How To Look Good In Photos: Tips & Tricks You Need To Know

how to look good in photos 2
How to look good in photos: If you’ve cringed at images of yourself too many times then help is at hand. Having a few simple tips and tricks up your sleeve will make ALL the difference to your confidence – and the resulting photo, next time a happy snap opportunity comes your way.

Some people, they just have it. Take a photo of them any time, any place, and they always look great. The camera seems to love them. WHY? But for others, it’s a case of running for the hills any time anyone waves a camera around.

Truth be told, many of the tips and tricks for how to look good in photos are drummed into models and celebrities so that they always look “effortlessly perfect.” However, learning just a couple of these techniques will have a drastic impact on how you look in photos, (and more importantly how you FEEL about having your photo taken.)

Keep reading to learn how to look good in photos!

how to look good in photos

First things first: If you have control of the camera or input into the shoot, then you ideally want to be using a portrait lens such as an 85mm or 50mm lens, rather than a wide angle lens. INF Photo shares that a wide angle lens will distort parts of the image, which can lead to unflattering photos of you. For all other key tips, keep reading below!

1. Take the shot from slightly above.  This is one of the easiest ways to avoid a double chin and suits everybody.

2. Lean in toward the camera slightly.  Elongate your neck by pushing it forward slightly (think “turtle head”) and tilt your chin down a little (again, must avoid that double chin!)  NEVER angle your head back.

3. The most flattering pose for women is to stand at a 45 degree angle to the camera, with the front leg crossed and the weight on the back foot. Head and shoulders toward the camera. This makes the thighs and torso to appear slimmer

4. Pull your shoulders back and extend your chest slightly.  Slouching is not attractive– and it will look even more exaggerated in the photo.

5. Put your hands on your hips to square up your shoulders.

6. To make your waist appear smaller place the hands more toward your front, bending the elbows in a little. If done correctly you can’t see this illusion in the photo, your waist will look smaller!

7. Don’t allow your arms to touch your body anywhere as it will flatten your arms and create the dreaded “arm flab”  Put your hands on your hips or the arm closest to the camera on your hips. Alternatively, just let your arms float closely beside your body.

8. Make sure all your joints are bent a little bit. Nothing too stiff.

9. Relax and smile.  Think of something REALLY good. (your partner… a happy memory) The eyes and smile will be genuine and carry across into the photo.

10. Avoid being photographed whilst sitting, but if it’s unavoidable, slide to the edge of the chair and lean slightly forward, Do NOT lean back and cross your legs! If your legs are visible, cross your ankles.

11. Don’t wear busy patterns. Dark colours and nothing too clingy is best. If the photo is planned, wear heels.

12. The things that are closest to the camera will appear LARGER. Anything you don’t want exaggerated? (ie bottom halves) … keep them “behind” your face.

13. If you’re having a group photo avoid being on the end. Try to stand in the middle and slightly turn your body toward the person next to you for your slimmest angle.

14. Avoid harsh or severe hairstyles. Whereas some updos can make your neck look longer and thinner, tightly pulled back buns, braids, or ponytails that are too severe can create harsh angles, causing your face and torso to look larger.

Lastly, if you are the photographer, you may find this article from Photobox really helpful (click here).

 

9 Comments

  • Reply Whatthe Thursday 28th August, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    I don’t think Rosie needs to try.

  • sommy7
    Reply sommy7 Tuesday 26th August, 2014 at 10:01 pm

    Need all the tips I can get 🙂

  • Reply BellaB Tuesday 26th August, 2014 at 5:52 pm

    These are very useful. Thanks.

  • Reply Whatthe Tuesday 26th August, 2014 at 10:46 am

    Where did Rosie learn all that?

  • Reply amanda6393 Tuesday 26th August, 2014 at 8:56 am

    Great tips! Damn double chin!

  • Reply yslyenom Sunday 24th August, 2014 at 11:22 pm

    Thanks for the tips!

  • Reply jessicawheelock Sunday 24th August, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    Rosie’s dress is cray-mazing

  • Reply stels Saturday 23rd August, 2014 at 11:30 am

    great tips!

  • Reply Whatthe Friday 22nd August, 2014 at 6:11 pm

    I’m going to be thinking turtle head from now on!

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