The simple truth: the camera is a fickle lover. Even in a day and age where we adore snapping away at ourselves like never before, many of us could definitely use some tips when it comes to putting our best foot forward. (Including celebs: for every shot of the “new” Britney Spears looking beautiful and back to normal, there are a dozen of her looking bloated and patchy faced.) In the interest of research, we spent one afternoon perusing celeb magazines, fashion magazines and art books, surfing online, and analyzing the Facebook  photos of the most très photogenic women we know, to get the scoop on the top ways to look good in photos.

How to look good in photos, tip 1: Practise, practise, practise
Two gorgeous former colleagues, both beautiful women who work in the magazine industry, seem to burn through a memory card in one weekend. And wouldn’t you know it: from the first amateurish shots of themselves, where both of them, though rail thin, looked disconcertingly “real life” though they have always been anything but, to the poised and celeb-mag worthy pics they post on their Facebook pages today, practice does make perfect. TIP: Spend a couple of hours having a friend or loved one take snaps of you with a digital camera so you can get immediate feedback on what looks hot and what…not. Put a big mirror on the wall so you’re not winging it “blind.” Once you find a pose that works, make it your trademark (read on for tips on striking that winning pose).

How to look good in photos, tip 2: Find your game face
This goes back to practising. Every time you’re in front of the mirror (alone), test out some smiles and different head positions. Find the side of your face that flatters you more, so you can try to show that side to your photog for posed (non-candid) shots. Practice a natural-looking smile, as opposed to ye olde “Cheese!” grimace. Apparently, it’s all in the eyes, so go for the glow from there. Also, if you look slightly up at the camera, that’s a flattering angle for most women. Found the right look? Keep practising it whenever you pass the mirror, until it feels – and therefore will look – natural.

How to look good in photos, tip 3: Wear the right colours
Even a casual brunch with the girls can end up with snapshots being posted on Facebook, so be proactive about purging your wardrobe of clothes in unflattering colours. Get rid of anything that’s not “your” hue, even if trendy, so you won’t leave the house wearing – and get snapped in – a sweater that makes you look jaundiced. When shopping, pick up pieces in colours that make the most of your features.

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