AFP Photo
Critical comments instead of praises are more commonly heard when people see the finished product. “I look fat”, “Why is my smile weird” and “Look at my eye bags” are only a few things people usually say upon seeing themselves in pictures.
Before you start feeling like a loser, you should know that a lot of people don’t know what to do with themselves when put in front of a camera, especially one that is professionally set up with lights and a so-called ‘real” photographer. Here are a few tips to make you feel more comfortable (and pretty) when it’s time for your close-up:
- Wear makeup. Even if you usually don’t like putting anything on your face, make this the exception and you won’t regret it. Even the barefaced looks you see in magazines are actually made up to look barefaced. Models and celebrities do not wake-up looking as glamorous as they do in the glossy pages you usually see them in, so if they can get some help, why can’t you?
- Smile. But remember that too much teeth may ruin a photo as much as a scowl or lack of expression would. A friendly and sincere smile works best. Don’t forget to smile with your eyes too!
- Know your angle. Everyone has a “side” that they like more than the other. Look at your photos in the past and see whether your left or right side looks better. You want the best version of yourself to come out in these photographs so work your preferred angle to your advantage!
- Pick the right clothes. What are you trying to say with this picture? If it’s for business, make sure you are dressed appropriately. If it’s for fun, then make sure you put more of your personality into the photo. Furthermore, pick a color that suits your skin tone. You will know what hues suit you based on whether they make you glow or make you sallow.
- Be comfortable. Prior to the shoot, make sure you acquaint yourself with the photographer, and tell him how you would like to be portrayed. A shoot becomes so much more fun when you feel as if you are doing it with friends. Also, knowing your boundaries and making sure your photographer knows will help a lot.
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