Tips For Taking A Good Picture
My friends and family probably just spit out their coffee when they read this headline. Have you ever wondered how the celebrities always seem to take a good picture? I don’t know about you, but I have always hated having my picture taken. I was always the person behind the camera doing all the picture taking. At one point, I even wondered if there would be any pictures of me to remember me by, if something should ever happen to me. I think it is safe to say, there will now be plenty of pictures. Lol!
My children even nicknamed me turtle for a short period of time because I took such horrible pictures. They said I always had all the rings that are around a turtles neck. I tend to pull my chin back toward my body, and this creates even more chins. Not a pretty picture. But, I am doing better, and I thought you might want to be let in on some of my tips.
Don’t do this!!! This is a straight head on shot, and it is not flattering on anybody. Every part of me looks wide, even my ugly ankles. To start with, you need to create some space. If you put your hand on your hips, or in a coat pocket, that will create an opening between your waist and you arm.
I promise I am not trying to look this bad, it just comes naturally. Lol Okay, this is some improvement, but not much. So now you want to narrow the body. Most people know to turn a little sideways, but there is more you need to do. Put your weight on the foot that is in the back. Then slightly turn, but not completely sideways.
You will notice that my weight is on my back foot, and my hips are pointing more toward the wall, and not toward the camera. So my body is looking thinner, but my face and neck needs some improvement. Next comes the awkward. or more awkward, part. Take your chin and move it forward one or two inches, but leave everything else the same. I know this feels weird and you think you look stupid. But here is what the camera sees.
Just don’t let anybody take pictures from the side when you are doing this, you will look strange. You need to practice these techniques before you have your picture taken, or you will look stiff and unnatural. Have someone take your picture, or do like I do, and set up a tripod. You can always delete the pictures you don’t like and take more. The more comfortable you get with these poses, the more relaxed you will look in your pictures. Now, if we could only go through the day with this stance. Hahaha
Just in case you were wondering, the sweater is from Talbots, and is very old. The lion mane scarf is one I bought at Target last year. I liked it so much that I bought it in ivory and cobalt blue also. Here is a similar one.The leopard print pants are from Old Navy. I bought them earlier this fall, but I have only worn them once. I learned a lesson, and I will pass it on to you. These are a Harper pant, and I usually buy the Pixie’s. I made the mistake of buying the same size when I bought these, and that was a mistake. I think the Harper pants run larger. So, if you decide to buy a pair, either try them on in the store, or order a smaller size.
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Great photo tips!
I loved this post. I truly laughed out loud! Now I’m off to practice my pose.
Keep it coming!
WOOOOHOOOO, I love this post. And I’m going to save it and use your advice. Everyone always tells me, Oh, you take such good photos. But I know. I know exactly when I look good and when I don’t. That I prefer the left side of my face vs my right. How to really smile so that my eyes almost disappear vs. that solemn pensive look. How my hair must be curly, soft and puffed to soften my face and ‘hide’ the overly roundness of it. I didn’t know the thing about the arm space or the direction of the hips. I soooo will practice. Thank you. I just turned 50, working around 2 dozen 20 somethings. They keep me on my toes and very ‘look’ conscious. I can use all this help. Bless you! Keep up the great tips!
Today’s blog came just in time. My son is getting married in 5 weeks so of course there will be lots of picture taking. By the way, you are toooo funny!
Great ideas!
I think you did good! I just about lost my teeth when I saw that picture! (what not to do)
My exact words were HOLLY COW!
You look so good in every other picture!
What a great post! Thank you. I am one that runs from the camera and I, too, thought that there won’t be any pictures of me after I’m gone. 😉 I love the way you showed in each picture the do’s and don’ts. I’m a visual learner so this helped me a lot!
Great tips! I am also never in photos. I’m always the one taking the pictures. Maybe one day I’ll break this habit. 🙂
Old Navy? Who knew they had such cute stuff! I’ve only bought for my daughters here and have never stopped to actually buy or look for myself.
Enjoy your posts everyday! Thank you!
I found your blog a couple weeks ago and want to tell you I love it!! I started blogging a couple months ago and it is such a fun experience. I love the way you write. It feels so real and like we are talking over coffee!! And it’s so fun to get ideas about fashion and being your best so thank you and I am excited to follow along!!
Great tips, Tania! I will need some serious practice, but definitely worth it to actually have some pictures of myself that look decent! Talbots and Target…I love the combination! I recently bought a scarf that I LOVE from Rite Aid!!