7 Ideas for a better "Photo Opp" Picture ...(not just a Selfie)

A LOT of us despise having photos taken of ourselves even though we'd like to capture the fun moments with friends and family!  In this day of cell phone cameras, here are a few hints to take the hesitation away.

1) Move your face forward

Stretch your neck and move your face forward away from your shoulders.   Now tip your chin down... You might feel a bit silly!  Why should I do this?  If you are like me, you don't like to look as if you have a double chin!  It makes everything look more streamlined and slim.  It makes your neck look longer and your jaw more defined.

2) Move your hair away from your face

Simply tucking your hair behind your ears or styling it up and away from your face makes you look less tired and your cheekbones appear higher.  You spent enough time making your eyes look gorgeous, so don't let your hairstyle swallow them up!

3) Show your good side

We all have our favorite attributes about our faces.  Rarely does a full on face photo give us the most flattering pose.  (Unless you have a professional Makeup Artist, A Professional Photographer and a Lighting Expert!) An off center picture is more intriging, more flirty.  That goes for photos taken above rather than below your face.  Shadows add depth and mystery...

4) Wind blown, healthy looking hair helps

Have you even noticed that realistic hair is not perfect hair?  Unless you are posing for a Corporate Photoshoot, leave the helmet head at home.  Hair should move, so try not to stage it in place with too much product.  You'll only dull your hair.  Movement in hair is natural.  Use it to your advantage!

5) Don't go (too far) into the light!

We all know that natural light is best, but if you are at a party or event, chances are you'll be inside.  If that is the case, try to find some indirect light.  Avoid standing right beneath or in front of strong beams of lights where the shadows will cast unflattering shadows (under your eyes especially).  

6) Wear a touch of Color when doing your makeup...

Do your best not to be too heavy with foundations or concealers that day.  Practice beforehand.  Being too "made up" is a harsh look.  Again, it makes it too staged.  Skintone appears paler in photos when flash is used.  Don't worry about a porcelain complexion to set your makeup, that should be left to the art of contouring and highlighting . Doing a bit of contouring and highlighting makes your complexion look more 3 dimensional, less pale, more youthful.   And don't be afraid of a little lip gloss or color!  Neutral or dark Matte shades can age you or detract from your look.  Nudes will make your lips become lost, Dark Matte might overpower your eyes.  I choose eyes over lips as a focal point every time!

7) Money or Cheeeeesssse

Try saying "money".  It gives your lips a nice little "natural" lift at the corners of your mouth that looks a lot softer than "Cheeeeeese".   Or try this!  Gently press your tongue against the back of your teeth when you smile.  If you have a tendency to smile a little too hard, this little trick prevents your smile from turning into a "cheese-y grin!".

More hints? 

 Take photos before you've had too much to drink.  Make sure your clothing is not "Over" exposing more than you'd like to share.  Remember that these photos ~ taken in the digital age we live in~ will be out there for everyone to google...  and you will be immortalized ~FOREVER~!

Now a great tutorial on How to Take The Perfect "Selfie"

She makes it look so easy!