School Formal: Solo & Individual Portrait Tips

A solo formal portrait is often the one photo from the whole night that ends up framed at home — a little preparation goes a long way.

Before the night - Have your outfit steamed rather than ironed on the day if possible — creases from an iron can be more visible under studio lighting than under natural light. - Pack a small emergency kit: safety pins, bobby pins, blotting paper and a spare pair of stockings or socks if relevant. - Try your full outfit — shoes included — at least once before the night so nothing is a surprise.

Posing tips - Angle your body slightly rather than facing the camera square-on — about a 45-degree turn, with weight on your back foot, is the most flattering standard stance. - Bring your chin slightly forward and down rather than tilting it up — it defines the jawline and avoids an unflattering angle. - Relax your arms rather than locking them straight down — a hand in a pocket, resting on a hip, or holding a clutch or jacket all photograph naturally. - Take a breath and drop your shoulders right before the photo — it's the fastest way to look relaxed rather than stiff.