Let’s face the facts: how ever gorgeous or handsome you looked that night, the photographs often tell a different story. But looking fine in front of the camera is about more than just that. It’s about discovering your signature smile, securing great lighting and knowing exactly what to do with your body and how to strike a pose. As compiled from fashionspot.com, realsimple.com and InStyle magazine, get the basics on how to unleash your inner model for perfect photos.
Don’t square up to the camera
It’s an innate human reaction to look directly at something in front of you, but stop doing it when taking photos. Look above the camera or below, but never directly at it. The same goes for the tilt of your head. A recent study found that men who tilt their head back slightly and women who tilt their head forward seem more appealing. The same goes for your feet and body, if they’re angled directly at the camera, shift them (and your body) slightly. Throw in a shoulder tilt too for an arresting shot. And make sure you’re never squared up to the camera.
Look leaner in full length photos
Turn partially sideways to the camera, planting one foot in front of the other. Point your toe to the camera and place your weight on your back foot to acquire that perfect tasveer. Hold arms slightly away from your body. This keeps upper arm flab from flattening out and therefore appearing flabbier. Hunched shoulders and slumped spines will not elongate your figure so don’t forget to pull shoulders back, chest forward and gently suck stomach in to fake a leaner physique.
Keep your chin up and out
Pull head forward slightly to minimize any appearance of a double chin. This trick will elongate your neck and help to avoid any unflattering chin angles. Because let’s be honest: no one strives for a puffy looking un-toned face in pictures. Project your chin out an inch or so more than you normally would. You may feel a bit awkward, like a giraffe, but “you’ll have a long, thin neck in the photo,” says Suzy Drasnin Orduna, owner of the Beach Ambience Studio & Gallery, in Sag Harbor, New York.
Know your light
No matter what camera or phone you’re using to shoot a picture or selfie, be partial to certain times of the day and certain types of light. Natural light is always your friend. Soft and diffused light, like from a skylight is known to be the best. Definitely avoid the phone flash at all costs. If you’re indoors, pose near the closest light source, like a window. Avoid harsh, hard lighting, which can create unflattering shadows. According to fashion photographer Dana Boulos, shooting pictures at sunset is a great idea. She says: “I’ve always loved sunset magic hour light. It’s so soft; it’s always been my personal favourite making anyone look timeless.”
Avoid closed eyes
Close your eyes and have the photographer count to three. On three, open them. “Works every time,” says wedding photographer Denis Reggie. If you’re outdoors, remember that noon is the worst time to take a photo, because that’s when the sun is harshest and you’re more likely to squint. Head out early evening, when the light is more amber. Whenever you use flash, ask the photographer or your friend taking the photo to take three or four photos, instead of just one, so that your eyes can adapt to the flash light. Most people blink from the anticipation and shock of the bright beam in their eyes.
Avoid red-eye
Avoid appearing possessed in your next photo by affixing your eyes on a lamp or the nearest light source right before the photo is taken. When the pupils fix on something bright, they shrink, reducing the potential for red-eye (Red-eye usually occurs in a dim room when the irises of the eyes have opened up so much that the retinas, which are red with blood vessels, light up when the flash hits them.) If you’re unable to find a bright lamp to shrink your pupils, just make sure you take the photo in an evenly lit environment.
Accentuate your best features
To look your absolute best in photos, make sure you emphasize your favourite features to make them the standout characteristic in your snapshot. Try playing up your eyes with some eyeliner or false lashes. Alternatively, perk up your pout with some bright lipstick to take focus away from big ears or a crooked nose. Also, make the most of your best body attributes with an outfit that complements your shape and colouring. For the perfect photo-ready appearance, make sure you avoid light reflective make-up. Yes, the shimmer powders must go! Although they are great for an everyday luminous look, the flash of a camera can quickly transform your dewy complexion to a ghostly pale one as the white light reflects back from the camera.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2014.
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