The Elegance Edit: Issue 4

Olga’s Note
Dear Ladies,

Welcome to Issue 4 of The Elegance Edit — your weekly guide to body language, elegance, and timeless style. Each edition offers thoughtful insights to help you feel more poised, confident, and graceful in every part of your life.

Last week’s edition saw us explore the secret art of elegant flirting. This week we shift from small, gentle gestures and movements to entice a romantic partner, to something for you and only you – posing for pictures with confidence.

Capturing memories
Posing like a Queen

The beauty of life lives in the quiet details — a birthday toast, a baby shower, a candlelit dinner. We prepare with care: selecting the perfect dress, styling our hair, adding that final touch of gloss.

And then, someone says, “Let’s take a picture.” Suddenly, we pause:

• “I’ll just take photos of everyone else.”

• “I don’t need to be in this one.”

• “I’ll stand in the back… or maybe sit this one out.”

Even when we arrive radiant, poised, and fully present, something within us retreats the moment the camera appears. We diminish ourselves—soften our glow—when we are meant to be seen. And all too often, we don’t even take a single photo of ourselves..

But pause for a moment. Think beyond now.

What about your children or grandchildren? One day, they will look back at photos from these meaningful occasions and think,
“Wow, she was stunning. That’s where I get my eyes, my hair, my smile.”

But let’s not look too far ahead. Let’s return to the present—
To you. You deserve to be seen. Fully. Elegantly. Authentically.

Knowing the moment: types of photography

Just as the expression of elegance at L’Élégance is thoughtfully adapted to suit each setting—whether professional or romantic—so too should your posing align with the type of photography. Every photographic style carries its own rhythm and emotional tone, gently guiding how you present yourself before the lens.

There are ten distinct types of photography:

- Commercial Photography;
- Instagram / Social Media Photography;
- Family Photography;
- Artistic / Fine Art Photography;
- Magazine / Editorial Photography;
- Event Photography;
- Architectural Photography;
- Documentary Photography;
- Travel Photography;
- Still Life Photography

Each calls for a slightly different approach to posture, presence, and movement.

When it comes to Elegant Social life—those cherished evenings, birthdays, and gatherings—the camera often finds you. In these moments, your pose becomes a living portrait. The placement of your arms, the shape of your silhouette, the softness of your gaze—all come together to express your presence. Your dress, makeup, and jewelry are there not to take the spotlight, but to enhance your natural beauty.

If you joined us for last week’s Elegance Game, you’ll be pleased to know both (B) angling your legs and (C) crossing at the ankle are elegant seated poses. A little intrigue, after all, keeps us all beautifully on our toes.

But remember: these tips are not one-size-fits-all. Artistic and editorial photography follow creative direction, often breaking convention. In event, social, or corporate photography, however, just a touch of intention can elevate your presence entirely. It might appear before you speak—on a panel flyer or conference page.

The Most Elegant Pose?
It begins long before the camera clicks.

First – Highlight What You Love
Start by finding a part of your body you truly appreciate—your elongated neck, expressive eyes, graceful hands, sculpted shoulders, long hair, or confident smile. Then, choose a dress that draws attention to this feature, subtly enhancing it.

Forget what you don’t love. If I shared the parts of my body I sometimes critique, you might not believe me—because I’ve learned how to skillfully showcase the areas I love. And you can do the same.

Second – Eyes Follow the Nose
Your gaze should always align with the direction of your nose. This small adjustment makes a profound difference—transforming your look from hesitant to composed, mysterious, and confidently present.

Third – Choose Your Mood
Just as you select a dress to match the style of the event and the woman you wish to embody, choose the emotion you want your photo to express. Is it joyful and spontaneous? Poised and elegant? Romantic or quietly alluring? Emotion gives life to the image.

Fourth – Mind the Hands
Contrary to popular belief, the most elegant hand position isn’t always on the waist. Often, the most graceful gesture is stillness. No matter where your arms are placed, your fingers should be relaxed—not stiff—and held gently together. Release tension. Let your hands rest where they feel natural and serene.

Lastly – Prepare the Night Before
Take a few quiet moments to study your dress. Practice just three poses in front of the mirror. Even a few minutes of rehearsal helps your body build memory. So when someone says, “Ladies, let’s take a picture,” you won’t hesitate. You’ll simply shine—with elegance.

If you’d like to explore these techniques in greater depth—especially posing for Social Events, Family Gatherings, or refining your Social Media presence—join us this Saturday in New York for our Heels 2.0 class, where elegance meets intention in every step and pose.

And for our ladies beyond New York—something special is on its way. Next week, we’ll be introducing our new Online Posing Course, created exclusively for you. As always, it will offer highly detailed, technically refined guidance to help you feel radiant and ready for every photograph—from an intimate birthday celebration to the glamour of an Oscar red carpet.

Upcoming Events
14 DAY ONLINE HEELS MARATHON

HEELS GODDESS ONLINE 14 DAY MARATHON
ON-DEMAND, START RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE

NYC HEELS 2.0 POSING CLASS

HEELS 2.0 RED CARPET READY
2:30PM EST
JUNE 14TH, 2025
MANHATTAN, NYC

Olga’s Tips
Elegance Tip of the week

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Olga’s Recommendations
Recommendations

You may not be preparing for a pageant, but watching Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality (2000) learn how to glide, tilt her head, and soften her stride is an entertaining reminder that elegance doesn’t mean changing who you are — it means refining how you show up. And sometimes, posture really is everything.

Events
Poised at the Polo

And where else can you bring your new skill to life, if not in such elegant moments? Poised at the Polo—the Cartier Queen’s Cup Polo—is the perfect setting. Here, red carpet techniques meet countryside charm. Think of it as your gentle runway: soft hands holding a glass, ankles crossed in the grass, a subtle head tilt to greet a friend—or the lens.

15 June 2025

www.guardspoloclub.com 

Game
The Elegance Game

In the following week, we will share the answer to this question. Click the answer that you think is right.