Recent studies show that to be photogenic means the right side of your face must be exactly the same as your left. Well, since we aren’t all as genetically superior as the likes of Sofia Vergara or Gisele Bündchen, we will have to learn a few tricks to compensate.
1. Act like a model
To channel your inner model, turn your body three quarters of the way toward the camera, with one foot in front of the other and one shoulder closer to the photographer.
2. Eliminate flabby skin
Right before the camera flashes, make sure you focus your eyes slightly above the lens, move your face forward and tip down your chin a little — it’s like instant botox.
3. Avoid cake face
Yes the camera adds 10 pounds to your looks, but it also exaggerates everything else. So, go easy on the make-up and let your natural features speak for themselves.
4. Do your research
Take some shots of yourself or look through old photographs to determine what angle suits you best — once you’ve found your perfect position, stick to it.
5. Stop slouching
Good posture can dramatically improve your appearance in pictures, making you look slimmer and taller.
This is also a good head tip; the better the posture, the better your health.
6. Relax
That fake smile on your Facebook page is fooling nobody. If you want a genuine shot, just relax. If you force a smile, all you will end up with are odd facial expressions.
7. Perfect level
To eliminate that pesky double chin, have the camera at or just above your eye level. Also, to avoid shadows on your face, don’t stand directly under harsh light.
8. Fake it ‘til you make it
Can’t seem to get a good photo but urgently need to update your social media profile? Retouch, brighten the image or use filter effects. What, even the models do it!
9. Dress to impress
Avoid wearing stripes, clashing colours or too much pattern. Also, if you’re wearing something sheer, flashing cameras will only result in an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.
10. All in the eyes
Famed supermodel Tyra Banks really knew what she was talking about when she stressed the importance of smiling with your eyes. Happy lips and tense eyes make for one awkward photo. To get the perfect shot, relax your eyebrows and don’t look too hard into the camera.
