How to Look Fabulous in Photos: Pro Tips from Alain Martinez, Brad Johns + More!
Thanks to these pro tips from photographer Alain Martinez, makeup artist Carmindy, stylist and blogger Felix Mercado, and hairstylist Brad Johns, you’ll never take a bad photo again!
-Courtney Cachet
Have you ever noticed that we take a lot of photos of ourselves? I mean a LOT. Photos of us are everywhere—and they live forever. Unless you’re Kate Upton, this can be a scary thing. But it doesn’t have to be! After many years in TV, I know a few people, so I hit up the pros on the best advice to get you looking fabulous in all your photographs. I may not be a model, but through the course of my career (and a lot of bad shots) I’ve learned how to take a pretty good photograph. Mostly, I’ve learned there are four equally key components needed to taking the perfect shot: Hair, makeup, clothing and the all-important photographer. As such, I gathered an A-List team of pros and asked them for their top tips when it comes to looking your best in photos. Because forever is a long time—and now you can’t rip them up when you don’t like them!
The Hairdresser AKA Hair God: Brad Johns
Voted the Best Colorist in New York by Allure Magazine, it’s safe to say that Brad Johns knows a thing or two about your tresses looking fabulous. “Your hair is your most important accessory,” he says. “Before you put a stitch of makeup on or one piece of clothing, it’s just you, your naked body and your hair. It had better look good.” Johns, who is famous for the buttery blonde look, goes on to say that a few highlights and a great blowout make everyone look gorgeous without looking too “done up.” Bottom line: when in doubt, err on the side of a more natural look—even if you have to color a little to get there. And don’t be cheap with your hair. Ever.
The Makeup Artist/Magician: Carmindy
Carmindy is well known as the makeup queen of TLC’s What Not To Wear. She works with real faces all day long, so I was eager to call on her for some tips. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she had some great advice that we can all follow: “When prepping your face for photos, just like the camera, focus in on your best feature,” she says. “This year is all about metallic eye shadows, so let your eyes be the star of your very own beauty show. Follow these simple steps to get the perfect photo ready look!”
If you’re not feeling your absolute prettiest, Carmindy says it’s no big deal. “To “wake up your face,” mix a little liquid shimmer into a few drops of foundation for a fresh, wide-awake glow. For another instant wake-up call, use a thin concealer brush and sweep on a little under-eye concealer from the outside of your lower lash line up to the end of your brow and blend. The concealer will highlight this area and visually “lift” the eye.” And it’s cheaper than Botox!
Up next: Tips from stylist/blogger extraordinaire Felix Mercado and fabulous celeb photographer Alain Martinez!