The busy season is upon us. We start with Thanksgiving and move on to a barrage of holiday parades, parties, school and work events, shopping, and finally, Christmas and New Year. First, yes, that’s a lot of socializing, and if you feel like you’re overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Second, that’s a lot of photo ops. There are group shots and candid photos, and the gang’s all here picture extravaganzas. The idea that we’ll have yet another batch of images we dislike because we’re making that face or looking the wrong way can make all of those fun events hard to take.
With that in mind, when it comes to saying “Cheese” to multiple photographers or just wanting to snag a gorgeous selfie for your social media page, you might like a little help. That’s where we come in. Our simple tips on how to be photogenic are easy to follow and surprisingly successful. Check them out so you can stand out from the crowd and not have any photos you want to delete from existence.
Tips on How to Be Photogenic
1. Body Positive
- Keep your upper arms a few inches away from your torso. When they’re flat, arms can appear wider. Try putting them on your hips to give your photos a little flair!
- Turn to a ¾ angle. It can be so much more slimming than standing head-on in a photograph. Add a hand on that hip and some proper posture, and you’ll work it!
- When sitting down, cross your feet at the ankles and sit up straight. Crossing at the knees or one leg over the other can make it appear as if there is more bulk than you want (think about the upper arms against the torso).
2. About face!
- Don’t hold your jaw too tight. Keep it relaxed, and put your tongue up on the roof of your mouth to help your smile from becoming too wide. If you feel uptight on camera, it can really show.
- Push your head a little outward and upward while slightly pulling your chin down to get your face away from your body and wave goodbye to those extra chins!
- Think of a fun memory or joke. Your smile will look a little more organic than plastered-on. Your face will look happier, and your eyes will twinkle! This is one of my favorites because then you’ll get a beautiful, natural smile!
- Smile with your eyes. If you’re not a huge fan of your teeth, use the Tyra Banks “Smizing” technique (smiling with your eyes) or a sly side-smile.
3. A few makeup tricks of the trade
- Take a pic to determine extra makeup. Camera flashes tend to steal the color from your face. If you are undecided when applying your makeup, just take a quick selfie. You’d be surprised how different your makeup looks on camera! Sometimes, that little bit of extra blush or lipstick can really help.
- Full eyebrows. Your eyebrows show so much expression. Filling in your brows with a little bit of eye shadow will ensure that the camera flash won’t expose any gaps in your eyebrows and help you to look more like, well, you!
- Accentuate eyelashes. You don’t have to put on crazy oversized lashes to look good in photos. Sometimes, just some shorter lashes will give a little more volume and oomph! Or snag an awesome fiber mascara and give it an extra coat.
- Wearing a bolder lip will make you stand out and give your smile more definition, as opposed to wearing a nude lip or clear gloss. Show it off, ladies!
4. What to wear to look your best
- Color control. If you are experiencing sunburn, rosacea, or a flare-up of blemishes, wearing red will only exacerbate the problem. Try wearing something with green in it to neutralize that redness.
- Go darker. Thinner, tighter, and lighter-colored fabrics can sometimes show off more than you want. Wearing darker clothing can help you look slimmer. There is more than one reason I only wear black!
- Flash test. If you know flashes will be used, be careful and do a cell phone test flash with your outfit at home. Some fabrics tend to be see-through when that bright light hits them.
Extra Tips on How to Be Photogenic
Being photogenic isn’t about having perfect features—it’s about presenting yourself confidently and naturally in front of the camera. With a bit of practice and some mindful adjustments, you can enhance your photogenic qualities and consistently look great in photos.
One of the first steps to looking photogenic is finding your best angles. Everyone has features that are flattered by certain head positions or tilts. Experimenting in front of a mirror or taking a few test selfies can help you discover how to highlight these angles. Tilting your face slightly rather than facing the camera straight on often creates more depth and a dynamic look.
Posture is equally important. Standing or sitting up straight projects confidence and elongates your body, both of which enhance your overall appearance in photos. Instead of facing the camera head-on, try angling your body slightly to the side, which often creates a more flattering silhouette.
Lighting plays a crucial role in how you appear in photographs. Natural light, especially during the “golden hour” shortly after sunrise or before sunset, is soft and flattering, giving your skin a natural glow. Indoors, positioning yourself near a window with diffused light can provide a similarly appealing effect. Avoid harsh or overhead lighting, which can cast unflattering shadows.
The more comfortable and practiced you are in front of the camera, the better your photos will be. With these tips, you can project natural charm and confidence every time you step into the frame.
Wrapping it Up
I hope these tips on how to be photogenic have helped you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. I know I felt very uncomfortable until I started practicing with selfies and with the mirror. That may sound crazy, but I’m awful in front of a camera… hence the reason I do the “behind-the-scenes ” makeup job! Just shine from within, and you will always be your gorgeous self in photos! Take care, ladies!
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