Tips for looking great in photos:
Whether it’s in front of a professional or in your bathroom with your iPhone, looking great on camera is hard work! During our shoots, we make sure to help coach you into the most flattering poses and laugh along with you to capture those real smiles. But, for every other day when you don’t have a professional directing you, we’ve created a list of our top tips to help you always look great on camera! These are road tested, tried and true. Some are serious and some goofy, but they’re all sure to make you look your absolute best!
1. Turn slightly off center. Rather than facing the camera straight on, angle your face and even your entire body just a little to the left or right. This is not only slenderizing, but also creates more dimension in your appearance.
2. Shift your weight to your back foot. Like tip #1, this is also a slenderizing pose. Whatever is closest to the camera will look bigger than normal. Placing your weight on your back foot shift the focus away and balances your silhouette.
3. Move between shots. Rather than staying stiff and still, shift your weight back and forth. Turn a little, heck, do a little shake even. Movement is great on camera. It’ll loosen you up and result in more winners!
4. Laugh a little to yourself. If you’re uncomfortable in front of the camera or feel like your smile is forced, trying laughing. This help the photographer capture a great smile or a more candid moment. Plus, since laughter is contagious, those around you will soon be chuckling too, cutting the tension and making a great picture.
5. Find shade. Whether it’s a selfie, picture with a friend on vacation, or a portrait with a professional, if you’re out and about after the sun has risen and long before it sets, then find some shade. Otherwise you’ll run the risk of harsh, unflattering shadows. Shade provides even light, which helps to illuminate your eyes and give a more even appearance to your skin (in other words, it’ll help to hide wrinkles or bags under your eyes).
6. Push your chin out. Unless your Gisele Bunchen, you’ve probably been caught on camera with a double-chin at some point in your life. Sticking your chin out and keeping your neck long is the secret to a beautiful jaw line on camera. Doing this AND dropping it a little will bring the focus right to your eyes. Try it out!
7. Squint a little. This is an advanced tip for those wanting a sassy picture. Follow all the tips above, THEN, try squinting, juuuuuust a little. It’s subtle, but it works. See my lovely co-owner below showing how it’s done!
8. Turn your back to the sun. If you’re stuck in a place with no shade and lots of sun, put it behind you, then if using a smart-phone, touch the screen on your face to achieve the proper exposure for your face. Your background may be extra bright, but at least you’ll be looking great!
9. No duck face! Need we say more?
10. Think of a puppy dog. Ridiculous, we know, but I bet it made you smile 🙂 Other alternatives include a baby, a big bowl of ice cream, or even a day off of work! In short, something that makes you relax and smile.