6 Simple ways to look better in a photo

1) Lean in- The closer a body part is in the photo the larger it will be (I know, this is crazy). The further a body part is the smaller it looks in the photo. Put your head “into” the photo. I will often teach my clients how to “Chicken Neck”. Stick your chin out towards the camera a bit, this will also help with double chins.

2) Be Bendy- If you are stiff and rigid you are going to look stiff in your photo. Relax, forget about the photographer if at all possible and let them do their work. If you are rigid and nervous a great work around is some music. Dance and play, the photos will come out better. Bend your elbows and/or knees a bit.  With small children have them “shake” it out. Shake and wiggle and yell and laugh, then snap some photos.

3) Stand in an L - Make your feet into the shape of an “L”. Place your weight on your back foot, you should be able to comfortably lift your front foot off the ground. This will create a natural curve to your body and most times make you look better in a photo.

4) Turn your head, turn your body- most photos look better if you are not facing the camera straight on. Turn to a bit of an angle from the camera. Facing straight at a camera is a good way to get an average shot of yourself. Turn your shoulders some, remember to be bendy! If you have large ears turning to a ¾ shot can make you look more photogenic.

5) The eyes are the windows to the soul- Close and open your eyes often, don’t stare at a camera and get tired. Look at the camera and then look someplace else. Look to the side, or down. You will get a wider variation in your photos.

I am sure you have seen photos where people’s eyes sparkle a bit. This is called a catch light (or you can digitally recreate this). To do this naturally you want your eye to be taking in some light. Looking at a light source can accomplish this. If you stand in a dark area and look into a brighter one you can also catch some sparkle in your eyes.

6) It is okay to move when working with a photographer- most photographers would rather you move around, joke around and smile in a real way. Have fun, you are not a mannequin.