MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL.......

It would be nice if we all had the look, the poise and the elegance of a superstar. But we don't.
What is it that makes super models and divas look a million dollars in all those glossy magazines that gleam on newsagent's shelves?

Does poise and style come naturally?
Sad to say, the answer is, yes. But only to a very few. The rest of us take advice and practice -and practice -and practice.

Unfortunately, we can't all afford to employ an in-fashion, high priced style guru. So the pages of those same glossies, is the place to see and copy the smiles and the stances, that will add that certain something to those once in a lifetime wedding day photographs.

Believe it or not, some of the highest paid models and most stunning divas, have turned to their mirror and preened and posed till their backs ached (and their mirrors got tired of looking at them) to achieve the look that's become so much a part of what we see, every time we flip through the pages of a magazine. So don't be shy. You're in good company.

So - Stand in front of a mirror (full length if possible)- image that you are about to take the long walk along a catwalk, and that an army of photographers, cameras loaded, are waiting to take the photos that will appear in tomorrows Cosmopolitan, Harpers and Queens or Bridal magazine.

Lower you shoulders - elbows out a little - one foot slightly advanced - turn a fraction to the side. Now lower your chin and look up a little, straight into the camera lens.

Cameras flash. 'Beautiful, baby.' 'Pout a little.' 'That's it. Stick out a hip.'

It may sound foolish. But knowing how to laugh with eyes that are fully open and looking huge, while your lips merely smile, will add a little sultriness to those image.

A STAR IS BORN
On your wedding day, you are the star of every shot or foot of film that your chosen videographer takes. So remember to stage a few action shots: a hug - a kiss - a laugh with friends - a knowing smile (practiced of course).

You know best which are your best features. Make the most of them. Try to accentuate the attributes that you've been given.

Do you have high cheekbones? Are your eyes large, deep and soulful? - Do you have full sensuous, kissable lips? - Has nature gifted you with a fuller, more fruitful figure? - Is your hair a tumbling blonde waterfall or black and glossy as a summer's night?

It's important that your make-up is as near perfect as you can make it. Which doesn't mean using a lot of it. It might be an idea to enlist the services of a talented friend, or better still, a good professional, who will use the minimum of make-up to get the best effect.

Finally, remember to relax and enjoy your day. Photographs that show you and your husband having a good time are the ones that you'll want to see and keep look at as the years roll on.

IMPORTANT TIPS

Buy a handful of disposable cameras and give some to a few trustworthy and sober friends, with the instruction that they take any shots that they want throughout the day.

Then give the rest to some, not so sober friends, with the same instruction. You'll be surprised at the results.

Or, you could just put disposable cameras on every table and let the guests snap away. Don't forget to have the cameras collected at the end of the day. ("A job for the best man or the chief bridesmaid, I think!")
For formal photos make sure that you and the groom check that everything is right about your dress and his suit before the photos are taken.
Ask the photographer about photographing contrasting colours such as red and white. Particularly the contrast of flowers in bouquets that might be held against your wedding gown.

__Madeleine Dietrich__________