The Lo Down: look good in photos

And with end-of-year functions coming up, chances are that you’ll come face-to-face with a camera lens at some point. Here are some tips to help you find a flattering pose, rock your own signature smile, and feel more confident in front of any camera.

1. Don’t say ‘cheese’

The age-old advice to say ‘cheese’ is worth ignoring. Being captured mid-word or sentence doesn’t translate well in photos, even with the teeth-revealing “ee” sound you’re encouraged to say. Instead, take a few seconds to recall a special memory that made you happy to elicit a genuine smile and remember to smile with both your mouth and your eyes. As Tyra Banks terms it, “smize”.

2. Practice makes perfect

Despite what you may think, being photogenic is not an innate ability, but rather an acquired skill. So, in the privacy of your own bathroom mirror, practise a few poses. Angle your face differently each time and use a camera to take a few “selfies” for reference afterwards. Most celebrities have mastered the art of the same smile and pose. Take your lead from them and figure out what works best for you. If you’re unsure, show a few of the photos you take to a friend or family member and ask them which look they prefer.

3. Know your face

Well-known personality who is no stranger to the camera Jen Su, poses for photographs at red carpet events on a weekly basis. Her advice? Get to know your face. If your lips are thin, part them to make them appear fuller. If you have a round face, avoid facing the camera front on. “Don’t forget about your body position,” she adds. Angle your body slightly and, if you feel comfortable, place your hands on your hips to accentuate your waist. “But remember, it’s all about looking and feeling natural,” she says.

4. Raise the camera

Without coming across as too much of a diva, ensure that whoever is taking your photo slightly raises their camera. By taking a photo from eye or forehead level, the light source becomes slightly elevated. This will help to make you look slimmer because your neck and chin area appear less prominent.

5. Choose colours that suit you

Wearing the right colour clothing can help to enhance your appearance in photographs. Dark colours can make your mid-section, thighs, and arms look slimmer whereas patterns and stripes (particularly horizontal ones) should be avoided.

These tips aside, you will only become more photogenic when you start to feel more confident in front of the camera. Keep all these posing tricks in mind, but make sure that you feel as comfortable and natural, as possible.