Today’s post was written by the radiant Catherine Grace O’Connell. She’s a 60+ model who did not get in front of a camera until she was in her mid-50s. As a woman who did not learn how to use a computer until around that same age and went on to build an online business, I find this shows that we can reinvent ourselves at any time! We don’t have to melt into the shadows because we are over 50, we can be vibrant and visible!

Inspired yet? Read on to get her tips on — not only on taking flattering photos after 50 — but also on building confidence (even if you have to fake it until you make it).

I was a reluctant model. Cameras made me run and hide. Like many women, I used to hate being photographed and felt uncomfortable in front of the camera. I was also worried about how I would look in photos, which made the experience even more stressful. Women over 50 often feel self-conscious about being photographed due to societal beauty standards, which can make the idea of posing for pictures even more daunting.

Modeling wasn’t part of my vision board or my life plan. Entering the modeling world in my mid-50s following life-threatening illness and near-death experiences wasn’t exactly the dream I had mapped out for myself. Fortunately, I love that the universe has quite a sense of humor, along with a far more expansive vision for our lives than we are able to see for ourselves.

I also found my Voice and my Purpose, which I had never been “allowed” to have. That connection of Ageless Mind, Body, & Spirit became a catalyst, and this initially shy, reluctant model began to wholeheartedly embrace life in front of the camera and in the spotlight!

Learning to Model is More Than Taking Great Pics

I’ve been fortunate to have received a crash course in modeling and posing for photo shoots since that time. I’ve even had the dream of a lifetime to attend Coco Rocha’s Model Camp to train with one of the top supermodels in the world at the age of 61!

In addition, one of my modeling besties who’s done a zillion shoots with me, Wilhelmina and Paris Fashion Week Runway Model, Jacqueline Depaul, kindly mentored me. She shared endless tips, tricks, and secrets over the years.

I’m delighted to share what I’ve learned from the best of the best along with my own insights and tips with Honey’s wonderful community of women over 50. In photography, especially for women over 50, capturing genuine expressions and personality is key to creating images that truly reflect your confidence and spirit. These tips are especially relevant for older women who want to look and feel confident in photos.

And don’t kid yourself that this is only about pictures. Learning to model is about confidence and how you carry yourself … in a photo, on a date, in an interview, or just walking your puppy down the street!

The evolution of modeling is finally opening up more to diversity and inclusivity. This includes seeing more women with silver hair and wrinkles along with body positivity role models … don’t we all agree that this is a wonderful thing?!

I love seeing women of all ages blossom and grow, in modeling and in life. Age Positivity is my gig. It lights me up and fills me with joy. Photos can be a powerful tool to reframe beauty after 50 by showcasing unique features and life stories.

Even more, I love sharing my passion and inspiring women over 50 to embrace their unique beauty while helping them to radiate confidence and positive energy from within. As women of a mature age,we have a treasure trove of life experiences to tap into that add immense depth and character to our photographs.

Believe it or not, posing in front of the camera can be magical at any age!

Here are my Top 5 Tips to help you to capture your most radiant beauty, inside and out, via the lens of the camera

1.Natural Light is Your Best Friend

Natural light is flattering at any age, but especially so after 50. For the best light, aim to take photos in the morning or evening, as the right light during these times helps to soften the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, giving you a natural glow. Natural light, such as that found in the morning or late afternoon, is soft and flattering. Whenever possible, shoot in natural light, as good angles are ineffective without good light.

Position yourself facing a window or, even better, head to your favorite outdoor places to shoot. If you happen to have a favorite outdoor happy place, mine is the beach, try and shoot there for the best energy.

Pro tip: Skip the middle of the day when the sun is high unless you are in the shade! Overhead lighting of any kind will accentuate wrinkles and darken the eyes.

2.It’s All Energy!

The camera doesn’t SEE YOU. The camera FEELS YOU! What you feel on the inside is what’s projected through the lens. Your energy, emotions and feelings are the secret sauce to a fabulous photo shoot.

Think of the emotions you wish to convey in your images. Now, feel those feelings. If you want to exude happiness,visualize and feel a happy memory in your life. Really feel into it.

Combine that with some happy, energetic music and you’re off to the races — and to a drop dead gorgeous photo shoot!

3.Embrace Pro Aging Makeup & Face-Lift Tricks

Considering I knew NOTHING about makeup until my 50s, here’s a little secret from the modeling world: the power of contouring. Use makeup to create shadows and highlights that accentuate your features. A touch of highlighter on the cheekbones, a dab on the nose, and a swipe above the brows can create an illusion of a lift. It’s all about enhancing what you already have!

When preparing for a photo shoot, don’t forget the importance of your clothes. Choose flattering, comfortable clothes that fit well and make you feel confident. Avoid outfits that pull or pinch, as clothes that pull can affect your confidence and body language in photos. Well-fitting clothes help you look and feel your best.

A trick I recently learned from the Boom Beauty celebrity makeup artist is using the Boomstick Glimmer, a subtle creamy highlighter, on your clavicle area. It’s so beautiful when the light reflects on that beautiful area of a woman. I also use it on my cheekbones and my cupids bow above my lips. If I’m doing a swimsuit shoot, I’ll add some to my legs too. All the Boomstick colors are wonderful for women over50. I bring them on every shoot.

4.Stay Photo Conscious, Not Self Conscious

What I mean by this is being aware of how your body is positioned. Keep your posture straight and your shoulders back. Pay attention to your knees—slightly bending one knee or angling them can help create a more flattering and natural pose, even if your knees aren’t fully visible in the shot. Good posture makes you look better and shows that you’re sure of yourself. It also increases positive mood and self-esteem compared to slouching. You can achieve good posture by taking a deep breath, rolling your shoulders back, and lengthening your spine. At our Fierce Con Events, we have a masterclass, “Projecting Confidence” where Jacqueline Depaul teaches women to raise their clavicles. We call it “Clavicles Up.” Little adjustments can make a big difference in your images.

If you’re standing, try shifting your weight to one leg and pop a hip to add some sass to your stance. Also, gently shifting from side to side, left foot to right foot, gives a bit of movement, resulting in beautiful poses that are lovely and relaxed.

 

5.Confidence is Everything.

Take it from me, the girl who had zero confidence when I began this journey into modeling late in life. Yes, YOU CAN fake it until you make it. What I mean by that is simply pretending to be confident helps you to become more confident. Be mindful of what you tell yourself inside of yourself too! Thoughts matter! The mind-body connection is real. What we tell ourselves on the inside shows on the outside!

The most important thing is what you believe about yourself. Change your beliefs. Change your life. Confidence is an inside job and is influenced by what you believe about yourself. It’s not about how you look, but how you feel. When you feel good, it shows in your photos, highlighting your personality. It’s also not a straight shot upward. We are human! That means we have good days and not such good days. Confidence will go up and down. Confidence, not age, is what people have noticed most in photos.

Remember Maya Angelou’s wisdom: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

When you tell yourself beautiful, empowering thoughts about who you are, you’ll feel that in your being, and that energy will radiate through the lens.

Cheers Beauties! I hope you learned something new that will help you to look and feel more confident and beautiful in your next shoot. And if you’d like more insights, be sure to download my FREE eBook My 7 Powerful Tips For Finding Your Confidence atMidlife.

Now, go rock that photo shoot like a Vogue Cover Girl!

I hope this story encourages you to be bold and confident in your photos and in life! I know I will be taking these tips into my next photo shoot.

Find Your Most Flattering Angles

When it comes to capturing a truly good photo, mastering your poses can make all the difference—especially for women over 50. The camera loves confidence, and finding your most flattering angles is a wonderful way to let your spirit shine. Start by experimenting in front of a mirror or during a photo shoot, noticing how your body looks from different perspectives. Try turning your shoulders slightly away from the camera, or gently angling your body to create a more dynamic and relaxed look. If you want to highlight your legs, cross one leg in front of the other or shift your weight onto one hip for a natural, elongated effect. Don’t be afraid to play with your arms—rest one hand on your hip or let it fall softly by your side to create flattering lines. The goal is to create poses that feel comfortable and confident, not stiff or awkward. Remember, every body is unique, and the most beautiful photos are the ones that capture your true self. With a little practice, you’ll discover the poses that make you feel radiant and confident, allowing your personality and spirit to shine through every shot.

Let Your Personality Shine Through

A truly flattering photo isn’t just about the right pose—it’s about letting your personality light up the image. If you ever feel self conscious in front of the camera, try focusing on a happy memory or something that brings you genuine joy. This will help you create a natural, relaxed expression that feels authentic, not forced. Instead of worrying about looking perfect, allow yourself to break into a soft smile, laugh, or even a playful glance. Let your hair down and embrace the moment—your spirit will come through in the photos. If you find yourself feeling awkward, take a deep breath and remember that the best images are the ones where you feel like yourself. Practice different expressions in the mirror or with a friend, and notice which ones feel the most natural. The more you focus on enjoying the experience, the more your confidence and joy will shine through, creating photos that are as unique and beautiful as you are.

Make Every Photo Pop

To make your photos truly stand out, think about how you can create depth and interest in every shot. Natural light is your best friend here—try positioning yourself near a window or stepping outside into a beautiful area with soft, even light. This will help create a sense of dimension and bring out the natural glow in your skin. Play with your positioning: try posing with one arm or leg slightly forward, or turn your body at an angle to the camera to add visual intrigue. Don’t be afraid to use your surroundings—lean against a tree, sit on a bench, or incorporate a favorite accessory like a scarf or hat to add texture and color. These small touches can help your photos feel more dynamic and alive, capturing not just your appearance but your spirit and energy. Remember, the goal is to achieve a natural, effortless look that draws the viewer in and makes every photo pop.

 The Secret to Effortless Photos

The secret to looking relaxed and confident in photos? Practice and patience. No one gets the perfect shot on the first try, so give yourself permission to experiment and learn. Spend some time in front of the camera, trying out different poses, angles, and expressions until you find what feels most natural to you. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become, and that sense of ease will show in your photos. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t love every image—focus on the progress you’re making and the confidence you’re building. Remember, every photo shoot is a chance to celebrate yourself and your journey. With patience and a positive attitude, you’ll achieve the effortless, radiant look you’re after, and your photos will reflect the confident, beautiful woman you are.

Polishing Your Radiant Self

Once you’ve captured your favorite shots, a little editing can go a long way in polishing your radiant self. The key is to enhance your natural beauty, not to hide it. Use editing tools to gently adjust the brightness, contrast, or saturation, making sure to

keep the light soft and natural. Avoid heavy filters or over-editing, as these can make your photos look fake and take away from your authentic glow. Instead, focus on subtle tweaks that bring out the best in your features—maybe a touch of warmth to your skin or a slight softening of the background. Remember, the goal is to create photos that feel like you at your most confident and beautiful, not to hide who you are. With a light touch and a focus on natural light, you’ll achieve images that are polished, radiant, and truly you.

What is your best tip on gaining confidence, not only in front of the camera, but in life?

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Catherine Grace O’Connell is a mentor and coach for women on how to project confidence in their work and in their life from the inside-out! To inquire about working privately or in groups with Catherine, please contact info@catherinegraceo.com and be sure to sign up for her newsletter and give her a follow on Instagram:@catherinegraceo.