Some of us get labeled as being “photogenic” (and others not so much), but a lot of that has to do with how you react to the camera. We can all use a little help when it comes to looking good in photos. Here are some tips on how to look your very best in photos.
1. The Slimming Stance
How you stand can instantly add or subtract 10+ pounds. If you stand with your hips shoulder-width apart, your weight on your back foot and your front leg slightly bent, you’ll create an instant slimming effect! For group photos, it also helps to place yourself somewhere in the middle– avoid standing on the ends.
2. Don’t Square Your Body
It makes sense. Standing straight into the camera can make you look frumpy. Standing at a 3/4 turn or even with your body to the side is much more flattering, especially if you’re with a group of people; it cuts your size in almost half.
3. Forehead Forward, Chin Down
If there is anything you can do to be more photogenic, do this!! Even if you don’t have a double chin to hide, it accentuates your jawline. It is also suggested that you squint your eyes slightly.
4. Arms Out
You’ve seen it on the Red Carpet a million times, and celebrities have a good reason for it. Keeping your arms away from your torso gives them more definition, making them appear smaller. It will also keep you from hiding the smallest part of your waist. One hand on the hip that is closest to the camera is popular, but if you’re not comfortable with that, just keep them from hugging your torso.
5. Relax
An unnatural smile is the easiest way to ruin a picture, making you look stiff and weird. If you have trouble with this, here’s a simple trick: Put your tongue behind your upper teeth and smile. Think happy thoughts and don’t forget to breathe!
6. Add Extra Height & Body to Your Hair
Besides wearing a style that flatters your face, add a little bit of extra height to your crown, and volume to those locks. Hair tends to look duller and flatter in pictures, especially in the crown area. This will also help make your face appear more delicate.
7. Wear Camera Flattering Clothes
Although a lot of people like to hide under baggy clothes, they can actually make you look bigger, particularly in photos. Choose slim-fitting clothes in dark shades. If you have an area that you don’t want to be showcased; ruffles, sheer layers, and draping work wonders in distracting the eye from those lumps and bumps.
8. Choose the Right Time of Day
For outdoor photos, when the sun is overhead it tends to cast shadows in unflattering places; emphasizing lines on the face and bags under the eyes. The best time of day to be photographed is around dawn when the sun is low in the sky. And, don’t forget to face towards the light!
9. Face the Mirror
When in doubt, practice! Stand in front of that mirror and smile, smile, smile. Angle your face in different positions to see what flatters you the most. It may sound strange, but it works! We all have a good angle, you just have to find yours and then work with it.
10. Think of Something Funny When Taking
Forget saying “cheese,” and instead think of something funny. Better yet, joke with the photographer. A natural smile trumps a fake one every time.