How To Look Good in Pictures

{Image from Glamour magazine}

The holiday season is upon us and that means lots of food, traveling to Grandmother’s house, last minute Christmas gift shopping, and quality time with family and friends. Parties will also play a major theme and thanks to Facebook and Twitter, that means lots of photo opportunities. As someone who makes her living behind the camera I’ve learned a thing or two about looking your best in a picture. Aside from practicing poses in the mirror a la Kim Kardashian, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure you are camera ready.

Best face forward. Not to state the obvious here {or put the duh in dumb} but makeup significantly improves the way you look in a photograph. Shocking I know. It seems simple enough but many women overlook it. Before going to parties spend a little more time getting ready, nothing too drastic really, just an attention to detail. Focus on making your skin even with foundation and concealer. If you know you’re going to have your picture taken avoid mineral makeup. Mineral foundations are not appropriate for camera makeup as they are micronized sunscreens, they will make you photograph lighter than the rest of your body. Make sure you apply undereye concealer to banish any shadows. Set everything with a yellow based powder. Dewy skin is beautiful, greasy is not. The camera flash will reflect off of any oil or moisture, same goes for anything with a heavy frost or strong shimmer. Warm up your skin with a little bronzer, applying it wherever the sun would hit you naturally. Your makeup should last you through the evening, with oil blotting sheets for touch ups if needed to eliminate t-zone shine.

The eyes have it. Makeup often looks watered down on film, the best way to counteract this is to darken things up. An easy way is to add some black eyeliner, a thin line on the upper lash line will emphasize your eyes and make them pop.

Let there be light. Avoid standing under a harsh light source; the most flattering light is soft and indirect. When light hits you from above, it creates shadows on your face, particularly under the eyes. Concealer will certainly help but you can also try to stand behind the sun or away from overhead lights. And tilt your chin up slightly to minimize any casts.

Strike a pose. You know the red carpet poses, you’ve seen them in US Weekly, and celebrities use them because they work. Don’t face the camera head on; it’s all about creating angles. Angle your body slightly, bring your ankles together, and put one or both hands on your hips. Your shoulders and elbows will create a triangle that makes your hips look smaller and shows off your waistline. You can practice at home, it will be our little secret.

Stand up. A surefire way to untag your picture on Facebook? Have your picture taken while you’re seated. It cuts you off at the thickest part of your body, not flattering for anyone. Instead, do as your mother told you and stand up straight.

Ditch the double chin. If the lens is below your eye level, then you’ll gain an extra chin-I have many images that support this fact. I jokingly refer to it as the baby’s knee. The lens should be at your eye level or above. Finally, project your chin out an inch or so more than you normally would.

Smile. Above all relax and have fun. It’s only a picture and let’s be real you’re not Brangelina, just smile and go with it. Enjoy your family and friends and the memories you’re making. Say cheese!

What are your camera ready secrets?