How to Look Great in Any Photo

photo credit: Fbleephotos

In the social media age, all of us are pressured to look good. I am absolutely all for being your real self, however, as a photographer I truly enjoy helping people look like their best “real self.” Here are some tips to help anyone up their photo game for whatever means they may need.

1. Shoot from the correct angle. If you are shooting a selfie, angle from above to make your eyes look large and soft. This is key to avoiding problem areas. No one has ever wanted to see the up-your-nose or double chin view. If you are going full body, have the photographer shoot from below to add height and lengthen your body.

2. Face a window with the blinds open. Eyes are everything in pictures. To get amazing catch-lights, directly face a window. This will make unflattering shadows disappear and help your eyes do the talking. Catch-lights are game-changing in making your eyes sparkle.

3. Use your best face. If you have an amazing smile, show it. If you have great dimples, show them. If you have amazing lips, show them. Look in the mirror and pay attention to what expression makes your face look the best. There is never a one-size fits all when it comes to what makes you look the best.

4. Check what’s in the background. Even if you look like a million dollars, having a messy disaster behind you will not help. Make sure that you pay attention to the small details behind you in the image.

5. Do. Not. Filter. If you filter your images, people assume you have something to hide. Not only that, but people will catch on that you are uncomfortable with something and assume the worst. This is particularly important if you are using images on a dating profile. Self-acceptance always shows confidence, and it is absolutely appealing to EVERYONE. Confidence is always in style.

6. Angle your body. If the shot shows your full or half body, make sure you are angled. Put a hand on your hips, or around a friend to make your arms appear more toned. Turning slightly to the side makes you waist thinner and legs look longer. Also, put your weight on your back foot, and be sure you’re standing up straight.

7. Practice makes perfect. Always look the in the mirror first to make sure you present yourself how you want to be presented. Try different expressions to find the most flattering expression that you can produce. And keep trying until you produce the image that you are satisfied with.

8. Be genuine. Fake smiles look fake. As a photographer, the expression is what separates a good photo from a bad one. If you look like you are generally into whatever the photo portrays, then it is a good picture. Don’t be afraid of how you look on camera. It doesn’t even come close to how someone appears that they feel on camera. Have fun and show it. Finding how to have fun and be confident on camera is huge.

Even if you try to avoid social media (like I did for 6 years) there is no doubt that you will end up in an image somewhere. Instead of avoiding the camera or feeling insecure about your image, control the situation. We are all capable of appearing how we want to appear.