How to look better in photos - painlessly!
Do you feel awkward when having your picture taken? Have you ever said, “I’m not very photogenic”? I have to disagree - looking your best in photos is easier than you think!
Perfect your posture: Stand tall with your shoulders back and slightly down to avoid slouching. This not only makes you look confident but can also help define your jawline. “What do i do with my arms??” Put them in your pockets, put a hand on your waist, hook your thumbs in your back pockets, touch the fabric of your dress, or put your hand on the shoulder of the person standing next to you. You can also just let them hang there! It’s not weird, I swear!
Find your best angle: Experiment with different angles to discover which side of your face you prefer or how you like to tilt your head. Knowing your best angle can make a big difference in how you appear in photos. Generally, taking a photo straight-on is a bad idea. I like to rotate my clients slightly towards the light to slim the body line and soften the overall shape of your body.
Bend something! Bent limbs = angles. Angles create triangles and leading lines. What the heck does that mean? It all adds up to a more visually interesting image, an image that isn’t so flat. Consider putting a hand on a hip or crossing one foot over the other, or, if sitting, crossed legs or ankles.
Smile naturally: Practice a relaxed and natural smile to avoid looking forced or awkward in pictures. Think of something that genuinely makes you happy to capture a genuine smile. You can also practice a calm, relaxed facial expression by taking a breath, letting it out slowly, opening your eyes fully, and letting your bottom lip drop open just slightly. Placing the tongue on the roof of your mouth behind the front teeth helps the jaw to relax and can change the shape of your face, too!
Mind your clothing: Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Choose colors that complement your skin tone and avoid busy patterns that can be distracting in photos. Picking an outfit that makes you feel fabulous puts you on the right track before your session has even begun.
Lighting is key: Natural light is the most flattering for photos, so knowing where to position yourself in relation to the sun is key. Midday sunlight is the strongest and can create deep shadows under the eyes, nose, and chin. As a general rule, avoiding midday by an hour or two is preferred. Golden hour - an hour or so after sunrise or before sunset - light is very flattering, warm, and provides a beautiful haze when handled properly.
Planning ahead, choosing clothes you love, and having a great photographer that you vibe well with will all help you get the best possible outcome from your photo session. Try not to overthink it, I promise it’ll be easier than you expect! Want to learn more? Let’s connect!
