigzag.


When done quickly, this gives the body that characteristic swing. Your ankles should never bump, this is painful and may make you fall!
Make your stride look long and controlled by lifting your legs almost in the same fashion a horse would while doing trotting leg extensions.
For each stride, you want to lift your foot a good distance off the ground (with a bend in the knee)

Then place it down a good distance in front of the supporting leg, with a stride longer than a normal walk would have.
Don't make your strides 2 large-this will make u look awkward & ungraceful but make sure u take large enough steps, rather than baby steps.

Look straight forward,capturing d essence of d clothes you're wearing w/ d expression on your face. Focus on an object straight ahead of you.
(but don't stare at a viewer...that is creepy). Try to smize (smile with you eyes). This will give a fierce look to your face & to your walk.

Keep ur chin level & ur eyes up -uwant the spectators 2 see your face. Keep your head and shoulders still as your body moves down the runway
Your head and shoulder should feel a little like a sturdy coat hanger, and things should swing from there.

Don't swing your shoulders, and don't over exagerate arm movements. Do make sure, however, that your hips swing more than they would usually
This may take some practice 2 look good. When d beats to the music are slower,swing your hips more and slow your pace.

When u make ur turn at the end, make sure your left foot is in front as you pause 4 a beat/double beat in your music.
Your hips, shoulders & feet should be facing d side of d runway as your head is turned 2 look straight on at the audience over your shoulder.

After posing 4 a beat,pivot your feet back towards the curtain or glass, pick up your front foot first (your right foot), & continue walking.
Make sure that your face is the last thing to turn away from the audience!
Fingers naturally fidget/fist up when ure nervous, but don't let them!It'll be a bigger distraction than you realize.Just let them hang down.

Develop your own signature walk. There's no simple formula for walking the runway, and what will ultimately make you stand out.
Its not only how well u can move your body but also how much of your own personality y can inject into your performance to make it memorable.
The best way 2 create your own unique style is 2 experiment, practice & get feedback (even if it means taking some constructive criticism).

Most importantly, you must walk & strut your stuff like you know you're beautiful & you know that you're smokin' hot
Self-doubt and low self-esteem can be damaging and there's nothing prettier than a girl with confidence.

You could practice strutting like you mean it by listening to your iPod or other musical device, put a hot song on & walk to the beat!
Step gracefully, not like you're marching. If you should trip, fall, or have any other unfortunate circumstance, recover gracefully.

Smile, and keep going as if it never happened. Nothing will demonstrate your confidence like your performance under stressful circumstances.
Don't move ur arms or shoulders too much &don't move an arm more than you move the other or it will look like u have only one arm that works
To make your face look pleasant and yet sophisticated, try to "Smize", meaning 'smile with your eyes.

Videotape yourself walking, so you can understand what other people are seeing.
Also, by keeping a visual record of your walk, you'll be able to trace your progress as you learn how to strut your stuff like a real model
Don't exaggerate by opening your eyes too much or lifting your legs too high while walking.

Watch supermodels walk the walk. Visit fashion shows & watch them on TV. Who were the models that stood out the most?
What made them unique? How was her walk different from the others'? Learn from the best so that you don't have to reinvent the wheel.
Keep your posture "H2T", or Head to Toe; this means focusing on all parts of the body while modeling or walking.

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THE FIRST 10 STEPS FOR WEDDING PLANNING

Congratulations! You're about to embark on two amazing adventures - the first, of course, being your life as a wedded couple and the second being the exciting, yet often overwhelming process of planning a wedding. A wedding will probably be the biggest and most involved party or ritual either of you have ever put together. Before you get overwhelmed, take a deep breath, then do these ten things.

1. Enjoy Being Engaged

Kiss each other a thousand times. Jump up and down saying, "We're engaged!" Stare at the engagement ring. Take the time to write down in detail how you got engaged. (We'd love for you to share your marriage proposal story with us!) Contemplate the wonderful things ahead of you. Take pictures of yourselves with the engagement ring. Kiss each other a thousand more times.

2. Tell Your Parents

You should tell your parents of your impending nuptials before anyone else. (Unless of course, you are estranged.) Both of you should be present and ideally you will tell them in person - they'll have a chance to see your happiness up close, look at the ring, and start talking about the wedding. Traditionally the bride's parents know before the groom's do, but any order is really fine. (If you're a traditional couple, the groom may already have asked her parents for her hand in marriage.) Then share the news with a few close friends - the ones who are likely candidates for maid/matron of honor and best man, or definite attendants in some capacity.

3. Purchase a Journal If You Don't Already Have One

This will be a time of ten thousand moments you won't want to forget, as well as some frustrating times that you'll need to vent about, and not necessarily to your partner. The journal you keep while planning your wedding will not only help you through this time, but it will be something you cherish for the rest of your life. If you're internet savvy kinds of folks, you may also consider doing this journaling online at a site such as Livejournal, tumblr or your own blog.

4. Announce Your Engagement

Tell everyone the good news! There are many ways of doing this, and no way is more correct or better than another. Find out more about engagement announcement etiquette and samples of engagement announcements

Consider:
Announcing your engagement in print publications
Mailing announcements to your family and friends
Creating a wedding website

5. Set the Date

One of the most important decisions you will make as you plan your wedding. Not only will it be the first question everyone will ask you, but you'd be surprised how difficult it will be to make any progress on planning your wedding without knowing the date.

6. Set the Tone of Your Event

This is the time to decide if you're having a formal wedding, a casual affair, or a theme wedding. It's also the time to decide on having a religious or secular ceremony. In short, you need to decide what you want your wedding to feel like. A good way to begin is to sit down with your partner and do some free writing about your ideal wedding. Look at the adjectives that each of you write and use them as a starting point.

7. Set the Budget

Start off by using a printable wedding budget worksheet. Look at your finances and figure out how much you already have in savings, and how much you can save each month. Talk to each of your parents and ask them if they'd like to contribute to your wedding, and either how much they'd like to give you, or what specific things they'd like to pay for.

Lastly, decide how much you feel comfortable going into debt. I strongly advise couples to avoid debt as much as possible. Since married couples fight about money more than anything else, why start marriage with debt on your backs? At this time you may consider opening a new credit card just for the wedding that will earn you airline miles, cash back, or other incentives. It's a good way for you to keep track of wedding expenses, and can help you pay for your honeymoon. Just try to pay it off in full each month.

8. Choose Your Attendants

As your attendants do a lot more than just stand next to you on the day of the wedding, now is the time to get them involved. While some couples opt not to have any attendants at all, especially if they're having a casual event, most choose between 2 and 12 members of the bridal party. Look over these lists of responsibilities for bridesmaids and groomsmen before you make your final choices. If they live nearby, its nice to ask someone in person, but a phone call is fine for those who live far away. You may also want to read How many bridesmaids and groomsmen should you have? or How many bridesmaids and groomsmen is too many?

9. Start Looking for Venues for Ceremony and Reception

Many venues are booked a year in advance, so the further in advance you start looking, the more likely you are to get the time, date, and cost that you've planned for.

10. Get Support

The successful bride and groom do not plan their wedding alone - they get help! This may be from professionals, respected publications, or trusted friends who've planned their own weddings.

- Consider hiring a wedding planner or consultant. Especially if you are a busy person, or just feel a little lost, a professional can be invaluable in putting together your ideal day, and can often save you money.

- Use online checklists - they're free, and especially helpful if you're planning with your mother or future spouse in another state. The most important of these forms is the overall wedding checklist which will help you stay on top of all of your important to-do's.

- If you're like most couples, you'll come home from the bookstore with a few thousand pounds of wedding magazines - why not throw in a wedding planning book as well? While the internet offers many useful tools, a book is portable when you visit vendors and can accommodate the many brochures, swatches and other items you'll be collecting. If you are budget conscious, purchase a three ring binder, and build your own planner with printouts from the internet.

Now that you've made all these decisions, you have a solid foundation for your wedding! It's now time for the fun stuff - dresses, tuxes, flowers, music, favors and more! Remember to use a checklist to help yourself stay organized and on top of it all.
Regards.

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EYE GLASSES FOR MEN

If eye-wear has taken another level for men. It certainly did at London Fashion Week and more so right now. So watch out girls the guys are embracing eye wear fashion just as much as us. It’s great to see that men are not afraid to experiment with their eye-wear. Summer is looming and one thing for sure. If Mr cool is who you’re trying to be, then be inspired by these guys.

Which Style for You
-Glasses for Round Faces – Round  face needs to be about the same width and height, with a curving chin and cheeks. Flat, rectangular lenses will make your face appear longer and thinner.  Thick frames on a round face are not so good, so keep the actual material thin.

-Glasses for Heart-Shaped Faces – You can take a lot of the emphasis of a pointed chin by wearing lenses that are wider at the top than the bottom. A butterfly taper to the sides are great because it brings the attention in toward the center of your face. Embrace thicker wire or plastic frames.

-Glasses for Square Faces – If you are looking to soften your impression up a little then wear rounded lenses. If you like the strong profile and don’t want glasses to make you look out there, a squared-off shapes can still work. Make sure the lenses are large and about even in height and width, the frames should stay slim.

-Glasses for Oval Faces – Oval faces are the most common feature for men. They work well with most styles.  An oval face is taller than it is wide, with a rounded chin and high cheekbones, and it can wear either squared-off frames or curving ones. A thicker frame can add definition to your face.

Sunglass Inspiration
The following photos were taken by Olly Clarke at the London Fashion Week  and show a wide variety of sunglass styles out there. Be inspired for your next pair.
Regards.

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WHY HIRE AN EVENT PLANNER FOR A WEDDING

Each year thousands of men and women get married. When getting married, couples basically have two main planning options. They can either plan their own wedding or they can hire a professional event planner. As with any item or service, there are advantages and disadvantages to hiring an event planner.

A wedding is a major organizing event, no matter the type or the sizes, with even the smallest and simplest weddings require a great deal of organization in the lead up to the big day. With the current wedding industry reporting that weddings are getting bigger and more expensive than ever before, many couples appear to be turning to event planners to assist in their wedding organization.

One of the advantages of a hiring an event planner is that you will get everything you want for your wedding without having to do much of the work. The event planner will plan and organize your wedding, but they will do it all the way that you want. This means that you will pretty much select a cake and then the event planner will ensure that the cake is ordered, made, and delivered on time for your wedding.

Another advantage of hiring a professional event planner is that you will get the best deal for your money. Event planners are experienced in finding great wedding deals. There are also many event planners who receive discounts from regularly working with certain catering companies, music djs, and other vendors.

A wedding is supposed to be a wonderful day, but that does not mean that unexpected events or emergencies will not occur. The majority of event planners are trained and experienced in handling all aspects of a wedding, including emergencies. This will allow a bride and groom to sit back and enjoy their wedding no matter what may happen.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of hiring an event planner is that it will save you a lot of time. Event planners are responsible for contacting vendors, ordering wedding items, keeping on budget, and just about every other part of a wedding that needs to be planned. This means that a couple could continue to go about their daily activities without having their wedding cause any distractions.

There are only a few disadvantages to hiring an event planner. Those disadvantages include the cost and the possibility of hiring someone inexperienced. In today's world just about any individual can develop their own business. Meeting an event planner ahead of time and requesting the contact information of past clients is a great way to ensure that you are hiring the services of a trained professional.

As previously mentioned, the cost of an event planner will be fairly expensive, but it is one that is usually worth it. Many brides would be more than willing to pay a professional event planner just for peace of mind. It is possible to find a low-cost event planner; however, quality should not be compromised for price.

It is easy to see that the advantages of hiring an event planner outweigh the disadvantages, but the decision is up to you. If you are a new bride or groom who is concerned with planning a wedding you are encouraged to at least schedule a free consultation with a local event planner.
Regards.

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MODELS: Essential Tips For facial expressions for photo shootS

Much of the attention in photo modelling is given to the way a model poses and outfits. Yet, little or no attention is given to facial expressions. Expressions will make or break a photo shoot. Photos will be soulless and tell nothing. It is suggested that every model has a couple of expressions, which he/she is good at up his/her sleeve. That way it gives character and meaning to his/her photos. This article describes some of the very basic facial expressions, which you should attempt to capture in order to have a full photo session.
In order to improve the overall facial expressions when posing for a photo shoot, a model should use his/her hands, palms and fingers in a way to compliment and maximize his/her expressions.


DAY DREAMING AND FANTASIZING
This is a pensive mood in which you dream about your aspirations, nostalgic moments and sentimental places. Your facial expressions should be calm and relaxed. Chin can be cupped in both palms of the hands or head leaned over palm of the hand. Head can be rested on both hands too.


LONELINESS AND SADNESS
Here you should let your mind drift and detach yourself from your surroundings. You should look deep within you and come face to face with your worst fears and heart aches. In order to bring out the best emotions you should feel them rather than act them. Your facial expressions should be tense and stressed.


HAPPINESS
This should be a straight forward and easy emotion to get across in your photos. Think of enjoyable moments with your family and friends, or funny situations that keep bringing a smile on your face.
You can run your fingers through your hair or hands can be held over the tummy when laughing out loud.


SENSUAL AND SEDUCTIVE
For many models it comes naturally while others have to put more work in it. Most of the expressions should be transmitted through the eyes and the tilting of the head.Your facial expression should hint lust-fulness and seductiveness.
Regards.

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POLKA DOTS : A GAME OF POLKA WITH YOUR DOTS

Polka Dots
Polka Dots remain a classic element in the fashion history. Polka dots are one of the most eye-catching and striking prints. Do you wonder how to embrace polka dots without going all dotty. The strategy is all about a game of polka with your dots.

Tips on How to Wear Polka Dots

You have so many options and versions of polka dots from discreet to more extravagant ones. Whatever the item of clothing or accessory.It is very important to know how to wear them.Once you are convinced to wear polka dots, start by choosing only one accessory such as a scarf or a tie.

Scarves: Dots can be matched with a classic, casual or elegant outfit. All you have to think about is what colour polka dots you are going for.

Ties: You can't go too wrong here. Just think about your colour pallet. Black and white is one of the winning combinations that never fails.
Shirts: If you are becoming a man that seeks attention then the polka dot shirt is for you. Just think how big you want your dots to be.

Jackets: Dark blue and white dots are a nice way to show your boldness. Keep everything else very neutral. Get ready because the attention will be immense.

Evening Wear: For a night out with your friends. Match a pair of chinos or jeans with your dotted shirt. Weddings are a great platform to embrace polka dot suits. Not for all but if you are going to do it. Go for it. Another option is by matching. your top with your suit trouser dots.

One thing to think about, make sure the dots pattern is lineal/diagonal and dots small. When dots become splotches it's a disaster.
Regards.

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