Thursday, 30 June 2011

Looking your best in photos

By Ossu Ungwunmi


The principles for looking good in photos are fairly straightforward, whether or not you are innately photogenic. If the thought of having your picture taken fills you with trepidation, or you're just in search of perfection every time and won't settle for anything less, there are a few basic things you should be conscious of.

You won't always know beforehand that someone is going to take your picture. However, if you do know in advance, make an effort to dress for the occasion. Striped clothing and clashing colours are generally best avoided in favour of a simple outfit in which you feel comfortable. Under studio lighting or in the glare of a camera flash, certain fabrics may become more revealing, so take that into account.

When you're being photographed, take notice of your posture. Hunching or slouching can make you appear shorter and exaggerate your stomach. Normally, a tall, straight stance is best, but twisting your body and showing your better side can also work well. Keep your shoulders relaxed to ensure you look at ease.

Obviously, your face is the focus of any portrait. Unless you're deliberately trying to convey a specific emotion such as amusement or fear, an authentic smile is the best option. If you find that your smile often looks forced on photos, try recalling something that made you laugh, or think about a happy experience you had recently. And remember, it won't look genuine if you don't smile with your eyes as well - relax your eyes and eyebrows, and be prepared to let the viewer in.

The backdrop for your photo and the lighting conditions will also make a huge difference. Always be sure to have at look at the environment you are in and work out the best angle for the shot, and try to avoid standing with light directly hitting your face, or light coming from behind you, which would be overexposed. Having a mirror to hand is always helpful, but in some cases there won't be a mirror available. As long as you keep practising, you will soon become a lot happier about having your photo taken.




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