Don't be a poser, but if you have to...

My close friend, talented photographer, and now photography blogger Samantha Bartlett had asked me a few weeks ago to do a guest post on how to pose for the camera. I couldn't help but snicker to myself because I still don't have the faintest clue what I'm doing. If you watch Aaron and I take pictures, it's usually me standing awkwardly, and Aaron saying stuff like: "Too stiff. Too fake. Smile more!! Your arm looks funny. Stop looking constipated. Look over there! Squirrel!!

In any event, I thought I could have a little fun with this and share some of the top 8 go-to stances that have worked somewhat for Sunny with a side of. Yes, I collectively have named these poses:

1. THE "SMILE AT NOTHING"

This one is probably the easiest to do. Just relax your body and stare off at the nearest tree, lamp post or telephone wire, then think of something funny. You'd be surprised how well this technique works, and you still look somewhat natural.

 2. THE "WHATEVER"

Not a care in the world. Nope. Not paying any attention. Not listening.

3. "MY PRETEND EAR PIECE"

My hair often gets in the way, so may pictures are captured of me trying to tuck my hair back... which ends up looking like I'm talking on an invisible ear piece. It works, somehow.
Roger that.

4. "THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER"

Oh say can you see...

5. THE SIT

Sitting works much better than squatting- which is an awkward position to begin with, and I risk ripping my pants. The trick is to always keep your back straight.

6. MESSY HAIR

There are all sorts of ways you can mess with your hair, get closer portrait shots and have fun with it. It's also much easier to do this when there is a strong wind out. 

7. HIDE IN THE BUSHES

Use the nature around you to be part of the camera frame, especially if you need to hide your crooked skirts/pants.

8. THE "RE-ADJUSTING MY BOTTOMS"

In this case, my skirt was crooked. However, while you are adjusting your bottoms, you can turn it into a pose. This is a variation of "hands on the hips", except I think this looks maybe a little bit less forced.

Top: Generously contributed by Lalamagic

Skirt: J.Crew

Bag: Target (Philip Lim)

Shoes: Ferragamo

Bottom line is, it doesn't matter if you're a beginner fashion blogger or top model, do what you are comfortable with. There's really no right or wrong way, as long as you're connecting with the photographer, enjoying the experience and having fun. With time, the rest will fall together naturally. Have an awesome weekend, everyone!!! Check out Samantha's photography blog!

She's not afraid of us. Not one single bit

An extra-ordinary experience

Although I adore accessories, I think there's something lovely about an un-accessorized outfit. 

Simple and clean. 

Blouse: Generously contributed by Lalamagic, more styles here          
Skirt: Ann Taylor            
Shoes: Ferragamo              
Bag: Prada Gaufre

An EXTRA-ordinary experience

This weekend we made a last minute visit to spend time with family in Chicago. The Grandparents really missed Grace.

I found out (through Facebook of all places) that Transformers 4 was having a casting call for extras in Chicago. They were looking specifically for FBI and military looking professionals. I freaked out… this is perfect!!! If I can’t be a government official, at least I can pretend to be one!!! Have no idea what I’m talking about? See previous post here.

They were also looking for extras who are Asian for a HongKong scene- women, men and children. I’ve never been to a casting call before and was so excited that I dragged the whole family to this crazy event. Poor family. It was crazy alright! Over 2000 people showed up on the first day in 100 degree smoldering hot weather to be in this movie. Many braved the scorching sun dressed head to toe in military wear and sunglasses, looking like Men in Black. They weren’t joking around I tell ya... it was the whole nine yards! Women wore 5 inch stiletto’s and suits, equipped with headshots and photos to hand out to the casting directors.

I wore jeans and a random polka-dotted T-shirt. I forgot my writing utensil.

Clearly I didn’t know what to do for a casting call.

The first day, we drove past the area twice just to see if it would be possible to go in. Negatory. Just the thought of standing in the heat for more than 10 minutes gave me a mental heat stroke, not to mention putting Grace through that torture. However, the next morning we went a little bit early. On our way to the building, we ran into one of the assistant casting directors and she asked if we were here for extras casting. She then led us to a smaller, shorter line where we actually were able to see the main casting coordinator. She gave us directions to contact her through email and essentially bypassed the entire process. What a relief, we were able to do this without going through such an exhaustive process. I don’t know if we’ll get a call back, but that sure would be so cool. I can cross this off my life bucket list- To be an extra in a movie :)

This experience has given me a whole new appreciation for people who do this for a living. To get a part in a film is so much work! Kudo’s to those who have done this for a living, it really isn’t easy!

In other news, I'm featured on the homepage of Modcloth.com! :)                         Right there! ^

Linking up with stylelixir, Planepretty, Coffee beans and Bobbypins