From Denny: Found this good reminder list when taking photos over at Reader's Digest. Some people are just natural at posing for photos and at ease in front of the camera. Other people are nervous and don't know how to relax in front of the camera for a great photo.
These tips really are timeless and most helpful. The key is to see like the camera sees. It's important to study photos of yourself to decide what it is you like or dislike about it. Many times they are easy fixes like don't wear white clothing against a white background as there is not enough contrast not to mention it's visually dull.
Learn how to relax your facial and arm muscles as you pose so you won't look stiff in the photo. Go for solid colored clothing to look more sophisticated and timeless in a photo.
These days with digital cameras not many people can bear the closeup showing every little flaw. Try not to pile on the makeup but rather go for a soft, shimmering, even dewy look that the camera will show off well.
And, remember, we all have a good angle for the camera. Try to determine your best angle after looking at old photos of yourself. Then when it's time to snap that pic you know what position to get into to look good! :)
Here is what Reader's Digest had to offer on the subject:
"How to put your best face forward and pose like a model.
By Karen Lee, former model handler at the Elite modeling agency and head of the Karen Lee Group.
1. Focus your eyes just slightly above the camera lens, move your face forward a bit, and tip down your chin.
2. Put your tongue behind your teeth and smile, which will relax your face.
3. Keep your arms by your side—but not glued there. To look natural, they should be a little away from your body.
4. Test-drive clothing against a white wall, with an indirect, natural light source (under a tree, indoors near a window) — it will show whether blue really is your best color.
5. As a rule, avoid patterns.
6. Photos exaggerate everything, so go easy on the makeup. For women under 30, a little mascara and lip gloss; over 30, add a touch of concealer.
7. Practice the classic model pose: Turn your body three quarters of the way toward the camera, with one foot in front of the other and one shoulder closer to the photographer. When you face forward, your body tends to look wider.
8. For standing photos, belly in, buttocks tight, shoulders back, spine straight.
9. Study photogenic people as well as photos in which you think you looked best. Look at your best angle. You’ll probably see that you were laughing or having a good time. Capturing someone when they’re relaxed or most animated usually makes for the best results.
10. To feel at ease, try closing your eyes, then opening them slowly just before the photo is taken."
