Posing

If you are anything like me you are much happier behind the lens than in front of it. But if you end up being photographed there are a few tips you can use to make the outcome more to your liking.

Posture counts
Slouching makes you look nonchalant, but it can also make you look short and/or dumpy. Place one foot behind the other, and lean back just a little bit. You’ll still look relaxed, but you’ll also look tall. Stand facing slightly away from the camera, then twist at the waist to face the camera. Make it subtle - if you overdo it you’ll look like a stray from a beauty pageant. Turn your head slightly away from the camera, extend your neck, then tilt your head down. Your face will look thinner and you won’t have that dreaded double chin.

Be outdoors if possible
Avoid the unforgiving bare flash at all costs. It flatters no one! If you can’t get around it, put a clean handkerchief over the flash to diffuse it. If you can choose when and where you’ll be photographed, pick an outdoor shoot in the morning or late afternoon. The light is more flattering at those times. If you have to be photographed in the middle of the day, stand in the shade. An interesting background will make you look more interesting too. Choose a pretty outdoor scene to stand in front of, or look for a wall with interesting texture or colors. Avoid standing in front of plain or drab backgrounds. also avoid standing where a lampost or something of that ilk is going to stick out of your head!

Dress To Suit
If you know you’re going to be photographed, don’t wear horizontal stripes or crazy patterns. Opt for neutral colors over bright ones unless you are one hundred percent certain that colour looks good on you.

Smile
Count to three while the photographer is getting ready. Close your eyes and breathe in. Then, breathe out, open your eyes and smile. Your face will look relaxed and your smile will be real. Everyone has different ways of smiling. One of the main components of a good smile is to ensure your eyes are wide. Whether you smile with your mouth open or closed is something of a personal decision. Try out a variety of smiles in the mirror and try to remember to use that one when in front of the camera. And, talking of mirrors, do a last-minute check of your face: cover up any pimples, put drops in your eyes if they’re red, and make sure you don’t have food in your teeth.


Don't
Don't go all nervous and stick your tongue out - it will be immortalised...