Nicole Kidman sent fans into a frenzy after a viral video surfaced of her causing a stir on the champagne carpet at the 2023 Oscars on Sunday night.
And some A-listers who come to showbiz events always seem to be perfectly geared up and always look less than absolutely sensational in the pictures that are taken of them.
But what’s really happening on the Oscars red carpet, with a fast-paced conveyor belt of celebrities, a heaving press pack, and camera lights flashing non-stop?
And how do stars like Zendaya ensure each and every photographer gets their best perspectives? Read on for tricks from three experts.
In February, Zendaya posted a video of herself posing on the red carpet at the NAACP Image Awards, in which she was delighted to hear a photographer scream praise.
The star captioned alongside the clip, “Serving Serving Serving, whoever you are thanks…you made my night lol,” stressing that she couldn’t even make out individual photographers and still managed to kill the shots .
TikTok’s self-proclaimed “posing expert” Christine Buzan has claimed that the secret to Zendaya’s perfect picture is simple.
After “figuring out the basis of her pose,” the actress “moves part of her torso at a time to create new poses,” according to Christine.
In short, she explained that the key is to “move your hands, shoulders and head slightly between different shots,” adding that those “slight adjustments” can make all the difference.
Alan D West is a highly regarded red carpet photographer who told MailOnline there are a few things experienced A-listers do to ensure they look good in front of the press.
When celebrities walk the red carpet, they respond fluently to the numerous photographers yelling at them to look their way, while at the same time being directed by event managers to move to different points on the carpet.
Alan has snapped endless stunning shots of stars and explains that most have “a plan” for their short time in front of the camera, with many even rehearsing in front of a mirror in their outfit beforehand.
He explained that the most seasoned stars will try to work through every single photographer in the press pack, pacing up and down and across the crowd and looking at each one in turn intentionally, knowing that eye contact is key.
The pro revealed those who’ve done a lot of red carpets know not to walk between station points with their heads down, instead doing their best to maintain eye contact with the camera’s lens as they move.
Referring to certain poses, Alan identified hands on hips as a focal point for anyone not wearing form-fitting outfits, citing Jamie Lee Curtis at last month’s BAFTAs as defining her silhouette through the use of this technique.
He also warned against tucking an arm behind your back and insisted it’s important to have both arms out front and in view, otherwise your body can look imbalanced.
Alan added that the key to achieving the most flattering angle is to look straight ahead before turning slightly to the side while tilting your chin ever so slightly toward your body.
In another big no-no, our red carpet expert said that under no circumstances should you ever tilt your chin up, adding with a chuckle, “No one wants to see their nose up.”
The professional photographer added that if you’re wearing a dress with a bold slit, the trick is to bend your supporting leg while extending your front leg through the slit to “show as much leg as the slit will allow.” “.
But to avoid the dreaded Angelina Jolie moment at the 2012 Oscars — when she posed awkwardly and her leg stuck extremely far out of an Atelier Versace dress — it’s important to know your angles and practice when you’re not sure .
And what if the dress has a huge train? Alan explains that celebrities often playfully list the train to show off statement shoes, while some are joined by their dress designer to spice them up and make sure everything is in place.
Max Cisotti is another veteran pro who is granted special access on the red carpets due to his work with Dave Benett.
The talented photographer has even taught numerous celebrities how to pose in front of step-and-repeat backdrops for the best end results.
He insisted to MailOnline that there are three things stars can do that affect whether a photo turns out well: their outfit, how they look and what they do.
Regarding what you wear, Max explained that baggy outfits are not ideal for being photographed.
However, if you’re not wearing anything form-fitting, he suggested, “Take a lot of fabric from the back and tuck it in at the waist to create an hourglass shape.”
Additionally, Max emphasized how statement outfits, especially garments with movement, result in the best ending images, while plain and boring outfits don’t offer much to work with.
He said, “Florence Pugh is always brilliant in photography because she’s always wearing something unusual, something that has a shape or something to play around with.”
When it comes to how you stand, Max said, “Posture is key. Stand up straight and don’t slouch. Whenever you see Victoria Beckham posing it can look over the top in person but she is always brilliant in front of the camera.”
He explained that in that sense it’s best: “Exaggerate when you’re posing. Almost exaggerate, overemphasize, exaggerate.’
The red carpet veteran said it’s always a good idea to create an S-shaped curve with the body, which inspired using the iconic Legally Blonde curve and snap to practice expressing your curves to the max.
Max also shared tips on how to accentuate your curves, noting, “Usually people stand with the weight on the back foot, but putting the weight on the front foot automatically tightens your body and creates a slimming effect.”
“Brick out your chest and butt while standing up straight at the same time. It feels weird and unnatural but ultimately looks good in photos.”
He added: “Try practicing at home in front of the mirror. You have to like yourself in the pictures so that you can best see how you feel most comfortable in front of the camera.”
In terms of what you do, Max found that as difficult as it can be for stars, those who look into the camera’s flash end up having the best pictures.
Since the press pack at showbiz events is often packed with countless photographers, he explained how these celebrities, who follow the call of their name whenever possible, give every snapper a chance to make eye contact.
As well as emphasizing the importance of manufacturing Making eye contact with the camera lens, the professional photographer revealed how the celebs who take the best photos play with their facial expressions.
He said: “One second they can pull off a sultry, pouty, sexy, almost fashion-forward look, and the next they’re super smiling and looking delighted.”
Finally, Max threw all of the above rules out the window, revealing that the very best shots are often the truly candid moments caught on camera.
He said: “What makes it good is when there are group shots. Say a main character and two supporting characters. Their spontaneous interaction, the shared fun comes across very well in the pictures.’
Max was quoting the recent Babylon premiere in London when he captured a stunning image of Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie walking together, with the train of her dress billowing out into a pretty shape.
Bottom line: When it comes to the perfect red carpet photo, just standing there and looking pretty is definitely not that easy.
