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Post by iamkristinl16 on Dec 5, 2022 15:54:23 GMT
I have always hated pics of myself but am trying to accept it and be in the pictures anyway but I would love to learn how to look even a little better in photos. Yesterday I took a photo with DS and swear I was smiling (closed mouth smile), but in the pic it doesn't look like it at all. I would love to learn some techniques for a better smile as well as looking slimmer/ more flattering poses that don't look strange. Any suggestions or sites that give tips on being more photogenic?
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Post by bluebird71 on Dec 5, 2022 17:02:32 GMT
The way I learned was to have a friend take my camera and I did all these poses. I learned my face looks best on the rt side and if I turn my face slightly to the left. I took pics with different amounts of smiling. Then I PRINTED them out. And I looked at them and decided how I looked best and all my pics since then I make sure I am posing like that.
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Post by lucyg on Dec 5, 2022 17:07:45 GMT
I have a friend who is very photogenic, and she says to always make sure your eyes are open and your teeth are showing. (So, not a small smile or a close-mouthed smile, but a big smile.)
I’m never going to be as youthful, attractive, or photogenic as she is, but I’ve found her advice helps.
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Post by rst on Dec 5, 2022 17:16:08 GMT
My teeth do not naturally show unless I am grimacing. That said, I'm unphotogenic-- always have been and probably always will be. That's why I'm always the photographer
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Post by ecvnj58 on Dec 5, 2022 17:16:22 GMT
I did a project where I tried to do 100 days of self portraits. I only completed about 45 days. Thing is in the beginning I was so hard on myself but then after about 3 weeks I started feeling more comfortable and figuring out how to pose in a way that feels authentic. It’s not ab easy project but I really do thing it helped me change how I look at myself in photos.
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Post by Merge on Dec 5, 2022 17:33:40 GMT
I have a friend who is very photogenic, and she says to always make sure your eyes are open and your teeth are showing. (So, not a small smile or a close-mouthed smile, but a big smile.) I’m never going to be as youthful, attractive, or photogenic as she is, but I’ve found her advice helps. I have full cheeks - a big smile appears to squeeze my eyes closed. Ha. But a half-smile often looks like I'm trying (and totally failing) to look sultry. I think some of us just aren't meant to look great in photos, so I shoot to at least look like I'm having a good time. |
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Post by greendragonlady on Dec 5, 2022 17:34:33 GMT
If you're trying to slim down in photos, turn slightly to the side, always put your weight on your back foot, and bend your front leg a little. Always leave a space between your arm and your side (if you don't, it adds the width of your arm to the width of your body.)
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Post by ~summer~ on Dec 5, 2022 17:47:12 GMT
It’s taken me 49 years to get the memo that you should slightly angle your body to look a bit slimmer in photos lol I have a round face which can look awkward in photos - still working on the right angle for that haha  |
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Post by auntkelly on Dec 5, 2022 17:57:20 GMT
If you're trying to slim down in photos, turn slightly to the side, always put your weight on your back foot, and bend your front leg a little. Always leave a space between your arm and your side (if you don't, it adds the width of your arm to the width of your body.) I've always been happy w/ the way my face photographs, but not so much my body. Learning to put my weight on my back foot was a game changer. It took a little practice to get it to the point that it looked natural. For me, the trick of turning to the side doesn't work. I have an apple shape and I feel like if I turn even a little, the camera zooms right to my mid section. |
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gina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,303 
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Post by gina on Dec 5, 2022 18:03:38 GMT
Weight on back foot, body slightly angled, front leg bent or popped a little (I point my toes). And find your better side. Mine is my left. Always has been. I will never be on the right side of a photo!
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,379
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Dec 5, 2022 18:22:45 GMT
I'd love to know... Either DH is the worst photographer ever, or I'm just not photogenic.
My sister says sticking your neck out like a turtle gets rid of chins. I haven't tried it yet.
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Dec 5, 2022 18:25:45 GMT
My best look is achieved by....
Slightly angled (when the photo is straight on, I appear wider and frumpy).
Face and chin held straight and even, not up and definitely not down (hello double chin).
Mouth closed (I have small eyes, so if I smile with teeth my eyes look scrunched and closed).
I HATE when people tell "smile, show some teeth".
I also will not say what ever word is requested "everyone say cheese", because speaking-saying something during a photo makes my facial expression look weird.
Stand up straight and as tall as possible, so I don't looked hunched over. That also helps achieve separation between stomach and chest(I am larger chested). If I hunch slightly forward in photos, I look like one stomach-chest combo Humpty Dumpty.
Suck in belly-stomach.
Gap between arms and body. Arms directly next body, add to width.
Ask whomever is taking my or the group photo to hold phone or camera up slightly. Slightly elevated photos look so much different than a straight on photo.
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Post by Merge on Dec 5, 2022 19:27:11 GMT
If you have giant boobs, angling yourself slightly to the side is actually terrible. I look like I'm going to topple over. I have to contort myself so my hips are slightly to the side, shoulders straight on and pulled back but not too far, chin slightly to the side and out and down and ... yeah. I'm just going for looking like I'm having a good time.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Dec 5, 2022 19:49:01 GMT
I recently saw someone on Tik Tok say that you should lean slightly forward with legs bent and chin out but I think I need to practice this. In the pic where I tried it I looked even shorter and more hunched than normal lol. Not thinner. I also noticed that the last two times I was in a photo I thought the shirt I was wearing was ok, but it was really not. I know I have weight to lose especially around my stomach, but the shirts did not do me any favors.
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Gem Girl
Pearl Clutcher
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Posts: 2,682
Jun 29, 2014 19:29:52 GMT
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Post by Gem Girl on Dec 5, 2022 20:08:42 GMT
Sounds like a photo session with a friend (each taking a turn in front of and behind the camera) could prove very instructive.
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Post by Susie_Homemaker on Dec 5, 2022 20:52:52 GMT
For me, the trick of turning to the side doesn't work. I have an apple shape and I feel like if I turn even a little, the camera zooms right to my mid section. Same! I always try to be straight on to the camera and put my hand on my waist to emphasis that a little bit. One trick for the one taking the pic,,, hold the camera UP, never where you have to look down at it. Holding the camera slightly higher than eye level can be a game changer. Make sure that that is happening. |
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Post by peasapie on Dec 5, 2022 20:58:38 GMT
I def keep my arms away from my body so they don't look chub. My cheeks are full with a narrow chin, so I don't smile fully as it causes my eyes to squint. And iPhones have a lens that exaggerates the size of the image closest to the camera -- so I try not to be front and center.
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Post by KiwiJo on Dec 5, 2022 21:03:18 GMT
If you’re a bit shy about asking a friend to photograph you, use the timer function on your phone.
That way you can take as many photos as you want to, all in complete privacy.
You just need to experiment with exactly where to put your phone and where to stand.
I have also used the timer function to work out which clothing and clothing combos look best on me. I put on all sorts of outfits, mixing and matching, and took 4 shots of each - front on, side on, and back on, and sitting down. You could also do a timer video for each outfit, to see how they look while you walk.
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Post by ~summer~ on Dec 5, 2022 21:03:59 GMT
If you have giant boobs, angling yourself slightly to the side is actually terrible. I look like I'm going to topple over. I have to contort myself so my hips are slightly to the side, shoulders straight on and pulled back but not too far, chin slightly to the side and out and down and ... yeah. I'm just going for looking like I'm having a good time. merge I wish I could have some of your boobs! Mine seem to disappear more every year. Even for the first time have entertained the thought of some “augmentation”  |
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Post by gryroagain on Dec 5, 2022 21:09:32 GMT
After 40 years of lamenting the photographer caught me with “crazy eyes” I have accepted I just have naturally crazy eyes. I just do. I look frozen and dead inside if I try to hold myself perfectly still in a smile and my eyes are not…just the way they are.
So I’m no help but the angle idea and arm out from the body can at least help me not be dumpy AND crazy eyed so thanks!
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Post by cadoodlebug on Dec 5, 2022 22:12:18 GMT
For some reason I am usually photogenic in pictures but DH has the Chandler Bing syndrome. (From the episode where they were taking engagement photos.) Interestingly enough, our wedding pictures are great and we usually get some great candid shot on vacation. We take a ton of pictures to get our Christmas photo.
I always try to smile broadly.
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AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,086
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Post by AllieC on Dec 5, 2022 22:27:35 GMT
Something that has really helped me is to take a lot of selfies. I don't show them to anyone but I put them into a Project365 calendar app one year and it made a huge difference. I've gotten used to the kind of smile that I feel looks good (and like me) in pics and that's helped me in ones that others take. I prefer the slightly angled pose and not front on when in groups.
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Post by birukitty on Dec 5, 2022 22:41:16 GMT
I feel so self conscious in front of a camera and so relaxed and at home behind it. So it usually ends up that I'm the one taking the photos The only photos I like of myself are usually those that were taken when I wasn't aware the camera was there, or those taking by professionals (which never happens). I don't take selfies because I don't like using my phone to take photos (unlike the rest of the modern world) and still prefer my DSLR. Although I did try to use it to take some selfies while on my last vacation-they turned out terrible, but I was just having fun. One thing I wanted to mention was something I learned back in the film days working at the photo studio in McLean, Va. Never say "smile" when you are having a photo taken. Instead say "Yes". "Yes" gives a very natural looking smile on almost everyone and it give people something to focus on when you are taking photos of them. |
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Post by ExpatBackHome on Dec 5, 2022 22:42:24 GMT
If you’re holding out the camera for a selfie, hold it a little higher so you’re looking up slightly. That’ll slim down the chin. Practice smiling with the camera held out and try different smiles until you get the one you like. I have to have my teeth showing but not such a big smile that my gums are showing too. Also, natural light whenever possible. If we’re indoors, I try to find a window where the sunlight is coming in but not directly in. Makes a huge difference!!
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Post by busy on Dec 5, 2022 23:06:03 GMT
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Post by papersilly on Dec 5, 2022 23:22:28 GMT
I feel so self conscious in front of a camera and so relaxed and at home behind it. So it usually ends up that I'm the one taking the photos this is me. i told DH that if i pass away, he will have thousands of photos of him and the rest of the family. he will be left with the handful that he took----ones with my eyes closed, mouth open, or hands in a blur of motion. he will at least have those to choose my memorial photo from. LOL |
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Dec 6, 2022 0:12:42 GMT
Dd and sil have family pictures taken every year. The photographer has our Granddaughter put her teeth together to smile
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Post by kluski on Dec 6, 2022 4:31:18 GMT
I hate my teeth therefore I avoid selfies and close ups. Also need to lose weight so yeah I take the pictures.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 6, 2022 5:17:23 GMT
I'd love to know... Either DH is the worst photographer ever, or I'm just not photogenic. My sister says sticking your neck out like a turtle gets rid of chins. I haven't tried it yet. LOL is your DH my DH’s lost twin brother? I swear, every picture he ever takes of me looks awful and then he posts it on Facebook. 🤦🏻♀️ It’s usually when we’re in the middle of some home improvement project so I’m wearing my rattiest work clothes, looking particularly fat and dumpy, hair pulled back in a funky looking ponytail because I haven’t made the time to get a haircut in 11 months, all sweaty and looking gross. Yeah, POST THAT. Not! Ugh. Last year I attended an event that had a professional photographer there doing mini portrait packages for business branding with a couple cute backgrounds and fun props. I thought for $45 I’d go for it. I had just gotten my hair cut so I thought I’d be able to make it look decent, made sure my clothes were ironed and not wrinkly, even put on a little makeup so I wouldn’t look so pale and dead looking. Nope, didn’t work. I even told her up front that I didn’t want to be posed so I’d have a double chin or anything weird. When I got the pics back, the lighting was so unnatural and harsh you could totally see my scalp shining through my thinning hair, and she managed to catch every weird expression, crazy eyes or double chin. Seriously they were all so bad! Even my friends who would normally lie to be nice agreed that they were horrible pictures. Meanwhile, other people who also had their pics taken by that same lady in those same conditions managed to get some that really looked cute. 😫 I was so sad. It was such a waste of money and effort. I think after I get my hair cut the next time I’m going to bring my tripod to the lake cabin and have DD try to take some photos of me there. There are huge east facing windows so in the afternoon you just get nice indirect but bright light which is so much better, and I can take as many photos as I need to in order to get one decent one and then delete all the crappy ones. |
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Post by lesserknownpea on Dec 6, 2022 11:27:00 GMT
It totally depends on what gear the photographer is using. If it’s a group shot on a cell phone try not to be on the side, there will be unattractive distortion.
if it’s an important occasion, test out your makeup ahead of time. When I know I will be photographed, my game plan is more mascara than usual, (which is still not a lot). I am 65 and have hooded eyes, so I’ve watched several tutorials to combat those hoods.
If it’s appropriate, I like a white or cream top or scarf, as it reflects some light on my face.
I make sure my face is well moisturized, and use a lovely bit of cream rouge in coral or pink depending on the colors of my clothes. I have super dry skin, which is quite aging, so I do not need to worry about my face being too “glowy”. if your face is more oily, use transparent powder on the parts of your face you do not want reflecting.
Be super careful with lipstick. As much as we’d love to shine with a fabulous bold color, do take test pictures and see if that is truly the look you want. If it is, more power to you, and I’m jealous. Many people look more youthful when using a blush color gloss or semitransparent lipstick. The lips will look fuller.
The most attractive photo shows a genuine expression, not a stiff uncomfortable one. I did portraits and weddings for several decades, and had to use so many strategies just to show my clients how beautiful they were.
If you feel yourself getting stiff, close your eyes and shake your head when you can. Ask the person shooting to take enough that there will be some good ones. I remember doing this even in the film days, when I had to pay for film and development/printing. It was completely worth it when clients finally relaxed and I got the good shots for them.
Do experiment with self taken shots. Even if you end up deleting all of them. Here’s a tip: if you have both an Apple Watch and IPhone, you can set it easily to use the watch as remote shutter trigger.
have fun with it! We’ve been sold a lie that if we don’t look like Cindy Crawford or Kate Moss our photos are hideous. I know it can be hard, but reject that thinking. 🥰
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Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant
