So it turns out Friday was “No Makeup Day” and this got me to thinking about the idea of “natural beauty.” There is beauty in all things and as photographers our job is to search for that beauty and shine the light on it in our shots.
With the help of our lovely ambassadors we’ve shared some thoughts and advice on capturing “natural beauty” in your own photos below.
Natural beauty is found in the details.
Jessica of Yeah She Snaps Photography says,
FEATURES are my favorite. I love little details, and finding the best in everyone, both physically and emotionally. Freckles have been a longtime favorite to photograph. You can see here, her freckles are GORGEOUS, as is her naturally wavy hair. Instead of softening them, I actually sharpened her freckles just a bit to put the emphasis on her God-given beauty. This photo remains one of my favorite portraits ever taken.
Natural beauty exists in the “quiet” moments.
Kim of Apple of Our Eye Photography says,
Natural beauty is the new mom who wasn’t expecting to be photographed, but for a second you see a quiet moment that must be captured. Motherhood isn’t the posed baby wrapped in a blanket with a delicate handmade yarn headband perfectly placed fast asleep. Real life is the no make up, sometimes days without a shower sleep deprived mom who breathes in the smell of her new baby when no one is looking. That is what natural beauty is to me. Remembering to capture these real life moments will truly become some of the most beautiful moments you can capture for someone.
Natural beauty shines brightest when we’re doing what we love.
Addy of Planner Chic Girl says,
I love working with women who take pride in their natural beauty. Deisy is not only amazingly beautiful but she is an amazing hard worker, photographer, designer, and crafter. I love seeing her beautiful natural self when she’s doing what she loves most.
Amy of My Letter-Sized Life says,
There is nothing more beautiful than confidence. My sister-in-law is a beautiful person inside and out. In this photo she is celebrating something she worked hard for and believes in deeply and I’m not sure there is anything more natural or more beautiful than that!
Natural beauty comes with knowing that we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Meggan of Meggan Harrison Photography says,
When we look at children we see so many beautiful innocent features. Sometimes we just need that reminder that we are all made in our own unique way. Love yourself and embrace all your unique qualities!
Natural beauty can be reinforced with a compliment.
Jessica of Yeah She Snaps Photography says,
I distinctly remember her little smirk/smile when I told her “you know how gorgeous you are, right?” Pulling the best out of anyone requires so little when they feel GOOD about being photographed. Another one of my favorites. The natural beauty of her smile, her hair, and her pretty lashes made for the perfect photograph with minimal to no makeup!
Natural beauty can be accentuated with the right light and setting.
Marie-Pierre of Pretty Please says,
To enhance a portrait photograph, try to play with the light. Here the light is coming from the side, which creates a fun effect on the face. Also, try to pay attention to the background. When the person is not wearing any makeup, a colorful or textured background can help bring interest to the picture. You can also make the colors of the photo brighter and crisper by editing it with an editing app like pic-tap-go. Here I used the brightness filter and then the true color filter. I slide the sliders to about the middle. A good picture can get even better by adding light and contrast.
Kristin of The Awesome Ladies Project says,
Lighting is everything. Make sure to capitalize on the golden hour (the hour before sunrise and sunset) when the skies emit softer lights. This will help reduce any blemishes, fine lines, or other facial features/flaws that would otherwise stand out in harsher lighting.
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