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9 ways to look good in photos

Want to look good in photos but not sure how? Read the tips in this fun guide for looking better in front of the camera (and on Facebook).

By Claire Smith

How to look good in photos, tip 4: Get your makeup right
Have you ever been shocked by how splotchy faced or plain looking even a beautiful actress can look when she’s not wearing makeup? (If not, Google “celebs without makeup” and see how Cameron Diaz, Renee Zellweger and J-Lo look in the morning; you’ll be less hard on yourself.) It’s incredible what cosmetics can do. If you know you’re going to be photographed – assume you are at any weekend brunch or night out with the girls, party, group dinner or corporate “Away Day” – wear more than just a tinted moisturizer and gloss. Use concealer and heavier coverage foundation, eye makeup, lipstick and blush, and escape to the ladies' room to “powder your nose” with blotting papers every hour or so.

How to look good in photos, tip 5: Strike a pose
For full-body shots try the classic Red Carpet Pose: angle your body three-quarters towards the camera, one shoulder closer towards the photographer, and one foot in front of the other and your weight on the back leg. A disarmingly natural smile will detract from the contrived element of this pose (see tip #2).

How to look good in photos, tip 6: Look thinner
If you’re expecting to be photographed on a certain date or at a certain event, avoid carbs and water-retaining high-sodium foods, to avoid bloat. If you’re being shot full body, feel free to contract your abs to give the appearance of a sleeker midsection, but don’t aggressively suck in your gut, as your ribs will jut out, plus you’re more likely to look pained. If you’re being shot torso-up, tense your arms to give them more definition, as long as you can maintain a smile. If you can arrange for the camera to be a bit above you so you’re looking up, that’ll slim your face.

How to look good in photos, tip 7: Look taller, if you need to
If you’re petite and are being shot with your tall friend, stand on something (seriously) or sit down together so you won’t look like a dwarf standing next to a gazelle.

How to look good in photos, tip 8: Get the light right
Bright, diffused light as in a photo studio is flattering; outdoor high-noon conditions are not. Flash is also not ideal in most settings, as it’ll bring out shiny skin like nothing else. A cloudy outdoor day is perfect for making you look good, even if the weather is dreary. See if you can postpone the office picnic to an overcast day. Just kidding. (Or not.)

How to look good in photos, tip 9: Hide the evidence of bad photos
Been tagged in a Facebook photo where you look… not your best? While you can’t wow in every shot, you can bury the evidence of less-than-stellar pics. Just click on your tagged name and “Untag” yourself. It won’t delete the shot since the photo isn’t yours, but it will hide the trail by getting your name out of people’s Mini-Feed updates.