7 Easy Ways to Look Better in Photographs

How many times have you heard someone say...

"I hate getting my photograph taken!"

Or

"I take a really BAD photograph, leave me out."

How many family (or group) photos do you have minus a certain person?

Are you guilty of being that camera dodger?

Most people don't like the way they look in photographs because we don't actually look the same as we feel inside.

Inside our heads we imagine we look a certain way, and sometimes real life can come as a bit of a shock!

{In my head I'm still 21 and the lines (and shadows) on my face don't actually belong to me!}

BUT...

What you see on camera is how you look to the rest of the world.
Whether you like it or not, it doesn't matter.
You can't change it.

Luckily, your friends and family think you are beautiful!
And, that's because you ARE.

ALL of us are imperfect.
Even the beautiful models aren't really as perfect as they seem.

It's all about making the most of what you have, and accepting who YOU are.

So, here I am in my gym gear (with nowhere to hide!) to show how the same (imperfect) body can look positioned (or posed) in different ways.

7 Simple Ways to Look Better in Photographs

1. Don't be photographed from Above, or Below

• Photos from Above = Bobble head, larger shoulders/arms/shelf-like bust and a shortened body/legs.
• Photos from Below = Odd shaped legs which can look thicker, attention on the belly, small head and disproportionate body.

2. Take a look behind you!

No one wants to be the person with the comedic sign post coming out of the top of their head, do they?!

3. Don't Lean

If you are sitting (or standing) for a group shot avoid leaning in (and back) at the edge of the group.
Get up and stand (or sit) between other people.
Relax your shoulders and smile.

(Check out this sour puss below!)

4. SMILE!

Everyone looks better smiling.
Fact.
Looking fed-up, bored or glum isn't pretty!
Pouting and looking 'moody' doesn't work (over the age of 20) either.
Get over the fact your face isn't what it used to be and smile regardless.

If you don't like your teeth just smile with your lips, and eyes.
Think of something (or someone) that makes you happy and forget about saying "cheese".

Smiling is always my default setting.
"Resting bitch face" doesn't do me any favours.

{I am exaggerating my grumpiness in the shot above, but you get the idea... awful!}

5. Experiment with angles

If like me (and most people) your face is a bit lopsided....or asymmetric if you want to be a polite about it... experiment to find your 'best' angle.
Try turning your face slightly, and see which side flatters.

6. Pose.... but relax!

Don't slouch or "huff" because you are being photographed (and don't enjoy it).
Make the best of yourself by relaxing.
Relax your shoulders, neck and jaw (give a little shake if you have to) but still pull up through your spine and show off your posture at it's best.

Having said that try not to pull-up too much or you could end up looking strained and a bit weird.... see some of the images below.
Some are too stiff, too slouchy or just awkward.

7. Forget about complicated poses

Don't worry about all of the posing 'Rules'.
Forget about...

• Crossing ankles.
• Hips up/down. 
• Weight in back/front leg.
• Arms here, there and everywhere!

Trying to think of the 'right' pose will cause tension which shows up in your face.
Plus, these contrived poses can easily end up looking a bit silly.

The MOST important thing is to accept yourself for who you are.
Hating the way you look doesn't make you look any better!
Hiding from the camera just stops you having fun, and deprives your loved ones of photos including you.

Remember that people love you wobbly bits, warts (or age spots) and all!
Just as you love them, and their imperfections.

Be kinder to YOU.

If all else fails.... try laughing!
Looking a bit goofy (and happy) is SO much better than hiding out of shot.

Do you avoid the camera?
If so, Why?
Please share any thoughts you have on this subject in the comments... or contact me.
I would love to hear from you!