Say cheese

When I was in highschool we were living in this little place called Manipal (now famous for its engineering and medical colleges). Shashi Kapoor came shooting for his (then) controversial Utsav, which featured ravishing Rekha as a gorgeous courtesan opposite Shekhar Suman (who was neither a mover nor a shaker back then). Quite naturally, it was the Madame who had people queuing up for a glimpse, put up as she was in the lovely home of a lady who lived a slope down my alma mater. Come lunch break we would dash off following the small-town rumours which flew thick, fast and (largely) accurate about potential sightings. I think when we all finally saw her we must have been holding our breath in anticipation which is why it's difficult to explain the feeling of deflation that followed. Was this Rekha? In a tight parrot green and pink thing we wouldn't be seen dead in, tresses looking worse than my perennial bad hair days and make-up, all of the whole inch of it, glistening in the sunlight like a waxy background to the ochre lips. That was the last time I believed a person who looks fantastic on reel is actually that real. I still admire the Rekha who makes a postcard out of any print. I also know that a picture worth a thousand words doesn't require, thankfully, quite as much effort.

The equipment which a professional photographer uses is way beyond the aim-click-and-shoot you are normally dealing with. Technology and training play a crucial role in the world of stars who are required to shine through the day. Most pros in the business avoid the "defects" - a certain angle, a particular profile or a glitch which shows up in the final result (oversized shoulders, prominent nose, big ears, thick arms, whatever). The camera never lies? Sure. But what if nobody told it the truth?

Says Thara Umesh, a model co-ordinator, "Colours, accessories and hairstyles make a lot of difference. A small face may look better with the hair framing it loosely or a very thin model will look perfect in a thick silk saree." Her son Ajay Umesh who has still- photographed calendars and cards explains, "If you were to watch Alek Wek you would wonder how someone, who is not really beautiful in the conventional sense, can get voted the Supermodel of 2000. She is daringly different and that's what makes her stand out. The negatives can be the positive." Says Medha Raghunath, model of over seventy campaigns ranging from BPL Mobile to Man Mandir sarees, you have to "vibe with the camera. Even if you are nervous you have to think, hey, I am good - that makes a better impact." As G. Venkat Ram who has clicked the Trigger jeans and Pond's blackheads campaigns puts it, "Take kids - they look great no matter what simply because they are not camera conscious.

Another reason we hate the way we look is because we are too critical about our face - we see it everyday and know its every flaw. Even if someone tells us we look great, in absolute honesty, we are not going to believe it."

Satyajit, who shot the Satyam Online and Gatsby ads insists that, "Posing is not like going to the sacrificial altar. Looks don't matter as much as acting and attitude." So there. It's really all about saying cheese and having it too.

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Tips to remember

- Wear clothes you are comfortable with.

- Choose colours that complement you and the background.

- Relax, crack jokes, unwind and lose all your inhibitions. All the pros insist you have to avoid being camera-conscious and feel good about yourself first.

- If you are going to a studio, ask to see their album. Experienced photographers will understand your needs better. Abandon those who specialise in carnival hues with tacky backgrounds, clashing colours and sharp focus. Pick someone who appreciates the softer look. Choose a sample you like and say you would like that look.

- Ask for filters. They give that lovely glow which is so visible in glamour photography and hide all blemishes to reveal a perfect you. Wear just a little white (but don't overdo it) for a glowing radiance which will beat the detergent ads.

- Experiment with B&W pictures the same way. They have a classic, timeless appeal and do a good job of enhancing inherent features positively.

- Never agree to harsh, dark-coloured backgrounds. If nothing paler is available, opt for white.

- Freshly combed hair is a must. Avoid heavy make-up (particularly foundation). Don't powder your nose - just wash it sparkling fresh.

- For the camera to love you, you have to atleast like the person behind it.

L. S.

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