Do you dread having your photograph taken? At this time of year with communions and confirmations and holidays on the way, its hard to avoid the camera. Whether you're at big event or updating your Facebook profile picture, you want to look your best. Just about everyone has a smart phone or digital camera at their finger tips these days, so you never know when you’ll be caught on camera. Follow these simple tips to help ensure you're always camera ready.
Love that Lens
That thing that you dislike about yourself - a big nose, gappy teeth or tons of freckles - is often the thing that others love about you and set you apart. Don't try to hide behind a curtain of hair or a adopt a non-smiling grimace. Shrug off your insecurities and smile. It will brighten your face and make you appear confident and happy, which will make the difference between an okay photo and a great photo. But no fake smiling!
Emphasize Your Eyes
We are programmed to look at people's eyes and to this applies also to photos. To look good in a photo, emphasise your eyes to make them the focal point. Cameras and flashes can make eyes look smaller, so add definition to by using a little eyeliner. A black or brown liner on the top lids will make lashes appear fuller and a white liner on the bottom inner rims to will make your eyes pop. If the occasion calls for it, wear false lashes for dramatic effect.
Mattify an oily T-zone
At a busy family event or party you should be aware that there will be cameras snapping at any given moment. A shiny face doesn’t look great in any situation but can be particularly highlighted by a flashing camera. Apply an oil-absorbing primer before putting on your make-up, then apply a light dusting of translucent powder and keep it handy during the day for regular top ups.
Find Your Best Angle
You should never stand straight in front on to the camera with your arms by your side and your legs together, it will make you look your widest. Angle your body and creat gaps by crossing your ankles over each other, putting your hands on your hips or crossing your arms across your body - you'll look slimmer and add interest to the photo. Look at photos of celebrities on the red carpet and practice posing in front of the mirror and find out which pose works best for you.
Dress for Success
Photos may out live you so take care with your clothing. Wear simple and elegant clothes and accessories. Solid colors are classic and a create a great choice for staged pictures that may end up hanging on your parent's living room wall or on top of your mother-in-law's piano for years to come. You never know which angle you’ll be photographed from so choose clothes that are cut close to the body so you don’t add unnecessary pounds with bagging and sagging fabric, even if you are pregnant.
