10 Things To Keep In Mind Before Being Photographed For A Perfect Click

“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” ― Karl Lagerfeld

Everyone wants to look perfect at that moment. It’s so much more than a photograph. It’s a memory which will be preserved and cherished for many more years to come. You frame it, you keep it on your desk, put it in your locket or your master wall. It stays there and reminds you of those beautiful times and the best days of your lives. You, or anybody else for that matter, will not like if you don’t look good in that perfectly captured moment.

Every person is beautiful and a natural smile can win over any made up photo shoots any day, but then some people just are not comfortable around the lens. Hence, it leads to awkward pictures like half shut eyes, hunchbacks, pseudo double chin and strange hairline.

So, here are some tips you should keep in mind when you are being photographed, to take a perfect picture! 😀

1. Turn right! Show your left profile.

The left side of your face tells about how you feel. When you are stressed or upset, turning right can hide the distress from your face. Also, the pose makes you look romantic, setting off your cheekbones and eyebrow curves. This not only hides the imperfections and negative emotions from your face but also put your features in right proportions.

You will look less aggressive even when you don’t have a smile on your face and your hairdo will look good as well. Left is the right choice. 😉

 

2. Put your arms on your side.

Do not ever stand with your hands behind your back or crossed. Put them loosely on your side in a manner in which you are comfortable. This will result in a pose which is more natural, comfortable, friendly, and at ease. If you have accessories like belt and pockets, you can experiment with some new styles too.

 

3. Don’t look in the lens. Look above it!

Looking above the lens will give you better and more natural pictures when being photographed professionally or casually. The camera should not be aimed at your face from a low angle, as it tends to give the double chin effect. Make sure the camera is higher or straight and then move your face a bit up and forward. Then, look above the lens and it will give you a more natural looking picture.

 

4. Don’t stand straight. Turn your body a bit.

In case of a mid or long shot, where your whole body will be visible, turning sideways can make you look slimmer. If comfortable, bend one knee a little as that can give a bit of an edge. If you are going for an ultimate chic pose, turn your body and make your upper torso face the camera. Twist from the waist joint and make sure you are comfortable.

 

5. Pink lips will always help!

If the picture gets washed out while getting printed or developed, your image can look lipless or bleak. Applying bright red or shiny pink lipstick that matches your natural skin tone will help in maintaining the colour tone of the image. Avoid deep and bronze shades as they can make you look older and will draw unwanted attention towards imperfections like wrinkles and zits.

 

6. Avoid too much make-up!

We are not talking about a themed and professional photo session where makeup is an essential part of the shoot. Too much product on your face like dark lipstick, shiny eye shadow and the extra foundation will make your face look greasy and shiny (sometimes too white as foundation reflects a lot of light in flash photography). Also, no hair spray. Let them fly loose as it adds to the natural look.

Keep it light and natural. Use light shades if you want to, that go with your skin tone.

 

7. Relax & let go!

You can have a perfect get-up but you won’t photograph well until you are completely relaxed and carefree. Your body language and your facial expression clearly speak volumes about how awkward or comfortable you are at that moment.

As a model, you should also have a good rapport with your photographer. Talk to them, ask for their advice and let loose all the inhibitions. If all that doesn’t work, think of good thinks that may relax you. A happy memory, a joke, anything that works.

 

8. Make those eyes sparkle

While being photographed, try looking at a small light source like fairy lights or a lamp. That will create a hint of lustre on your pupils to make your eyes sparkle and will add the appeal of the photograph. If there aren’t any small light sources available, a light source called ‘inky dinky’ can be used as it is especially designed to make the subject’s eyes sparkle.

 

9. Avoid sharp shadows

Don’t stand directly under a strong light source. That will cast strong and dark shadows on your face and will make your features look disproportionate. If you don’t have a choice, try using a soft fill light to light up the other side of the face. If you don’t have another light, any reflecting material like aluminium foil or sheet of white thermocol can be used.

 

10. Choose a light background

A light coloured backdrop will lighten your face. It will also help the camera man to adjust the white balance easily so that your skin doesn’t end up looking pink or blue.

Hope these will be helpful. But, before posing for any camera, always remember: ‘You are beautiful!’

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