How To Look Great in Photographs

When choosing your clothes, leave bright colors, crazy patterns, and horizontal stripes in the closet. Neutral colors look best.

Check your face in the mirror: Do you have any blemishes you could cover, or greasy skin that needs powdering? Could your eyes use some drop to clear up redness? Are your eyebrows trim and neat?

Try to have the pictures taken outside in the morning or before sunset. The light is soft and flattering at these times, whereas high noon or flash photography can illuminate a little too much.

Make sure the camera lens is at eye level or just slightly higher. Any lower and you’ll look like you have a double chin.

To appear more natural when standing for a photo, lean slightly back, with your weight on your rear foot, and angle one hip forward.

Turn your head two-thirds to one side or the other for a slimming effect on your face.

Look at a light source, like a lamp or light, for a few moments. It reduces the size of your pupils and the possibility of red-eye. However, never look directly at the sun.

Just before the picture is taken, close your eyes and have the photographer count to three. Then open your eyes as he begins shooting. This is the best way to prevent blinking from ruining shots.

The last and most important part of a picture is the smile. Saying kitschy things like “cheese” forces a fake grin that makes you look like a newscaster or a local politician. Instead, think of a funny memory, which will bring out a naturally happy look.