Are you fed up with the same unflattering photo shots? Do you flip through your high school, graduation, birthday or even wedding album and wish you had just looked or smiled a little better? What about a group picture with friends and colleagues, do your fingers itch to manually ‘crop’ yourself out whenever you go through it? Then your situation is perfectly normal! Many people aren’t particularly comfortable in front of a camera lens which results in them looking tensed and almost dull and rigid. Some people actually detest taking pictures completely because of these. I remember a girl once, who, when asked to join I and a group of four other girls for a group photo shot, shrunk to the background saying we should go ahead without her for she was never pretty in pictures! It should not always be this way. You have got to embrace yourself, love yourself, play a bit with yourself and find out what you are capable of. Below is a little guide to improving you for that perfect picture of your dreams.
• To take a snapshot, you have to know your angle. Know which angle you think best suits you for the camera. Some people are comfortable with a full frontal view to the camera, others are perfectly okay with a sideways turn to the lens. Some prefer still pictures, others like to be caught when they are in motion. Whether standing or sitting, identify yours.
• You have got to strike that pose. Stand in front of a full mirror and experiment. Don’t know where to place your hands? Try placing them on your hips, or thighs. Or pretend you were gently trying to flip back your hair with your hands.
• Relax! Let your shoulders fall slightly(don’t slouch), breathe slowly and release all that tension from the pit of your tummy. Pretend for a moment that life was SO perfect and you’re SO happy. Indulge!
• Do not let the photographer’s suggestions dampen your spirits. If you are asked to strike a pose you feel awkward doing, say so. If he gets worrisome, try someone else.
• Opt for warm neutral hues for your makeup and clothing that will complement your skin, and not turn into a disaster for you in front of the harsh light of a flash. ‘Shouty’ or vivid colours may be a no-no for a darker skin tone.
• Experts say a clear clean skin that has been cleansed and moisturized, and wearing makeup that is comfortable for you are the secrets to a flawless photo.
• Whether you are in the centre of a million people, always imagine it’s just you and the camera that exists for that moment. This is where your confidence comes to the fore. Block out all distractions from your external surroundings just for a minute. Concentrate on the main business: taking the picture.
• Finally, try smiling. Whether an open or gentle smile, it’s important to relax your facial muscles by doing this: raise your eyebrows and release, smile widely and release.
