Social media mentor and photographer Paige Casey reveals tips for taking the perfect shot
Celebrities tend to look ‘100’ in all of their social media posts.
But they can’t take all the credit. With professional photographers, wardrobe stylists and makeup artists at their disposal, stars like Kim Kardashian, Jasmine Tookes and Cardi B know all of the tricks of the trade to taking Insta-worthy pics.
Want your feed to be the highlight reel of your life?
Austin-based social media mentor and photographer Paige Casey (@paigeydahling) reveals how to take the perfect shot.
After applying a body oil by alo, Jasmine Tookes’ skin appeared dewy and hydrated while donning a black bikini in a recent social media snap
The secret to exposing so much skin and looking like a Sports Illustrated model is ‘spraying sunscreen right before the shot is taken,’ shared Paige. ‘The skin catches the light and it creates a natural highlight’
Secret #1: Skin
Having your picture taken in a bathing suit can be stress-inducing.
The secret to exposing so much skin and looking like a Sports Illustrated model is ‘spraying sunscreen right before the shot is taken,’ shared Paige.
‘The skin catches the light and it creates a natural highlight.’
The expert favors mineral sunscreen because it lacks harmful chemicals, but says both mineral and oil create a “wet” look when initially sprayed.
In a black bikini, Jasmine Tookes’ skin appeared dewy and hydrated after applying a body oil by Alo, in a recent Instagram snap.
‘They shoot at either sunrise or sunset to get the best diffused natural light that hides wrinkles and imperfections’
Secret #2: Light
‘Celebrities and influencers are very selective about when they shoot,’ revealed Paige.
‘They shoot at either sunrise or sunset to get the best diffused natural light that hides wrinkles and imperfections.’
To recreate the “good light” throughout the day, ‘find a shaded spot when under direct sun,’ said the blogger.
‘You’ll know you’re ready to shoot once the under eye dark circles disappear and there is even light around the face.’
Secret #3: Powder
Any beauty junkie knows the benefits of press powder. It sets your makeup and keeps your skin from looking oily.
But according to Paige, a flawless look is achieved through the correct application.
‘Apply powder with a powder puff to hide pores, instead of a makeup brush,’ she said.
A powder puff absorbs oil and creates a velvety matte skin finish.
‘Apply powder with a powder puff to hide pores, instead of a makeup brush’
The expert suggests getting to know your phone and turning on the grid. ‘The Rule of Thirds states that the subject in the image should be placed along the gridlines or at the intersections where the lines meet’
Secret #4: Phone settings
The Influencer suggests getting to know your phone and turning on the grid.
‘This is a setting that helps your photographer capture you with the correct composition.
‘The grid helps users follow the Rule of Thirds.
‘The Rule of Thirds states that the subject in the image should be placed along the gridlines or at the intersections where the lines meet.
‘iPhone users click -> settings -> camera -> grid, Samsung users, click on camera -> settings -> scroll down to gridlines.’
‘If you want to stand out against mountains, ocean or forest, it’s best to wear either red or yellow,’ said Paige.
Warm shades like red, yellow and orange, look best against cool shades green, purple and blue, respectively.
Secret #6: Color
For a well balanced photo, get to know the color wheel and it’s contrasting colors.
Whatever the background – a natural landscape, a blank wall or the couch in your living room – to pop, don a complimentary shade.
‘If you want to stand out against mountains, ocean or forest, it’s best to wear either red or yellow,’ said Paige.
Warm shades like red, yellow and orange, look best against cool shades green, purple and blue, respectively.
In 2021, Paige suggests opening your mouth for fab photos. ‘Say “HAA” instead of a closed teeth smile for a natural laughing look’
Secret #5: Smile
In 2009, Tyra Banks taught America how to “smize”, a term she coined for her signature modeling trick.
Fast forward to 2020 and knowing how to smile with your eyes proved fruitful during mask mandates.
In 2021, Paige suggests opening your mouth to engage with your audience authentically.
‘Say “HAA” instead of a closed teeth smile for a natural laughing look.’
‘For a full body shot, square your shoulders to the camera,’ revealed Paige. ‘Place your heel in front of your back foot, and turn the front facing leg’s hip toward the camera, and stand on your tiptoes about an inch from the ground’
Secret #6: Angles
‘For a full body shot, square your shoulders to the camera,’ revealed the photographer.
‘Place your heel in front of your back foot, and turn the front facing leg’s hip toward the camera, and stand on your tiptoes about an inch from the ground.’
This creates shape, adds dimension and elongates the frame, slimming the body instantly.
Secret #7: Props
‘A prop keeps your hands busy and makes posing a lot easier,’ admits Paige. ‘I recommend holding a hat, purse, bouquet or sunglasses.’
Cardi B loves toting around one of her many Hermes handbags in her glamour shots, while Megan Thee Stallion makes sitting on the couch look tres chic with a wine glass in hand.
‘A prop keeps your hands busy and makes posing a lot easier. I recommend holding a hat, purse, bouquet or sunglasses,’ Paige said
Posing with a handbag gives your hands something to do
Cardi B loves toting around one of her many Hermes handbags