How To Look Good in Photos

We’ve all seen a photo of ourselves and LOVED it, and probably seen plenty that we don’t want anyone else to see! But chances are we’re not sure why we look great in one, and not in another. The good news is that there are things you can do to look better in photos, and you can use them every day – whether you’re having a professional photo shoot or snapping a selfie. Read on for six quick tips for looking good in photos every time…

1. Find your favourite side

Start with a little preparation, and study those past photos of yourself that you love. Chances are there’s something consistent about them – most likely you’re showing one particular side of your face. It’s surprisingly common to have a favourite side for photos, and apparently there’s even a science to it. Once you’ve figured out what it is that you like about you in your favourite photos you can make sure you put your ‘best’ side forward the next time.

2. Ruffle your hair

Hair can often look flatter in photos than it does in real life. Before the photo give your hair a quick ruffle or shake it out to give it a bit of extra volume. Ask a friend to check there are no strands in odd places afterwards, and you’re ready to go!

3. Angle your body

Standing face-on to the camera is the least flattering way to pose, as you’re showing off the widest parts of your body. Angle your body about 45 degrees one way or the other, and look back towards the camera. For an extra-flattering pose when you’re standing up, push your weight into your back leg. If you’re sitting down make sure you’re sitting up straight.

4. Prevent a double chin

You don’t have a double chin in real life, so why does it always seem to be that you have 2 (or more chins) in photos?! There is a secret to it. Just before the photo is taken stick your head out away from your body and angle your chin ever so slightly downwards. It doesn’t feel natural at all, but makes for a much more flattering photo.

5. Relax

With all this angling your body and sticking your neck out you’re most likely not feeling very relaxed! Just before the photo is taken take a deep breath in, relax your shoulders downwards, and….

6. Smile

If you find it difficult to smile naturally on demand (and let’s face it, most of us do) there are a few things you can do to help. First of all, don’t say cheese! Nobody looks natural when they say it. A better idea is to fake a laugh – it won’t feel natural at first, but chances are you won’t be able to help but smile naturally right afterwards.

I hope you have fun trying these tips out, and I’d love to hear how you get on with them. Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to check out my other photography tips here.