Be Photogenic

[Rasputin]

[Rasputin]

Keep your tongue behind your teeth.

Use makeup. Those runway models and movie stars don’t necessarily all have perfect complexions, but they do all wear makeup so that they look unblemished. Especially if you have oily skin, a spotty complexion or a lot of wrinkles, experiment with different cosmetics to hide the “bad" and accentuate the “good".

Always look slightly above the camera when the picture is taken. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis always used this technique for photographs and portraits. Additionally, it helps reduce the "red eye" effect.

If it is a full-length shot, position your body 45 degrees from the camera, then turn your head towards the lens. Stand with one foot crossed in front of the other and put all your weight on your back leg. This pose is very slimming and universally flattering.

While being photographed, try to keep all body parts as close to your torso and face as possible, anything protruding directly at the camera will seem huge in the photo.

** Exception: Women often hold their arms just a couple inches away from their body b/c holding them too close often exacerbates the look of flabby upper arms.

Three seconds before the shutter clicks, have your head down, and then slowly bring it up. No jerking head, though that may work. Smile while bringing your head up. When the picture is taken, your mouth should be in a full swing relaxed smile. This way, your face is fully relaxed. Relax your eyes for the photo and feel relaxed. This may not work for all, so experiment when finding your photo taking style.



Warnings

Make sure your photos look like you. These steps can help you better capture your natural beauty in pictures, but if you end up doctoring your photos too much you’re liable to look like someone you’re not. While you want to put your best face forward for online dating sites or acting headshots, you also want to make sure you accurately represent yourself. If you don’t, dates and potential employers may feel deceived.

Sucking in your stomach will make you appear unattractive because your ribs will poke through the shirt. Worse, it will make you look slightly uncomfortable, which is never appealing.