Today’s post was written by the ageless beauty herself, 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. Last month, she shared her Top 5 Tips for getting the most flattering pictures.

What I loved most about that story was how she showcased the connection between looking good in photos and feeling confident (even if you have to fake it). Not only that, she has a way with words to help you understand your worth and beauty as a woman over 50. She’ll have you believing it, too!

She’s back to share more tips to look and feel your most radiant! It’s all about perspective, darling (literally and figuratively, just look at the image below!).

 

Welcome back, Ageless Beauties.

I’m back to share 5 more, plus a bonus sixth tip to make a total of 11 ways to ensure you look and feel your best on camera and off! The cool part is that this isn’t just about photography, it’s about your presence no matter where you are or what you’re doing!

How you take a photo after 50 is less about perfection and more about embracing the journey and celebrating the unique beauty that comes with age. We’ve spent decades growing and evolving into ourselves—learning, loving, and living—and that experience deserves to be captured with all the grace, confidence, and vibrancy we possess.

If you’ve already mastered the basics from my first set of tips, then you’re ready for the next level.

Here are five more ways to elevate your photos, showcasing the stunning woman you are, inside and out.

The Magic of Golden Hour

If there’s one time of day that can truly make you glow, it’s the Golden Hour. I’m talking about that blissful hour just after sunrise or just before sunset when the world seems bathed in liquid gold. It’s like stepping into your own personal Instagram filter, where the light wraps you up in warmth and radiance.

For us fabulous women over 50, this light is pure magic. It’s soft, it’s forgiving, and it’s incredibly flattering. Why? The light is almost straight on and it softens wrinkles to make you look like you’re photoshopped! Plan your shoots around this time, and I guarantee you’ll see the difference.

You’ll look back at your photos and wonder, “Is that really me?!” Yes, darling, it is—and you’re shining brighter than ever.

Know Your Best Facial Angle

Perfection is overrated, especially when it comes to faces. Our beautiful, lived-in faces tell the stories of our lives, and that’s something to celebrate! But let’s be honest, we all have a “better side.” Knowing which angles flatter you most is key to looking and feeling your best in photos.

Spend some time in front of the mirror, play around with different angles, and see what makes you feel fabulous. A slight tilt of the head or a subtle shift in your gaze can work wonders. It’s not about hiding anything—it’s about accentuating the features that make you uniquely you.

Play Your Favorite Music

Here’s a tip that’s as fun as it is effective: bring your favorite music to the shoot! Coco Rocha herself swears by this trick, and if it works for a supermodel, it can work for us too. Music has a magical way of putting us at ease, letting us drop our inhibitions and really get into the groove.

Whether it’s a classic rock anthem or a soulful ballad, let the rhythm guide you. When you’re having fun and feeling the beat, that joy and energy will shine through in your photos. Instead of just posing, you’re part of the moment’s energy! It’s the ultimate secret to a relaxed, natural, and completely fabulous shoot.

Posing Practice Makes Perfect

Coco Rocha also taught me that practice isn’t just for the pros—it’s for everyone who wants to look and feel their best. Don’t be shy about practicing your poses in front of a full-length mirror. Find what works best for your body, and rehearse until it feels second nature.

The more you move and experiment, the more variety and spontaneity you’ll bring to your photos. Think of your shoot as a performance where you’re the star. Channel your inner actress, tap into those emotions, and let your confidence soar. The results will be stunning, trust me.

Don’t Forget Your Hands

Hands can be a tricky thing in photos, but they don’t have to be. Coco’s advice? No claw hands! Keep them relaxed and graceful, like a ballerina. It might feel awkward at first, but with a little practice, it’ll become second nature. Music can help here, too—when your body is relaxed, your hands will naturally follow suit.

Remember, every part of you tells a story, and your hands are no exception. Let them be an extension of your elegance, adding that final touch of poise to your photos.

(Bonus Tip!) There Is Only One YOU For a Reason

Beauty isn’t one particular physical thing. It’s everything about us! When we look at different cultures around the world, each one has their own unique definition of beauty and most embrace the intangible. It’s so important to define what that is for you.

Don’t allow our crazy culture to tell you who or what is beautiful. If you are here on earth, you’re a beautiful human who is meant to shine your inner light as brightly as possible.

Fortunately, we are gradually expanding our vision of beauty to include older women. When I think of Oprah, Meryl Streep, Gayle King, Helen Mirren and so many more, I see and feel unstoppable beauty at any age.

That beauty only becomes deeper and more enhanced with age! Embrace your unique beauty, allow your inner light to shine, and, above all, have some delicious fun! After all, the best models – and the best humans – are the ones who make us feel something. Feel into YOUR Beauty!  Know you’re beautiful, at any and every age, because YOU are!

To paraphrase Oprah, What I know for sure is to be the best in anything in life is to be happy on the inside first. The winners in this crazy game of life are the happiest humans. And, the best photo shoots are the result of happy humans – or happy women over 50 owning their beauty. On camera and off!

Capture the One and Only YOU

And there you have it—six more of my top tips to help you capture the best version of yourself after 50. Remember, the camera is simply a tool; the real magic comes from inside of you. It’s your confidence, your joy, and your beautiful, lived-in face that makes a photo truly special and brings it to life!

So go ahead, embrace the Golden Hour, turn up the music, and strike a pose. You’re not just taking pictures—you’re celebrating the amazing woman you’ve become. After all, there’s only one you, and that’s something worth capturing. Who knows, you just may be looking and feeling like a supermodel after experimenting with my top 11 tips! 11 happens to be a very lucky and auspicious number for me. I sure hope it is for you. Enjoy! Remember to have some fun! (In case you missed the first 5 top tips, you can find them here.)

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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.