How to Look Your Best in Every Photo

Do you suffer the trauma of being that one person in a photo who always looks awkward and distinctly uncomfortable? Well, you are not alone – there are just too many people out there who think the camera is the devil and avoid it at all costs.

Admittedly, all their apprehensions are understandable. I mean, who wants physical proof of how bad they can possibly look, which is what photography essentially entails for the non-photogenic folk. No one!

However, bad photos are not simply an outcome of some fateful curse that the photo Gods have put upon you. Often, you too are making no effort to look good in front of the camera and that naturally shows up in the snapshots.

So, what you need is some little tips and tricks that will help you look your best in every photo. Read on and find out what you can do.

Be Camera Conscious

If you have the knack for always being captured on camera in the funniest, most embarrassing poses, it’s time you started being camera conscious. Accept the fact that candid shots are not for you. Instead, even if you have to be that one person who is staring into the lens in every photo, do so because that is always better than looking ridiculous in each shot.

Practice Your Smile

Most people who are dissatisfied with the way they photograph find much fault in the way their facial features appear. Perhaps they get too awkward when the camera is on them and do not know which expression to wear. If you are similarly unaccustomed to posing, take a minute to study yourself in the mirror. Practice smiling while staring at your reflection and figure out which expression looks best to you. Try close-lipped smiles, goofy grins, soft laughs, smirks and more; identify which of these you find to be most flattering and be sure to pose that way the next time pictures are being clicked.

Prep Yourself a Bit

When you know someone is about to take a picture, prepare yourself for the camera quickly. And no, this doesn’t mean you rush off to the bathroom to touch up (well, do that if you can). What it means it that you fix what you can without a mirror. Shake and tousle your hair a bit to give it volume. Dab your face with a napkin to remove shine. Straighten out your outfit and assume a nice pose. Now you are wondering how to nail that last one, right? Here’s how.

Pose Perfectly

Bad posture and worse body angles are what produce horrific photos. So, make sure that the moment someone whips a camera out, you automatically get photo-ready. Firstly, elongate your neck and spine as you stand straight for slouchy-you will look very shabby. Then, angle your body and face such that you are not facing the camera head-on. That is usually the most unflattering angle for everyone. Turn your body slightly sideways and allow about 3/4^th of your face camera exposure. To avoid a double chin, tip your forehead forward and tuck your chin in (this may seem weird to do, but will give a great finish on camera). If you are prone to blinking in photos, shut your eyes till the photographer gives the get-go and open them just as he clicks.

Find a Good Setting

Some kinds of lighting, background and camera angles are in themselves unsuited to photography and will invariably produce bad pictures. Try to avoid getting clicked in these, or find suitable remedies. If it’s possible, get clicked in natural lighting, such as out in the open or near a window or door perhaps. If you are indoors however, make sure you are facing the light source so that you don’t appear dark and dull. Also, lighter backgrounds are better for snapping pictures for they brighten the frame and bring your form into focus. Finally, keep in mind that photos clicked from a higher angle than your face always look better. So if someone shorter than you is clicking, find a chair to sit on or duck subtly.

The bottom line is that great pictures don’t just happen in the blink of an eye – that’s how bad photos get taken. So make sure to pose and position yourself correctly, while also wearing a beautiful expression. Do this and enjoy pretty shots of yourself each time!