A good, professional photographer will know all the tricks of the trade to make sure you look great in the pictures.

Lighting is an essential tool for flattering wedding photographs. Pictures taken in the bright midday sun can create harsh shadows & make your wedding dress appear bleached out. Try & take your photos later in the day when the sun is lower or find a shaded area to take them in.

You may have heard of celebrities wanting to be photographed from their ?best side?. The angle of the shot is important & will help create interest in the picture. Try to stand with your shoulders forward rather than square on to the camera. If you turn your body 30 to 40 degrees you will look half a stone lighter! Super models have a trick of turning their face at a 45-degree angle to make their face appear slimmer.

The best advice is to aim for a polished version of your normal everyday look & not to try for a dramatic new image. The trick is to try to look natural but not washed out.

If you think that nerves will get the better of you on the day think about hiring a make up artist or ask a friend to apply your make up for your. Chances are they will have a steadier hand! If you hire a professional, try & schedule a trial run at home before the wedding day.

Sticking with a natural look will make you look like a slightly more glamorous version of yourself! Add definition to your features -eyes, eyebrows, but try to avoid harsh lines from liquid liners or pencils.

Your teeth will appear whiter if you choose a pink-brown lipstick rather than an orange or red one which can make them appears yellow. Choose your lipstick with your skin tone in mind, for instance, cherry red lipstick with pale skin can be harsh. Avoid very pale or pearly lipsticks.

If you have chosen to have black & white photos you should take even more care with your makeup. Dark lipstick & too much blusher will appear even darker in this style of photo, whilst pastel shades can seem to disappear altogether.

Waterproof mascara is a must have - just in case you get a bit tearful. If you are prone to redness after waxing & plucking do it at least four days before the wedding so there is time for it to calm down & your skin tone return to normal.

Try to avoid too much around your face. Choose a veil, headdress, jewelry & neckline with care so they will compliment each other & not overwhelm you.

Make sure your nails are in tip top condition. Your hands may be the focus of many pictures, so book a professional manicure before the wedding day.

Carry a bag or ask someone to carry one for you & make sure it contains your make up so you can freshen up throughout the day.