The Lunar New Year is a special time for many, and what better way to celebrate than by donning the elegant áo dài and capturing memorable moments? The áo dài is a traditional Vietnamese garment that accentuates the beauty and grace of its wearer, especially during festive occasions like Tết. To elevate your Tết photoshoot with the áo dài, consider the following tips on posing, photo editing, and prop incorporation.
Amidst the festive buzz, the flowing áo dài creates a captivating sight, especially when paired with vibrant floral backdrops. To enhance your photoshoot, try out these suggested poses:
Tết is synonymous with blooming flowers, and they make for excellent props during photoshoots. Whether you’re strolling through the festive markets or exploring scenic spots, a bouquet of flowers can elevate your photos. Try out these poses with flowers:
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Pose 1: Hold the flowers close to your chest, face the camera directly, and offer a gentle smile with a slight glance.
Pose 2: Stand at a 45-degree angle, hold the flowers at your waist, and gently lift your face towards the sky.
Pose 3: Sit upright, hold the flowers close to your chest, lower your gaze, and smile gently.
Pose 4: Let your hair flow freely, stand at a 45-degree angle, face the camera, and gently lean back.
For those who prefer not to use props or find it inconvenient, there are plenty of graceful poses you can strike in an áo dài. Subtle changes in hand gestures and stance can create a diverse range of captivating photos for Tết. Check out these ideas:
Source: @cunglanlamdep
Pose 1: Gently touch a gate or wall, gaze downwards, and strike a walking pose to appear natural and relaxed.
Pose 2: Lightly brush your hair aside, glance at the camera with a soft smile, and slightly tilt your body towards the hand that’s touching your hair.
Pose 3: Sit by a lake or on a set of stairs, position yourself at a 90-degree angle to the camera, look up and tilt your face towards the lens, and gently place your hand on your chest.
Pose 4: Cross your legs, gently sweep your hair back with one hand, place the other hand on your thigh, and lean back slightly with a bright smile.
In addition to flowers, there are other easily accessible props that can enhance your photoshoot, such as handbags, paper fans, and lanterns. Each prop has its own unique way of being held to highlight the subject. Take a look at these suggestions:
Source: @cunglanlamdep
Pose 1: Hold both ends of a lantern, extend your arms towards a specific direction, face the camera, and offer a gentle smile while glancing at the lantern.
Pose 2: Sit with your legs crossed, place your hands on your thighs or knees, hold a fan close to your chest, and gently tilt your head towards the camera.
Pose 3: Gently grasp the strap of your handbag with one hand, and with the other hand, softly brush your hair aside while gazing downwards.
Pose 4: “Use the fan to shield yourself from the sun”: This pose can be done standing or sitting. Hold the fan in one hand, mimicking the motion of “saluting the flag,” and look upwards as if gazing into the distance.
During Tết, vibrant colors like red are often favored for photos, creating a striking contrast against the floral backdrops. However, some prefer a more vintage aesthetic to match the traditional áo dài. There are numerous photo editing apps available that can help you achieve this look. Here are some color adjustment tips to make your Tết photos stand out:
Retro-style photo editing with Dazz Cam
Dazz Cam is a photo editing app available on iOS that simulates the color profiles of various film cameras, allowing you to imbue your photos with a vintage aesthetic. To change the color profile of your áo dài photos using Dazz Cam, follow these steps:
Step 1: Upon opening Dazz Cam, select the Camera icon (labeled as 1 in the image above) to choose your desired film camera profile.
Step 2: Choose the CPM35 profile, which is a popular and widely-used option. Then, tap the downward-facing arrow to return to the main screen.
Step 3: Select the image with a plus sign to add your photo and apply the film layer.
Step 4: Once your photo is selected, tap the green tick mark for the app to automatically adjust the colors.
Step 5: Choose the small image in the left corner to access your edited photo.
The resulting image will have a distinct vintage feel, complementing the graceful and traditional nature of the áo dài.
Vintage color adjustments with SnapSeed
SnapSeed is a photo editing app available on both Android and iOS, offering a range of vintage color filters ideal for Tết photos featuring the áo dài.
You can explore vintage color profiles through the “Film Grain” function. Here’s how:
Once you’ve opened SnapSeed, import your photo and navigate to the “Film Grain” function. From there, tap the icon with multiple cards to select your desired film filter. There are various options to choose from, depending on your preference. If you wish to adjust the grain or intensity of the color profile, you can do so by manipulating the “Grain” and “Strength” sliders. Once you’re happy with the adjustments, export your photo by tapping “Export” and selecting “JPG.”
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a unique and captivating Tết photoshoot featuring the elegant áo dài and a vintage aesthetic.