Stop ducking out of the family photo. I recently saw an article in Parents magazine that provided some great tips, which I've added to below. Follow these to always look your best whether a novice or professional is taking your photo.
Tip 1: Look spontaneous
Be looking down and then look up right before the picture is taken. This obviously has to be done with a photographer who can coordinate the timing.
Tip 2: Don’t loom over the camera
No one looks good with the point of focus up his or her nostrils. You ask, “Why would I ever let someone take a photo of me from that angle”? When the person pointing the camera at you is your 3’ tall child, it happens more often than you would think. Hurry and sit down when you find yourself in this situation.
Tip 3: Strike a (three-quarter) pose
Have you ever noticed that most celebrities are turned slightly in photos? Follow their lead. This pose slims your silhouette and flatters your face.
Tip 4: Face slightly down, eyes up
A slightly down-turned chin with eyes looking upward can be very flattering – but it takes experimenting to get this right. You can actually create a double chin if you dip your head too much.
Tip 5: Take your mom’s advice: stand or sit up straight
Natural poses are my favorite, but sometimes they need a little “posing”. If you are sitting with your feet up on a table, put them on the floor and sit up straight. Standing up? Roll your shoulders back, lift the crown of your head up (chin still pointing down) and flex your core muscles. You can still get that candid shot by not looking at the camera, but at least all of those floppy parts fall into place when you follow your mom’s advice.
Tip 6: Wear flattering clothes
And you are saying to yourself, “of course”? Well sometimes we get dressed with the sole purpose of being comfortable. However, if you are going somewhere you know photos are going to be taken, take extra care in picking out that outfit. Avoid large patterns and stripes. Wear tailored clothes and as a rule, don’t wear anything sleeveless. If it is too hot for sleeves, try the hand-on-hip pose.
Tip 7: Don’t drink red wine
If you are at a party where there is someone snapping photos, do not drink red wine. You end up with teeth that all look gray and rotten with crusty red wine lines on your lips if you are REALLY enjoying yourself!
