Looking Good in Photographs

Let’s be honest. In at least a couple of photographs, you may have looked less than flattering. Were the bags underneath your eyes a little too revealing? Did it look like you had two chins instead of one? And what about that waistline that looked a little larger than you had previously imagined? Fret no more. There are ways to improve your appearance in a photograph.

Color Photographs

If color photos are being taken, be sure to go easy on the makeup. Remember, your facial skin tone should match with your body color. Caked-on powder or blush may look too artificial, especially under bright lights or in the daylight.

Black and White Photographs

It’s okay to use heavier makeup when black and white shots are being taken. If not, your face might reveal unwanted features such as enlarged pores or shadows underneath the eyes. Be sure to apply a concealer that is lighter than your skin tone. That will lift the entire face.

Positioning Your Body

Turn your body at a 45-degree angle away from the camera and then turn only your head and shoulders toward the camera. If you are sitting down, place your feet in the third ballet position (i.e. one foot angled in front of the other).

If you are standing, place your hands on your hips or raise them slightly to make your arms look thinner and shoulders look less rounded. To avoid the look of a double chin, stretch your neck like a swan and then tuck the chin slightly down. This is important because you want to avoid looking like your chin is sticking up in the air. Professional photographers like to take shots from above, as this almost always eliminates the double chin effect.

When smiling, open your mouth naturally instead of plastering on a phony grin. This will create an open-eyed, spontaneous look.

Relax

Remember to relax when your picture is being taken. And don’t forget that your image can be digitally enhanced if you have Adobe PhotoShop or any other photo enhancement software on your computer.