Picture Perfect

August 14, 2010 - 12:00 pm

We’ve all suffered those unflattering family photo moments or cringe-inducing Facebook tags that make you question whether you’re that bad looking in real life!  But fear not- we bring you top tips on how to take flattering pics and look your best in photos.

Lighting is the most important element when it comes to looking good.  A flash can wash you out and make you look ill, but it can also fade blemishes- experiment with different tints on your camera to make you look your prettiest.

Photo pros use indirect light to illuminate a subject, so shine a light off a wall or a mirror for a super healthy glow.  Outside?  Don’t sweat.  Seek out some shade to get rid of harsh shadows or failing that keep the sun behind your subject, using a flash to blitz racoon eyes!

If possible, avoid the harsh light between 11am and 2pm- taking pics at dawn or dusk will give your subject a more flattering and atmospheric look, or make like a movie star and print your pics in black and white for a faultless finish.

Watch out for weather!

Banish those blemishes and imperfections.  If you have a slight double chin look up to elongate your neck- look just above the camera that’s pointing at you!

Blotchiness usually occurs when the contrast is too much- so avoid direct strong light or if all else fails; apply a gentle blur to troubled areas in a Photoshop-like computer package.

Red eyes are best eliminated with a red eye reduction feature on a camera or afterwards on the computer.  They occur when a bright camera flash causes a reflection on the retina showing up the blood vessels…and it’s more common if you have blue eyes!

Posing isn’t just for the red carpet.  Be canny and adopt the Hollywood stance to shed pounds.  Turn slightly to one side and stretch one leg out slightly to the front.  Point your toe to the camera and put your weight on your back foot.  Stick your arm closest to the camera on your hip and leave the other one relaxed…voila c’est chic.

Conscious about your arms- hold them away from your body to minimise extra weight.  Good posture will make you look taller and loads of studies have shown smiling makes people more attractive- so say cheese!

Tell us your secrets!