Photo-genie!
Imagine a time when standing in front of the camera guarantees that you'll end up looking like a star
Point a camera at someone and one of two things may happen – the person might back away in horror at the thought of being photographed or be keen to be the centre of attention. When it comes to photographs, the world is divided into two – those who look like a million bucks in them and the others who look like even a million bucks would not help them look halfway good. When the visual aspect of you becomes the sole representation of you, it’s reason enough to master the skill of how to look good in photographs. After, almost every one of us leaves a lot of our lives behind in pictures for others to remember us by.
Friday got together a team of experts to offer tips and tricks that can help you get stunning results every time you face a camera.
The experts comprised Adam Browning-Hill, Dubai-based freelance photographer; Alessandra Cardoso, Dubai-based model-coordinator and stylist; Marina Bonini, international ramp model; and Huda Kattan, Dubai-based freelance make-up artist.
The purpose
First and foremost, ask yourself what the pictures are for. A passport shot? A business blog, a personal social networking site, a family photo or a business card? Are these your holiday pictures that you know will last a lifetime? Or are the photographs of you and a batch of friends you spent a few years with? Identifying the purpose of the photograph is half the battle won.
The preparation
- If you are camera-shy, tell your photographer beforehand. If you think you have issues with your facial features, ask your photographer to use a soft filter.
- Always discuss in advance how you prefer to be photographed. Make sure you listen to others’ advice too, and be open to suggestions. Professional photographers know what works and will be only too happy to become camera-friendly.
- When on vacation, try to avoid being photographed against busy backgrounds. A plain background will make you stand out better.
- Spend some time studying pictures of celebrities and friends whom you consider photogenic. Try copying their posture or style to see if you can carry off the same style of posing.
- If you have the time to spare, ask someone to take some full-length and close-up shots of you to be able to study your visual strengths and weaknesses from all angles.
- If you know of the shoot in advance, make sure you are well hydrated so your skin glows. Do not smoke or drink coffee or other caffeine-heavy drinks.
- Sleep for at least eight hours before a photoshoot so you look relaxed and your skin looks healthy.
The right angle
All of us have a ‘good side’ and a ‘bad side’. Take a good look at your old pictures and then look at yourself in the mirror to find the one side that looks better. Usually the best side is the one in which way your hair falls.
- When you learn which side looks better, you can use it as the angle at which to be photographed. You may not have noticed but celebrities and models somehow always show one profile of theirs more prominently. They rehearse a lot and are prepared to pose in front of the cameras.
- You will look better in photographs if you stay relaxed and natural as opposed to stiff and posed.
- Laugh as if it is on the spur of the moment, but do not grin.
- Practising your smile will help you learn what degree of a smile looks good on you. Sometimes over-smiling ends up looking like a fake smile.
- The more natural you are, the more likely you are to get better results. Go through all your pictures and you will notice that the most attractive are the ones in which you were comfortable in front of the camera. It takes some practice to ‘learn’ it.
- Keep rehearsing different poses in front of the mirror.
- Do not look directly into the camera. Look either through it or a little above it.
- If you are planning to get full-length pictures done, position your body approximately 45 degrees away from the camera. You can then look into the camera.
- If you have a group photo opportunity coming your way, try to reach the spot in advance so that you may choose your place.
- If you are on the heavier side, do not sit in the front or in the middle of a group shot. Stand on the side instead, but always between people.
- Practice good posture. Sounds silly, but now is the time to practice what your mum taught you as a child. Sit straight and stand upright. Remember, how you present yourself is the way people will perceive you.
- If you have a double chin, do not tilt your head. Stretch out your neck instead.
- Before you upload your pictures for others to see, have them re-touched by a professional graphic designer or if adept at it, do it yourself.
Magic make-up tricks
- Do not apply a sun block or a sunscreen as a base because it will make you look darker.
- If a flash is likely to be used, select a face powder in the same shade as your foundation.
- The best way to look good is to apply less make-up. Remember, any makeup-related mistake is likely to make your face reveal all its imperfections.
- It may sound silly but practising good grooming and hygiene works on your self-confidence and shows through in photographs. Clean hair, waxed arms and legs, a lingering perfume and shine-free face will work in your favour.
- Do not make the mistake of trying out new make-up on the day of an important photo shoot.
- Choose shades of lipstick you are comfortable with. If you are going for black and white pictures, never apply dark lipstick shades (like plum, dark maroon etc) as it will make your lips appear black.
- Putting mascara on curled eyelashes will open up your eyes and make a big difference to your looks.
- You may try wearing false eyelashes but practice wearing them a few times before the day of the shoot.
- It is a good idea to fill in your eyebrows.
- If your teeth are a bit yellow, either have your dentist whiten them up or use an at-home teeth-whitening kit.
- Avoid getting a new hair colour or cut a day or two before an event or photo shoot. Make sure you get your hair trimmed or coloured at least a week before.
What to wear
- If it is a wedding or a party you have to attend, get your clothes ready at least a week in advance. Try them on to ensure they fit you well.
- Pick classic outfits to be on the safe side. Pictures taken in classic clothing do not look dated.
- If you have a short neck, do not clutter the neckline with accessories. Do not wear a turtleneck either.
- Keep away from print and busy designs. They take the attention away from you.
- Ditto for reflective and shiny fabric as it makes you look bigger.
- Do not wear big baubles if you are not comfortable in them. Your discomfort will show in the pictures.
- Wear colours that suit your skin tone and body shape.
Light it up
- If you step into a professional photographers’ studio, you will notice how much time they spend just adjusting the lighting. That’s because bad lighting can ruin a shoot. On the other hand, the right lighting brings out the best in your facial features.
- If you are being photographed outdoors, avoid standing in direct sunlight as you may end up squinting in the picture.
- Ensure the weather is good when being photographed outdoors as rain, dust, wind or cloudy weather can ruin the shoot.
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