How to Look Your Best in Homecoming Pics
Windsor Stylist
You know what they say—a picture is worth a thousand words. It can tell a story, bring back memories that may have been long forgotten, and also contain a snapshot of a special day in our lives, such as the first days of school, weddings, or school dances. As nostalgic and beautiful as photos can be, let’s be honest… a lot of the times, it just comes down to wanting to put our best foot forward on the ‘gram!
For high school babes, homecoming dances are chances to dress up and really show off the best version of yourself. From picking out the perfect semi-formal dress and having a glam makeup and hair squad to selecting the perfect date or group of friends to roll into homecoming with, there’s a lot of planning that goes into one evening. It’s definitely one of the most exciting moments in high school, especially if it’s your first year or last year of school. There’s no doubt a lot of photos and selfies will be taken, but how do you make sure every snap of you is picture-perfect? The most important thing is to smile and have confidence! Other than that, follow a few simple tips to learn how to slay in front of the camera for homecoming.
1. Capture the Right Angle in Your Homecoming Dress
We all claim to have a “good side” when it comes to taking selfies and group pictures, but do you also know your best angles when you want to show off your look from head to toe? Knowing how to angle your body while also complementing your homecoming dress takes a bit of practice both in front of the mirror and in front of the camera. Wearing a tight bodycon or skater dress? Are you rocking a daring leg slit that you want to play up in your poses? Turn your torso just enough so you’ll highlight a smaller waist but still be able to see the dress and show off your favorite assets. Start by facing your body slightly to the side and turn to the front from your waist up. Keep your bottom half relaxed, because it looks super awkward in photos if you lock your knees and keep your legs straight. Experiment with different foot placements to see what works best for you in your homecoming dress.
If you’re posing with a date, don’t fret! You can still show off your best assets and your homecoming dress while snapping the night away with bae. A formal pose with your date’s hand around your waist and your hand on their chest is always a winning move, especially when paired with a sideways pose that helps you show off the cute slit in your dress. Just make sure that your date knows which side is your preferred “good side.” Once they know where to stand, you’ll have no problem at all looking your best in your homecoming shots.
2. Get a Helping Hand from Homecoming Accessories & Dress Details
If you’re posing for a solo pic, there’s always that weird feeling about how you should pose your arms and hands. Do you relax them by your sides but end up looking like a stiff robot? Or do you do the typical hands-on-hips stance looking like you’re about to fly off and fight crime? You definitely don’t want to get all Vogue either…unless that’s just your jam and if so, by all means, do you! The ultimate question is, how can you look cute and natural for the perfect shot?
Having a sleek clutch or small crossbody bag definitely helps. Use these homecoming accessories as a prop to naturally grasp in front of you. It’s even better if your dress has fun details you can play with, such as pockets you can casually stick your hands in or a flowy skirt for a playful twirling photo. You can also do what every other Instagram pro does and fake a candid photo. It’s the best way to look natural while actually being able to pose your arms and hands. Have your photographer snap multiple photos when you’re applying your lipstick or laughing, just not both at once unless you want to look unhinged! For those who love a signature hand-on-hip pose, make sure to put your shoulders back, relax, and work those angles with a confident look on your face.
3. Make Them Look Back At Those Homecoming Dress Details
Make them look back at it! Facing another direction and turning your head to look at the camera is another super cute pose to try while showing off your gorgeous homecoming dress details. This is perfect for dresses with racer backs, strappy backs, lace backs, or other trending features that you absolutely HAVE TO highlight and capture on camera.
Just note that looking back over your shoulder is a fool-proof pose as long as you’re not completely turned around, keep your back straight, and maintain a stance that is naturally relaxed. No one likes looking stiff and stuffy, after all. When you turn your head, flash your biggest smile and give the camera some flirty eyes, especially if your homecoming date is snapping the photo. You look good, girl, so let ‘em have it! Clasp your hands in front of you or put a sassy hand on your hip to add some extra personality to your about face homecoming pictures.
4. Snap Outdoor Pictures In Your Homecoming Outfit During Golden Hour
Many people love taking their homecoming pictures outdoors. After all, you’re using nature’s beautiful backdrop to complement your homecoming look. It’s important to time the photos right so you don’t fall victim to harsh and unflattering lighting. The best time for an outdoor photoshoot is, of course, the golden hour. Who needs retouching and Facetune when you’ve got Mother Nature’s photo filter on hand? It’s that sweet time right after sunrise or before sunset where the sun’s light is softer, which gives you a natural glow while accentuating that bomb highlight on your cheekbones. Bronze goddess, anyone? If you’re hiring a professional photographer or videographer, make sure to check the forecast for that day’s sunset time so you can coordinate the perfect time to shoot your pics. Take advantage of this gorgeous lighting by posting on your Instagram Stories and even make some videos for TikTok, too.
Want to truly shine for homecoming this year? The golden hour is also the perfect time to capture the shine of homecoming dresses that are embellished with rhinestones, heat stones, and sequins. If you’re saving your bling for your accessories and jewelry, no matter whether you’re rocking silver, gold, or rose gold, they’ll shine bright like a diamond in all of your pictures. Prepare to sparkle so hard that you blind your followers on social media with your drip.
5. Find Fab Indoor Backdrops to Complement Your Homecoming Look
What’s the bottom line when it comes to getting great photos from homecoming? Beautiful photos and well-curated social media feeds are all about aesthetics. You and your glam homecoming outfit will definitely be the center of attention, but if you want to take your homecoming pictures even further, we suggest finding a room, chair, or wall that complements your look. Yes, even clean, well-lit, and well-decorated bathrooms with large mirrors will do the trick! Just recall the amazing celebrity candids from the bathrooms at the 2017 Met Gala to get yourself into a fierce, camera-ready mood.
No matter how good you look after getting your hair done, face beat, and nails pampered to perfection, a dirty or cluttered backdrop can instantly take your homecoming shots from fab to drab, so clear away any dirty laundry or bathroom products before you begin your photoshoot. If you’re taking advantage of a mirror in a bedroom, bathroom, or public space like the venue for the dance, work your angles but make sure your photographer knows to stay out of the shot. Nothing will distract from your ‘fit more than seeing your mom, friend, or date awkwardly posing in the mirror’s reflection while they take your photo. Even if you have awesome Photoshop skills and can edit them out later, save yourself the hassle and headache so you can post those fire photos ASAP and start getting likes and comments.
Work what your momma gave you. After learning these tried-and-true tips, how could you not? Add finishing touches to your photos by rocking homecoming jewelry and homecoming shoes; they’ll make your homecoming dress pop, for sure. Tag @windsorstore and #windsorstore in your picture-perfect homecoming photos wearing our homecoming attire for your chance to be featured on our Instagram and our website.
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