We’ve all gone through this – you’re at a wedding, party or club and you pose for as many photos as you can and when they come out, you cringe – or rush to untag yourself in the entire album on Facebook because either your forehead was too shiny, you were snapped mid-blink, or the pose you thought was super hot was super not!
We asked some experts to give us some tips on how to look amazing in every photo you pose for, plus we have some tips of our own. Now you never have to worry about awkward pics ever again.
Tips from the GLAMOUR team
Make sure your makeup matches your skin tone. The last thing you need is your face showing up two shades lighter than your neck and shoulders and this will especially be visible when there’s a flash.
Lighting is very important: when taking photos during the day, always make sure you’re facing the sun. Not only will it make your eyes sparkle, but your face will light up too especially if you have darker skin.
Sunset is the best time to take outdoor photos, as the light at this time is really flattering. If you want to glow in party pictures, make sure that you get your chance in front of the camera before the sun sets.
If it’s at all possible, refrain from using your flash!
- If you’re taking a selfie, don’t use the front camera – it isn’t flattering as you can’t adjust the lighting and other settings. For more selfie tips, find out what the supermodels have to say!
Bronwyn Day, GLAMOUR’s Fashion Director
“My tip is to always look down and make sure your clothing is falling properly, and also that your lipstick is touched up! I usually angle my face to the side and tilt my chin down slightly when I’m smiling – it always look flattering!”
Sebastian Voigt, fashion photographer
Good posture is important. If you have good posture when posing for a photograph you will appear elegant and confident. Shoulders back, stomach in, chest out – and lengthen your neck.
If you rotate your body at a 45-degree angle towards the the camera and keep your neck and head facing camera, you add shape to the picture and will appear GLAMOURrous (this trick can also make you seem skinny!).
You’ll no doubt have chosen an amazing outfit for the party, but make sure it’s looking pristine before you strike a pose – even the most beautiful look needs some maintenance if it’s going to shine on camera.
Try to avoid cluttered backgrounds as these can be distracting. Clean backgrounds will always enhance your pictures. Often people will tell me they got great shots and when they look back at them they can’t believe everything is smaller or wider than they thought. If the situation allows, spend some time thinking about how you want your picture to look, rather than just hoping for the best.
If you’re on the other side of the camera and are photographing someone who is feeling uncomfortable, try to find something in common with them. A short conversation will generally put them at ease. I often crack jokes to break the tension. A well-placed compliment about the person you are photographing will also help them to relax. Champagne will help too!
Bernice Grutzmacher-Dodd, makeup artist
When you’re wearing makeup, make sure to even out your skin tone with foundation and a light powder down the T-zone. Blush and a touch of lipstick are important because it is easy to look washed out in photographs. Most importantly – the eyes! They’re my favourite part of the face! Bring attention to them by curling your lashes and layering your mascara.
Which products does she recommend for a night out?
- Chanel Vitalumiere foundation for gorgeous, glowing skin.
- Red lipstick (Chanel Rouge Coco in Gabrielle, is my favourite) and lots of mascara!
Makeup DON’Ts?
- Thick foundation and too much powder make skin appear lifeless and dull. So less is definitely more!
- Under-eye concealer that is too light – it comes out white in photographs and makes you look like a panda.
- Big brows may be in, but don’t make your eyebrows too dark because they become the focus instead of your eyes.
- Bronzer that is too orange – make sure you don’t apply too much so you can have subtle but sun-kissed glow on your skin!
Lastly, relax and be yourself! Keep your chin down and smile with your eyes (or “smize” as Tyra Banks would say!)
