Taking a few shots can cost a lot of effort, especially when you don't seem to look as good in photos as they do in reality. This is a common discomfort among people, but it can be remedied very easily. Photogenicity is not an innate talent, but an acquired skill that can be learned with practice. Try the following methods of posing and consider the tips in this article to become more photogenic. In no time you will be the friend everyone will boast about.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Focus on the Face
Step 1. Clean your skin
The focal point of most photographs is the face, so make sure it's in good condition. Whether it's a virtue or a flaw, modern cameras are capable of capturing the smallest alterations and irregularities in the texture of the skin. Keep skin clean and smooth by washing, toning and moisturizing your face before taking photos. It should be a daily ritual every morning and evening, but it's especially important before a photo shoot.
- If you wear makeup, make sure you apply concealer and foundation evenly and match them correctly to your skin tone. Spread them lightly on the neck and near the earlobes to create a more natural look.
- Oily skin can ruin a photo if it reflects too much light. Use absorbent sheets for the face or tissue paper (not paper handkerchiefs) to dab the T-zone of the face and remove excess sebum.
- Use an exfoliant on the face to remove all the dead skin cells that make it appear dull and dull in the photos.
Step 2. Focus on what makes you unique
One of the typical characteristics of photogenic people is the confidence in their appearance. Many times we worry about some face defect: freckles, the space between the teeth, squinting when we smile. Instead of trying to hide these details, accept them! This way, you will look much more photogenic.
Step 3. Show your emotions
It is easy to distinguish between who is photogenic and who poses: the former does not pretend what he feels. While taking a few shots can be nerve-wracking, don't let it get the better of your real emotions. Don't force yourself to smile thinking it's necessary, but do it naturally. The same goes for the expressions of the eyes and cheeks. The more you allow what you feel to spontaneously show through your face, the more beautiful your photos will be.
- Always smile showing your teeth. Just think: a funny joke would never make you laugh with just your lips. A real smile is toothy, not a closed mouth. Therefore, when you indulge in a smile, you take on a natural expression on your face.
- When you express your emotions, the whole face is involved. While many people associate the expression of happiness solely with smiling, at the same time the eyebrows, eyes, cheeks and forehead are also affected. Allow every part of the face to move freely.
Step 4. Don't look straight into the camera
It is said that "the camera adds ten kilos". It's not for sure! Since the camera uses reflected light to convert a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional image, the shapes of things are flattened and compressed. If you look straight into the lens, the face will appear in all its fullness and natural shadows will be reduced or completely absent. Instead, turning the face slightly to the side will create natural contrasts and streamline the shape of the face.
Step 5. Adjust the angle of the face
The angle of your face depends on the direction you are looking at the camera. Just like you shouldn't look straight into the lens, you don't even have to lift your head when someone takes a picture of you, otherwise your face will look wider and you will see the inside of your nostrils. The most photogenic position is to tilt the head slightly down and to the side.
Method 2 of 3: Posing with the Body
Step 1. Take advantage of your qualities
Those who are photogenic know their qualities well and know how to exploit them in the best way. Of course, also know about his physical flaws. Which parts of the body are the most attractive and which ones might look a little more eye-catching in the photo? Do what you can to bring out the best areas, hiding the flaws from the camera's eye.
Step 2. Step away from the camera
If you stand straight in front of a lens, you will get the same effect described for the face. The body will be flattened and, therefore, a front snap will make you look bigger and rounder. By turning ¾, you will appear more slender and give shadow and depth to your figure.
- To thin the upper limbs, place one arm on your side and bend your elbow back, away from your body. Even if it seems a bit banal to you, there is a reason why many celebrities adopt this position: it is very persuasive!
- If you have to pose while seated, turn around so that you are facing the target to the side rather than directly in front of you. Bend your knees and place your legs slightly offset. If you prefer to cross them, put one leg closer to the camera on the other.
Step 3. Bend the joints
How often do you stand or sit perfectly straight with all joints extended? Probably very rarely or never. If you bend your joints slightly, you will add movement and harmony to your figure. Basically, your elbows, wrists, knees and ankles should all be slightly bent. Fold everything you can!
Step 4. Lean towards the camera
Normally when we look, the closer objects are larger, while the more distant ones are smaller. To create the illusion of an elegant, slim and graceful body, lean a little towards the lens with your head forward.
Step 5. Move around so you feel comfortable
All the advice in the world on poses and photographs will not make you photogenic if you are not comfortable in the positions you assume. In the end, it is helpful to follow the tricks you have learned, but it is best to behave spontaneously. Being photogenic means being able to find the middle ground between acting in an incredibly natural way, as if the camera were not there, and posing perfect dominating every inch of your body. To reach this middle ground, all you have to do is assume the most comfortable and natural positions.
Method 3 of 3: Think About Photos
Step 1. Dress well
It's really hard to be photogenic if you're wearing old sweatpants and a pair of ripped sneakers. If you know you need to pose for some photography, choose clothing that fits the situation. Neutral shades and muted colors are best because they enhance natural features without attracting too much attention.
- Avoid hanging items or clothing that falls very freely on the body, as you may be larger in photos. On the other hand, don't wear clothes that are too tight, since the flash will highlight any small flaws hidden under the clothes.
- Don't wear anything you wouldn't normally wear in real life. Your goal is to look your best. Your personality will not emerge if you bring something that you are not comfortable with and that does not match your usual style.
Step 2. Find the right lighting
The light in the photos greatly affects the quality of the photographed subject. A light pointed directly from above will create dark shadows under the eyes, while from the side it will highlight the lines in the background. Position yourself so that the light source is in front of and slightly above your figure. Whenever possible, take photos in natural light, near a window or outside.
- The best lighting for photos is after sunrise and before sunset. When you can, pose in these moments.
- Although some photographers use the light meter to measure light and thus add brightness to a dark foreground, it is best not to pose with the light behind, otherwise it darkens the whole body and ruins a beautiful photograph.
Step 3. Choose a beautiful location
While the car seat or mirror may be the easiest places to perfect poses and enjoy good lighting, they don't have amazing backgrounds. In addition to the ability to pose with the face and body, photogenicity has a lot to do with choosing the right environment. Take photos in a context where you feel comfortable and the center of attention.
- Crowded restaurants and bars add a lot of clutter to a photo's background, distracting the viewer's gaze from the subject. If you need to pose in a crowded area, blur the background to keep the viewer's eye on your foreground figure.
- If you want to take a group photo, try to fit in the center or away from the ends. Those who are on the edge of a group photo always seem bigger and, often, do not attract attention.
Step 4. Don't be afraid of accessories
While you don't necessarily have to kick a ball or hold cutlery in your hand, adding fun and unique elements to the photo will allow you to increase its interest and highlight your most extravagant features. Keep something in your hand, lean somewhere, or insert something related to a hobby or activity you enjoy.
- If you love reading, try holding a random book in your hands. You will give your body the possibility to assume a more natural position and add a detail to the shot.
- Do not use objects that are too large or anything that could distract the viewer's attention. Your goal is to look photogenic with the help of some decent sized object. It will do more harm than good to add excessively large or colorful elements.
Step 5. Behave confidently
Self-confidence is a quality that emerges from photos and is the key to being photogenic. Even if you don't feel confident, pretend you are in front of the lens. If with a little personal awareness you can be sure that the shots will do justice to your beautiful form, the value of the photos will also improve enormously.
Advice
- Take more than one photo before taking the camera out of the way. Even if the first one seems perfect, do others. Move slightly between shots. Sometimes, the smallest variations can make a big difference.
- If you want to take some selfies with your webcam, phone camera, digital camera or something else, know you need to practice. You will need to learn the correct angle to shoot and hold the camera so you can move your hand to shoot.
- Pretend to laugh. It is not necessary to make an effort. Just before the flash, imagine you've just seen something funny or heard a joke!
- Face the sun in the hours after sunrise and before sunset. If you relax the muscles of your face, you can take incredible close-ups of the face with the sun highlighting the color of your eyes.
- Practice smiling in front of the mirror. In no time you will know which smile looks fake and which is more captivating. It will be useful to know the expressions on your face when someone picks up a camera. Smile showing your upper dental arch: you may have the impression that it is unnatural, but it is easier for a smile with two rows of teeth to look fake.
- Ask your friends to look at the photos you took to help you figure out when you are feeling better. Sometimes, it is very helpful to have a second critical eye.
- Avoid saying "cheese" while looking at the camera, otherwise you will have a forced smile.
- Study images of models and other photogenic people. If it matches your personality, try to mimic their poses and shot angles.
