Any tips on looking good in pictures?

Question

In person, i look pretty good. But in pictures, i look really distorted. My smile will be crooked, my eyes squint etc. I tried posing in front of the mirror and i look fine but when the camera comes out i will start to look really unphotogenic. I need tips on how to look good in pictures.

Answer 1

I have some tips that might help you, you may want to practice these poses in the mirror to help you out, they will become natural over time.

make sure that your extend your neck updards as much as possible, it may feel weird but it will look great in pictures, remember to drop your chin and relax your shoulders as well.

keep your eyes open towards the corners not all around to avoid looking shocked, you will have to practice this as well but IT IS possible to widen the corners of your eyes, you will do it naturally when you smile. Smile or Grin as big as your can, then release the muscles in your cheeks and mouth, keep the tension in your eyes and they will appear alert and stunning.

one last tip that will REALLY make a differance is angles, Paris Hilton and other model types know these angles by heart and they are very easy to learn. Put your head in direct profile, over your shoulder, then rotate your face until chin is in line with your collor bone. DROP your chin. This pose will make anyone look statuesque and model-like. If you still have no idea, grab a fasion magazine or a tabloid and look at how celebs pose for photoshoots and redcarpet events, they are NOT naturals, they train themselves to look good.

Keep working on your angles and find ones that suit your face best, and you will be fine, even in group pictures and spontanious snap shots if easy to come out looking good as long as your remember your angles.

Answer 2

Oy!

I've had to get a lot of headshots and publicity shots done over the years and I use these things to help.

Ask the photographer questions and tell her or him you'd like to have a running dialogue as the session goes. Ask questions like "what was the last thing you ate?" or "what's your favorite color and why?" Anything that engages you and your interests will make you more engaging on camera and lessen the effect you feel of "crookedness."

Once the photographer has set you up for the best position in the lights (which should be in a 3/4 position -- most, but not all of your face turned to the camera), turn your head the other way, then return to the "pose" while breathing in through slightly parted lips. WOW -- that seems like a lot to keep in mind, doesn't it? Here's what each of those things will do...

--The pose is what's best for the lights -- the photographer should know best how to achieve that
--3/4 position will give a good view of what you look like, but won't be as "confrontational" as a full-on view of a face can.
--Moving quickly back into the position makes you look more "unposed"
--Slightly parting the lips looks more natural
--Breathing in will slightly dilate your pupils, and studies show that people looking at pictures of people with dilated pupils judge them more approachable and friendly.
--Repeating this may make you seem a little silly, which will improve the personality that comes through in the photo.

It may take a few times to get a good shot out of it, but you'll soon get the hang of it.

Answer 3

Go here for the best photography course: http://photography-course.info

You can be like the masses of humanity and buy a camera you can afford that has auto this and that for worry free picture taking. And learn through trial and error how to use something like aperture or shutter priority auto modes or even attempt to use the thing on full manual mode.
You seem to know already there is some thinking to using a camera and to take pictures. A good place to start is by reading the owners manual that comes with a camera. Read the information and look at the illustrations with part names and look at the real camera. Handle the camera and take pictures. Let me rephrase that. Take pictures to learn how to use the camera and maybe even to keep some. Don't start with important stuff you cannot photograph over again such as birthdays, a toddlers first steps. That puts picture taking out of the learning phase and puts the pressure and emphasis to taking pictures for real and to keep.
These first pictures are for you to learn how to use your camera. And you have learned how to use your camera when you can take pictures with it and can teach others how to use it. Honest. You can also go to a college in your area and take a beginning photography course. There you will be taught the basics even a pro must learn and do in their work. Camera handling and use, taking exposures with film and/or digital cameras, and maybe even some photo assignments to get some real time learning. In this learning do not take serious pictures you must keep as that detracts from the learning aspect of the class. Do so only if you have mastered the use of your camera before class is over.
It's like growing up in a way. And I am happy you know there is a way to learn how to use a camera and take pictures. It's like learning how to drive I suppose. Someone can teach you or you can get taught at a driving school. Both will get you a drivers liscense. One though will really teach you the fundamentals you can use for the rest of your driving career.

Answer 4

Well smile, obviously. Don't be above the camera either, make sure the camera is above you! Just try to look natural. Make sure the lighting is right to (the sun is in your face), that's a big part of having pictures turn out well

Answer 5

See if you can get the photographer to help you out by shooting you when you don't expect it.

Use a little makeup to help with the eyes and smile and try to make the photo shoot a fun and humorous event. Have the photographer shoot you several times and select the best shot. Good luck. And, by the way, they can always touch the photo up if they need to.

Answer 6

It's because you're thinking about it too much. Don't try to smile for the camera; it's impossible to fake a good smile anyway. Just think about something hilarious, and don't worry about what your face looks like.

Answer 7

Ignore that someone is taking a picture of you.
Instead during the process think of something pleasant that happened to you.
Let it be as natural as possible.

Answer 8

Try these tips http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Photogenic

Answer 9

Brush your teeth and comb your hair... the light will do the rest...

Your sister,
Ginger