How to Look Great in a Photo

Sneaky Tricks to Looking Great in Every Photograph

Sarah Barr
I have to admit I am pretty photogenic. Time and time again my friends have asked how I manage to always look good in a picture, sometimes much better than I look in real life. I'm ready to share a few of my sneaky tricks to always look good in a photograph. Start picking out your new frames because from now on you'll only be taking keepers!

Stand with your head tilted
Look at the camera slightly from the side. Never look dead on at the lens. This trick makes your neck appear long and sleek. Also, tilt your head ever so slightly to one side to give you that playful caught in the moment look. But don't over do it or you'll look lopsided.

Hold your arm away from your body
Standing with your arms straight down will press them into your body making them spread out and look bigger. Find a way to create some space there by leaning against something or placing your hand on your hip. This will make your arms look smaller and your waist look slimmer too.

Give a real laugh
Avoid cheesy photo smiles by thinking of something cheerful right before the picture is taken. You'll have a real smile that looks more natural if you think of something happy. Careful not too think about something too funny or you'll be showing all your teeth and gums and looking more like the Joker.

Avoid bright sunlight
Obviously you don't want to be staring into the sun for your picture or you'll be squinting, but think about the type of light you're in as well. If the sunlight is shining directly on your face, you may end up looking very shiny and oily. Try standing in the shade for outdoor pictures and for indoor pictures avoid standing in front of a stark white wall.

It's All About the Angle
The number one rule of perfect pictures is to never ever let someone take a picture of you from an angle that is below your eye level. This will make you appear two times larger than you really are. All pictures should be snapped from eye level or above. If someone tries to take a underneath shot, run away screaming, it's never good.

Use these simples tips and you'll never delete another picture of yourself. So put on your cutest outfit and start snapping!

Published by Sarah Barr

I'm a transplant to the South, raised in the North. A teacher and a student. I know a little bit about most everything, but consider myself an expert in nothing.  View profile

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  • Momie Tullottes4/18/2009

    typo - oops, I meant "tips," not "yips." LOL

  • Momie Tullottes4/18/2009

    These are simple, practical yips that everyone can use. Great job. I'm one of the category Editors for the Lifestyle category. I just tweeted this on Twitter (twitter.com/momietullottes) as one of my picks for today. Have a great weekend! :-)

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