Odds are - you've taken a few rough photos you wish you could take back, we all have. Fortunately, I am here to help. Use these easy tips to transform your photos from bad to fab.
Add a Pop of Color
Feeling drab? Add some color to make that photo pop!
Some days, your personality isn't vibrant enough to transmit photogenically, and in these instances, a pop of color will do magic.
Ladies: try a bright lip shade of lipstick, rosy cheeks or a bright scarf.
Guys: ditch the neutral shirt for one in a brighter shade or add a bright color square to a suit.
Ditch the Drab Background
While you should be the star of your photo, make sure the background isn't working against you. Choose a background that is bold and offers a contrast, this will prevent you from getting lost in a sea of photo drab.
Tips:
- Choose a background a different color than your hair and outfit
- Check for damage control; make sure there aren't any awkward or distracting images behind you
Play with Props
Oftentimes, an otherwise perfectly good photo is ruined by an awkward hand or worse yet, hands. Solution, give those, what surely feel like foreign objects at the end of your arms, a purpose.
Even if you're in a group, try to avoid the classic "arm around person next to you" move. It can be awkward for those around you, result in individuals becoming one giant blob and is sure to end up with a few randomly placed hands.
Tips:
- Hold a puppy in a sweater
- Hold a beverage
- Hands in pockets or on hips
- Gently tug at necklace or tie
Even if you're a teen heartthrob, props are key! Take JTT here, the dog in the matching sweater is keeping his hands busy, which could otherwise ruin this winning photo. Check out this buzzfeed article for inspiration and to see 22 other awesome examples of JTT holding things in pictures.
Know Your Angle
Since cameras use reflected light to convert a 3D object into a 2D image, the shapes of things are flattened and compressed. Looking straight ahead at the camera can show the fullness of your face and remove/reduce any natural shadows.
Sometimes a slight tilt or a simple angle to a face makes a big difference. Even though you're super attractive, you likely have a 'good side,' the angle at which your face looks best on film.
If you don't yet know your angle, find it. Men and women, get in front of a mirror and practice different facial positioning. Take notice of how the light catches the planes of your face and where shadows fall. You will quickly take a preference to a few angles.
Once you know your angle, take full advantage of it and play it up.
Elongate Your Neck
Push your face forward ever so slightly and gently press your shoulders back and down. You should feel a little bit of a stretch in the process.
It may feel ridiculous and unnatural when doing it, but it makes your face look thinner and hides any sign of a double chin.
The Skinny Arm
While you may feel like a wannabe beauty queen, this trick, when not done, can result in an unsatisfactory photo.
Whether you're holding a puppy in a sweater, a beer, a slab of cake, or nothing at all, you can achieve the appearance of slim upper arms/minimize the appearance of arm flab, by simply holding your arms slightly away from your body. This keeps upper arm flab from flattening out and therefore appearing flabbier (much like thighs do when one sits on a couch).
As you can see here, thanks to the skinny arm trick, the arm on the right appears visibly slimmer than that on the left.
Angle Your Body
Just as a straight-on photo can make a face appear larger, it can do the same for body as well. The fix: stand up straight and position your body at a 45 degree angle, place one foot in front of the other and place the majority of your weight on the back leg.
Then do the classic 'hand on hip' pose by placing hand on the hip facing more in the direction of the camera, or do as this model and get creative.
Cross Your Ankles
If you are unable to avoid being shot head on, try crossing your ankles, starting at the calf. This stance will give the appearance of narrower hips and longer legs.
The ankle cross is also a good pose for sitting photographs. While standing is typically preferable, if you happen to find yourself sitting when a camera is pulled, sit up straight and cross your legs at the ankles for the most flattering look.
Laugh (Even if It's Fake)
Most awkward photos are due to subjects that seem unnatural and posed.
The fix: letting out a little (or a big) laugh as soon as someone is about to snap the picture.
Laughter, even if fake, will result in a natural, happy smile and lit up eyes ... and everyone looks better when they're happy!
Yes, you will feel, and likely look ridiculous, but only for the time being. Usually, you are taking photos not for now, but for the times you reflect on them later. You won't remember how silly you felt, you'll only notice how good you look.
Take the Perfect Selfie
Perfect your photo-taking skills, and even take your photo game to the next level by learning to take the perfect selfie. This learnboard will guide you through the process and help you become the king, or queen, of selfies, in no time.
Really want to take your selfie game to the next level? Purchase and use a Kootek, which is an extendable, wireless, bluetooth monopod Selfie Stick. Attach it to your phone and selfie away!
By Ashley Lauren Dickinson
