Ten Simple Tips to Look Better in Photos

Nov 1

Because of smartphones, photos have become a common way of expressing ourselves or acting as social proof. We have probably all heard someone say “ It didn’t happen if there isn’t a picture!” (I have said it. How about you?). Whether it's a casual selfie or a group shot at an event, we all want to put our best face forward. Some people have subconsciously picked up how to pose themselves, etc, to look good, while others hate every picture of themselves. But looking good in photos doesn't require professional modeling skills or expensive equipment. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can look better and feel more self-assured in front of the lens.

1. Find Your Light:

Good lighting can make or break a photo. Natural light is your best friend – try to find soft, diffused light from a window or shoot outdoors during the golden hours, shortly after sunrise or before sunset. Harsh overhead lighting can cast unflattering shadows, so aim to have the light illuminate your face evenly. If the sun is especially bright, stand in the shade right in front of a sunny sidewalk and you should have some nice gentle light bounced back in your face. Indoors, when no windows are available, look for soft white light. Fluorescent lights, still around in some places, cast an awful green tone. Incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs that mimic them, will add a yellow tone that can be unflattering. If you take selfies in your own home regularly, buy the bulbs that say daylight or soft white on them for best natural looking color.

2. Mind Your Posture:

Stand tall and confident. Good posture not only makes you look more poised but also elongates your body, making you appear leaner and more attractive in photos. Stand up straight with your shoulders back, with your chin thrust forward a bit and tilted slightly down (to avoid the appearance of a double chin), and stand with your weight on one leg to create a natural curve in your body if you are female or perhaps more evenly on each foot if you are a man wanting to look confidant.

3. Know Your Angles:

Experiment with different angles to discover your most flattering side. Generally, slightly tilting your head and angling your body can add depth and dimension to your appearance. Avoid facing the camera head-on, as this can make you appear wider unless that is what you are going for. if you want some ideas of how to pose, watch the red carpet. Celebrities usually know how to accentuate their best features, and you can learn a lot by trying their poses in front of a mirror.

4. Smile Naturally:

A smile is not a requirement, but it you choose to smile, make sure it is a genuine smile, which is the key to a warm and inviting photo. Avoid forced or overly posed smiles. Instead, think of something that genuinely makes you happy to evoke a natural, relaxed smile. Don't forget to involve your eyes – a true smile reaches your eyes, creating an authentic and captivating expression, but also do not smile so much that your eyes become squinted.

5. Dress Confidently:

Wear outfits that make you feel comfortable and which fit the location and type of image you are trying to project. Solid colors and simple patterns often work better than busy prints. Choose clothes that fit well and flatter your body shape. Sometimes people try to hide behind too big clothes, but they actually make the wearer look bigger than they are.

6. Appropriate Makeup:

Avoid makeup with built in sunscreen. On camera it reflects the light and can make you look like a ghost. Make sure your makeup matches your outfit and occasion.

7. Background Check:

Pay attention to the background of your photo. A cluttered or distracting background can divert attention away from you. Look for simple, unobtrusive backgrounds that won't compete with your presence in the photo. Try to avoid placing yourself or someone you are photographing in front of trees or poles that may appear to be growing out of their head in the picture.

8. Practice Relaxation:

Feeling tense or self-conscious can show in your facial expressions. Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, and remind yourself that it's just a photo. Natural expressions come from a relaxed state of mind.

9. Capture Candid Moments:

Candid shots often exude authenticity and charm. Instead of always posing, let the photo capture you or your subject in the midst of a genuine laugh or conversation. These candid moments can result in some of the most endearing photos.

10. Edit or Use Filters with Care:

While editing tools can enhance photos, use them sparingly. Minor adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color balance can refine your photo, but avoid heavy filters that alter your natural appearance. Your goal is to enhance, not transform.

Remember, looking better in photos is about highlighting your unique qualities and exuding confidence. Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and learn what works best for you. With these simple tips in mind, you're well on your way to capturing your best self in every snapshot.

For the really important pictures, like headshots, and family portraits, etc, trust a professional photographer to bring out your best with proper lighting and posing direction. Give me a call if you are interested in booking a session or finding out more and live in the mid-Maryland area.

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