Archive for July, 2013

If you receive my email newsletter, you’ve already read my photo tips for looking fabulous in front of the camera. If not, it’s never too late to sign up. Please, subscribe here! I’ll be sharing monthly photo tips, upcoming events, and special offers only available to newsletter subscribers.

Looking fabulous in front of the camera

photo tips :: july 2013

You don’t have to look perfect to take a perfect picture. While being photogenic just comes naturally to some people, there are a few things that anyone can do to look better in photos. Whether you’re nervous about a double chin or losing those pesky post-baby pounds, the following ten tips will build confidence and leave you feeling great in front of the camera.


1. Appear leaner

Rotate your body at a 45 degree angle away from the camera. Place your weight on the back leg and your front shoulder slightly dropped. Elongate your other leg and cross it in front, with the foot pointed toward the camera. You’ll look leaner, which can even make you seem taller.


3. Relax your face

Staring into the camera lens can be intimidating and no one wants to end up looking like a deer in the headlights. In reality, you probably just need to relax. If you start to feel your eyes squint or smile stiffen, feel free to push the reset button. Create a thoughtful and natural look by letting your lips fall back into place.


5. Fake sleek arms

Arms tend to look bigger than they really are, because they’re resting slightly in front of you. Hiding your arms close to your body can actually make them seem larger and your shoulders broader. With just a slight bit of separation between the arms and the body, your waist will appear to be the widest part.


7. Shift weight on legs

As mentioned above, shifting the weight on your back foot will align the hip and shoulder giving a more comfortable pose while maintaining balance. Overall, this creates a beautiful frame for the rest of your body. When seated on the ground, sit on your hips. By holding your body up on your hip, rather than your bottom, your body looks thinner and legs will appear longer.


9. The beauty of laughing

A genuine smile is hard to fake, so strive to feel some kind of emotion to make it shine through. Think of something that makes you happy or even pretend you’re laughing. This often creates an effortlessly natural, beautiful, flattering, and candid smile. Regardless of how you choose to smile, the happier and more relaxed you are, the better the photo.


2. Stand up straight

Posture is important and ultimately gives you a more flattering silhouette. Lean slightly toward the camera, drop shoulders back, tummy in, and spine straight. This will ensure you look naturally poised and appear more confident.


4. Avoiding the double chin

Trust me, a double chin can plague even the slimmest of women in pictures. To avoid it, elongate your neck by tilting your head slightly forward and lift up your chin. Also, try resting your tongue against the roof of your mouth right behind your front teeth.


6. Awkward hands

When your hands are relaxed, the rest of your body tends to follow suit. Hands can tell incredible stories. A wife’s hand placed lightly on her husband’s chest showcases romance and love. An older brother holding his little sister’s hand portrays a protector. Keep this in mind when you aren’t sure where to place your hands.


8. Flaunt your best asset

We’re often our worst critics so why not show off what you’re most proud of. This way, people will automatically look at an area of your body you like first, which means slight imperfections are less noticeable. Most people have asymmetrical features. So posing with two-thirds of the face in view and the remaining third turned slightly away from the camera makes facial asymmetry less obvious.


10. Capturing the connection

Get closer! Capturing a candid moment of love is the most important tip for looking great. A loving glance, hug, or even a touch on the shoulder can guarantee a more relaxed image that shows more of your connection and focuses less on your imperfections.

Lastly, don’t try to look or be anything other than yourself. The above tips are to put you at ease so that your beautiful personality is what shines in your photos.

“Celebrate life” is a blog feature sharing a photo from my daily life.

Elizabeth is a graphic designer & natural light photographer, specializing in lifestyle portraits for families in the greater Los Angeles.
To see her portfolio and additional information, please visit the main website at: www.emadesign.net. Thanks for looking!