People sometimes tell me “you’re so photogenic so it’s easy for you” but in reality, that’s far from the truth. In my short year of blogging, I’ve learned some tricks for looking my best in photographs. I’m by no means an expert, but I’ve been taking mental notes and going with what works.
This post is in the hopes that we can get away from the “skinny arm” pose…yes we know what you’re trying to do and…no that’s not the only way to look decent in a photo. But we’ve all done it.
Without further ado…here are my 10 secrets to looking your best in photos.
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Photography by Dave Mentzer
1. Hydrate. There’s nothing worse than looking tired and dehydrated in a photo. As I get older, I notice my skin looks plumper, my eye bags disappear, and the whites of my eyes look brighter when I am properly hydrated. The night before a shoot, chug it. Or better yet, always chug it. My goal is to drink 100 ounces of water a day. That’s about 3 liters.
2. Wear More Makeup Than Normal. You can spend tons of time on a “no makeup” makeup look, but once you look at the photos you’re like, what?! It looks like I have NOTHING on. And that pisses me off. If you know you’re going to be taking photos, whether it is for a blog shoot, you’re in a friend’s wedding, engagement pics, or grandma’s 90th birthday, paint it on. Use more blush and bronzer than you think you need, and always always always add some color to your lips. I also recommend using a highlighter (this one is the bomb). The light will catch you face exactly where you want it to, and your face will look more structured.
3. Squinch. This is a tip my photographer Dave told me about. I had NO idea it was a thing, but I watched some videos (this one in particular) and it totally works. Basically, you pinch your lower eyelid and kind of squint. The idea is that opening your eyes too wide projects fear, while a relaxed squinch exudes confidence. If you look in the mirror and try, you can totally control your lower lid without furrowing your brow. It takes a lot of practice, though! I’m still working on it!
4. Know Your Good Side. When I’m out with my group of blogging friends and someone says “let’s take a photo!” there is an instant Chinese fire drill as everyone scrambles to get to a spot that reveals their “good side.” It’s miraculous and hilarious, but we all know it because we are used to being photographed. It’s part of our jobs.
While having a “good side” sounds like a myth, it is totally true. Well, unless you have an extremely symmetrical face. Have your bff or significant other take a couple pics of one side of your face, then the other. I promise that you will naturally gravitate towards one of the sides. If you want to know what I think my “good side” is, then take a look at my instagram. I’m facing the same direction in nearly all my photos.
5. Wear Form Fitted Clothing/Know The Silhouettes That Work For You. Your body’s natural shape wants to be revealed in a photograph. If I try to hide behind a lot of billowy fabric, it starts to look like a tent. If I am styling a poncho (which I love wearing) then I try to balance it out with a form fitting bottom. Otherwise I will end up looking like a blob.
In the same vein, get know the silhouettes that work for you. How can you do this? Go through some old photos of yourself and make a list of what you were wearing and if you liked the way the picture turned out. High neck? V-neck? Midi skirt? Mini skirt? It will help you learn your strengths and ideal silhouettes. For instance, the babydoll silhouette looks ridiculous on me. A v-neck tee is my ideal, rather than a scoop or boatneck.
6. Stand Up Straight. Stand up straight and arch your back. It will feel like you’re pushing out your chest too much, but it just feels that way. All too often I see people hunching forward in a group photo to try and be seen or because they are afraid they are blocking someone. Hunching will make you look larger and less confident. Stand up tall with your shoulders back to elongate everything.
7. Cheat To The Side. Here’s what I mean. Point one of your hips towards the person taking the photograph, then twist your torso to face them. Your feet should be facing about 10:00 or 2:00. I’m doing this in the first photo. The reason I do this is because a 100% frontal facing photo can make you appear wider and shorter. The twist allows you to stagger your feet, turn on your abs, and show yourself from a more flattering angle.
8. Arm Out. The “hand on the hip skinny arm pose” isn’t the only way to make your arms look great in a picture! Simply don’t press your arm into your body, to eliminate that “squish” effect. This is especially important for brides, as the bridal styles show a lot of arm. Push your arm out a little from your body while still relaxing your shoulders. It won’t look like you’re physically doing anything different, but the camera will thank you. If you have good control of your arm muscles, give them a little squeeze to activate your beautiful muscles.
9. Don’t Smile 100% With All Your Teeth. Sometimes a full on toothy grin is genuine and lovely. Like if you are laughing or caught in the moment. But oftentimes it can make your face look crumpled or make your top lip disappear. I try to only show my top teeth when I smile. I found that my top teeth are just enough to still count as a toothy grin. My friend Dani is really good at smiling just enough with her teeth so that she still looks sexy, but not cheesy.
10. Be Comfortable With Your Photographer & Think Happy Thoughts. Gelling with your photographer is as important as all of these tips combined. As I mentioned in my “1 year of blogging” post, my husband, Dan, shoots a lot of my photos (#husbandofglam). The reason so many of our photos turn out great is because I am really comfortable trying new poses, asking for different angles that suit me, and so on with him behind the camera. When I’m not in the mood, he will start joking about our cats, which always makes me happy and rolling with laughter. The same goes with my friend and photographer, Dave. He feels comfortable directing the shot, and I don’t feel stupid practicing my squinching. We can laugh about ridiculous things without feelings of insecurity, which I fully believe can ruin a photograph.
Ultimately, if you’re thinking happy thoughts (milkshakes, kittens, flowers, Paris…whatever makes you light up!) and you’re enjoying the company you’re with, I guarantee your photos will be stellar!
Shop the post:
–Roxanne
Currently Sipping: Garden of Flavor Mean Greens
Gabby says
I love this! Great tips 🙂 I love accessorizing when taking photos. One of my favorite brands is DAMA, I love their style! https://www.stylewithdama.com
Roxanne says
I’ll have to check them out!
Gunmetal denim jeans says
Great blog. Trendy design of jeans. Awesome looks.
Michelle Orsi says
Love these tips. I find that candid photos are much more natural than a posed photo
http://www.michellespaige.com/
jess says
Great tips! I know my good side and have discovered that I need more blush with photos!
thanks for linking
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Roxanne says
Thanks, Jess! I always have to bring my blush with me, because I forget that I need to pile it on! Thanks for visiting!
Caitlin says
I totally do the cheat to the side move all the time haha! Awesome tips 🙂
Caitlin, Beauty & Colour
Roxanne says
The cheat to the side is KEY! Glad you agree!
Liz says
Love this post girl! I love the tip on rotating towards your photographer… definitely going to be using that one!
Xo
Liz
Roxanne says
Thank you, Liz! It seriously works!
Alissa says
Deffffinitely need these tips!!! I feel like I’ve gotten a little better but still awkward lol
Alissa
Roxanne says
You’re gorgeous, lady! Get the idea out of your head that you are “awkward”! It’s not true!
Liz H. says
These are such great tips! I’m so guilty of smiling with my teeth too much lol. But I can’t help it haha! I also cannot figure out which side my good side is. Ugh! I’ll definitely implement some of these tricks in the future!
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
Roxanne says
Thanks for reading, Liz! Well then maybe both of your sides are good sides! You’re blessed!
Paulina says
Amazing tips! I knew some of them but the others were totally new to me! Thanks for sharing, girl!
xoxo from Napa Valley!
Paulina
http://www.shenska.com
Roxanne says
Hey, Paulina! My pleasure, I hope you find some of it useful!
Rachel Spross says
This post is so helpful! Excited to try the squinch, haha.
xoxo, Rachel
http://thetrendytomboy.com
Roxanne says
I’m glad you think so, Rachel! The squinch feels ridiculous at first, but it totally makes a difference.
Ruth Maldonado says
Great tips! I totally have one side of my face that I love better than the other and my instagram can prove it too! Haha!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Roxanne says
Hahaaa! I didn’t realize it until I was doing research for this post! I was like…oh man I’m facing the SAME direction in all my insta posts!
Christine Besen says
Love all your tips! Next time we see each other, can you show me how to squinch? Not quite sure how to do that 🙂
Roxanne says
I will absolutely try to show you! I’m not a master quite yet, though.
Jessica VanderVeen says
Great tips
Roxanne says
Thanks, Jessica!
Tianna says
thanks for all this insight! I had not heard of “squinching” before, but I’ll have to try it haha xx
please stop by for a chat 🙂 http://storybookapothecary.com
Roxanne says
Isn’t it a funny word? I practice my squinching in the mirror! It kind of reminds of the “Smize” that Tyra Banks always talked about on America’s Next Top Model!
Laura says
These are all such great tips! I definitely use some of them, but I’ll have to try out a few others I didn’t think about! Thanks for sharing!
Roxanne says
Thanks, Laura! The squinching tip was totally mind blowing for me.
Lauren {By Lauren M} says
I completely agree with these tips! I’ll have to check out the video too!
By Lauren M
Roxanne says
Glad you agree! You always look SO great in pics!
Elise Ward Joyce says
These are great tips Roxanne!! I have never heard of the squinch, I will have to try it.
Loving this look too!!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Roxanne says
It feels SO ridiculous at first but it totally works!
Susan Rahamim says
GREAT tips! Must try that squinch!!
Roxanne says
Thanks, momma! I didn’t even know that our lower eyelids had a muscle we could move.
Threads for Thomas says
These are such great tips! I’ve been blogging for three years and still don’t know what I’m doing when posing for photos. Gonna try the squinch!
Rachael
http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
Roxanne says
Girl, no way! You’re like a model! Def give it a shot!
Shira says
Love these tips! I especially agree about the makeup- so true when it comes to photography!
http://asequinloveaffair.com
Roxanne says
I’m so glad you agree! There are too many times when I go for a bare-faced look I’m not happy with the photos. In the photos above I was actually wearing a decent amount of makeup! But it doesn’t look like it at all!
Audrey Conceicao says
This is such a great post! Very informative! you look fab in all your pics <3
Roxanne says
Thank you, Audrey. You’re too sweet!