How to Get a Great Yearbook Photo

It is once again back to school time, which means another dreaded yearbook photo session is coming up. Many students fear this day, for reasons usually being that they hate to have their photo taken or they are never satisfied with how they look in their picture. The good news is, there are things you can do to ensure a better looking photo.

1. The first thing you should do is find out what pattern and color the background will be and wear clothes that match or compliment that color. However, you don't want to match exactly because that could camoflauge your shoulders and make you look like your head is floating around in the middle of the photo.

2. This is not a time to be funny or unusual. A lot of people end up trying too hard on picture day, like doing something with their hair, or wearing makeup they aren't used to. It's fine to be a little more formal than normal, but make sure it's not too out of your norm. You want the photo to be of you, not you trying to be someone else.

3. Ladies should try to avoid low cut tops for yearbook photos. Being a head and shoulders shot, it sometimes looks strange when you see your head and a lotof bare skin. Try wearing a nice T-shirt or blouse.

4. Check your posture. Elongate your neck by imagining that a string is pulling your head up to the ceiling, but make sure you're not tilting your head back or raising your chin. You'll want to look straight forward unless the photographer tells you otherwise. Then put your shoulders back so that your chest sticks out slightly.

5. Make sure your eyes are open. A lot fo people tend to make the mistake of looking tired in their pictures because they don't open their eyes very wide. To avoid that, be awake and think awake at your photo session, but at the same time, don't open your eyes all the way completely so that it looks like you've had too much coffee.

6. One of the most common things that happen is blinking when the camera flashes. To avoid this, look just above the camera lens. If you want, ask the photographer to count to help you get ready and try to get your blinking out of your system right before the snap of the camera so you won't have that urge.

7. Practice in the mirror, in your digicam, camera phone, or webcam.

8. Don't forget to smile! One way to avoid a fake looking smile is to think of something slightly funny or anything that usually to crack a smile or just a bit of a giggle, but don't start cracking up while the photographer is trying to work. Some of the best photos I've seen have people smiling and giggling just a little bit, because the facial expression is real.

Good luck on picture day!