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.
You might have noticed a new design to the website. I hope you like the new look, and that you are able to navigate its features easily. The comment section is at the very end of the post, so keep scrolling. I look forward to reading all the comments, they make my day.
This is also something I WANT and NEED: I have added a subscription button to the blog, right under the recent posts tab. I would appreciate it if you would take the time to sign up. You will then be notified by email when a new post is made.
Be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Bloglovin, Instagram, and Facebook.
Wonderful tips! Who knew?!?! I recently found/followed you so I am reading all of your post as I can. You are so much fun and cute as a button. Can you tell I am from the south?? hugs!
Thank you so much for these wonderful tips! I found your site a couple of weeks ago & just want to tell you that I love your way of writing & your style :). Thank you for being you I will enjoy following your blog. Have a wonderful day.
Thanks for these great tips, I am going to try them.
I am not yet 50, but it isn’t that far away (a matter of weeks). I have been really obsessing on the number the last few years and it needs to stop! I just found your blog and LOVE it and your attitude! Every time I get dressed I ask if I am too old for this. Thanks for the fun and fabulous pictures and commentary, I will try to adopt your positive attitude! Thank you!
Sooo glad to see this post. My pics always look awful. Can’t wait to try this pose. My upper body always looks so wide. I think this will help! Lol. You look great!???? Have you had your colors done? You colors are always bright an beautiful. I have a hard time fitting into those color categories.
Great tips! Here’s one more. Practice the poses by taking pics of yourself in front of a full length mirror. I did this to send a friend a pic of myself in a new outfit. If you don’t have a full length in your home, snap a few in the fitting room at the clothing store. Safe place to try new looks, too.
You crack me up!!! My husband looked at me like I was crazy as I cackled reading your blog this morning!! ????Absolutely great!! You mentioned earlier you’re trying to let your hair grow out and it is looking great!! Thankyou for the tips especially how not to do the “turtle” I catch myself doing that too????
This is such great photo taking advice. I’ll have to put it to use. xo Hope you are having a nice week-end. We are celebrating my husband’s birthday…. I call it his Medicare birthday since that is exactly what it means for him.
Tell hubby Happy Birthday!!!
Wow, thanks for the tips. I feel like you have shared trade secrets. You look great by the way.
Laughing so hard I didn’t even realize what the outfit looked like today! I teach high school so the kids keep me young! My husband always laughs when we take pictures and says “hands on hips”! Funny how these tips truly do work! HA! Enjoy the rest of the weekend gurl!