Tips and tricks for looking better in photographs
Taking Instagram-worthy photographs comes rather naturally to some, but for most, taking a good photograph is an art they have yet to master. If you’re one of those people, perhaps you have pondered over how celebrities, models, or even your family and friends manage to be so photogenic? The secret they know, that you might not, is that it really is all about practice and positioning in front of the camera.
Although you may love the way you look personally, it still takes a little skill to ensure your beauty translates for digital photography. A good way to rehearse this is to try out several facial expressions, poses, and angles in front of the mirror. When you’ve uncovered your preferred/favourite/most liked angles and expressions, integrate them with my tips and tricks for looking better in photographs, and you are set to never take an unflattering photograph again!
1. Avoid Facing the Camera Head-on
It is seldom complementary to face the camera squarely. It can make your face look wider, bigger, or even rather discoloured. Alternatively, turn your head slightly sideways and tilt your chin either a little bit downwards or upwards; this will aid in giving your facial features more depth.
For the classic no-fail pose, think 3/4ths or 7/8ths; turn your body three-quarters of the way towards the camera, with one shoulder nearer to the photographer and one foot ahead of the other. Correct your posture; shoulders back, spine erect, stomach tucked in, and derrière tight. This pose will ensure that the camera gets you at your best angle.
Should you be taking your image sitting down, request your photographer to take the shot from above; for when your face is tilted up to meet the camera, your jaw-line will appear more defined. When standing, ask your photographer to shoot from a lower position; this trick will make you look lean and taller.
2. Facial expressions
Smile. Laugh. Candid shots are engaging and even more interesting than the conventional ‘say cheese’ obligated smile, which creates a forced look and squinty eyes. To prevent a too-wide silly grin, place your tongue at the back of your teeth when you smile. Contrarily press your tongue on the roof of your mouth to prevent the dreaded double chin; this will make your neck look longer.
Your eyes are the key. Use them. Keeping your eyes engaged while holding a pose is difficult, so close your eyes and then open them. Look a little bit above the lens. Look away, then look back to the camera; make an unexpected move or take a step. These small movements can make all the difference.
Face your eyes towards the light source: catching the light creates sparkle and instantly adds life to your expression. In case you are outdoors, move into the shade and face the light to avoid casting unflattering harsh shadows on your face. If you happen to be indoors, face a window at an angle.
3. Try the Red Carpet Pose
Celebrities are often seen posing this way because it works! Place your hand on your hip and angle your body to one side, then rest your weight on your back leg and tilt your head towards the camera while leaning slightly towards the photographer. Voila! In addition to making you look fabulous, this pose will also help you look leaner.
Additionally, crossing your ankles at the calves when standing, assists in helping your hips look narrow and making your legs look much longer. Also, crossing your lower limbs at the ankles while seated will look more pleasing than not arranging your legs at all.
And yes, seek a simple and clean background that contrasts with you. You do not want the background to divert attention away from you.
4. Makeup
It is actually best to tread lightly when it comes to makeup ~ particularly with regards to foundation. Your face masked in any sort of monotone base will look pasty and flat in photographs.
To achieve a more natural look, I would suggest using concealer only on imperfections, red spots, and shadowy areas. To look for your facial shadows, tilt your chin down just a bit while looking in a mirror. Shadows will most likely show up around your eyes, on your chin, and under your lips. I also have noticed it is easier to get the shot I want by applying a berry hue to my lips and a warm blush to my cheeks {bare lips could easily get washed out by the camera’s flash}.
At the end of it all, don’t forget that a digital camera does not generate an accurate image! What you get is just an interpretation of the light bouncing off your face.
To conclude: Study a favourite photograph of yourself. To enhance the nature of future photographs, look closely at photos from the past in which you think you looked your best. How were you positioned? What was your best angle? You’ll most likely see that you were having a great time or laughing. Capturing photographs when your subject is relaxed or most animated {as a rule} makes for the best results.
And that’s it; go get ’em, tiger/ress!