10 tricks to look better in photos

With the Holiday season in full-swing, there is never a time when more pictures are being taken of you. The events at all of your parties, family get-togethers, and gift exchanges are being recorded by at least one paparazzi in the group. With the prevalence of Facebook, Twitter, FlickR, and many other social media sites, it is easier than ever for the entire world to have access to photographs of you doing all sorts of thing, while looking less than stellar...

Luckily, there are people who are paid to take pictures, and there are people who are paid to look good in pictures. Both models, photographers, stylists, and make-up artists have gotten together in order to share the tips and tricks they've figured out to ensure their best chance at capturing a great photo. 

Thanks to their advice, the following 10 tips can enable you to always look picture perfect:

10. Let the camera do the work!

A good camera goes a long way when it comes to taking good pictures. Don't be intimidated,  Los Angeles celebrity photographer (and former model) Jack Guy promises that "a good [camera] doesn't have to be complicated." He swears by the Canon G series because it takes great pictures—and doesn't require expertise.

9. Sunsets provide the best natural lighting

Granted, this tip is hard to take advantage of during the winter when a sunset occurs around 4pm, but dusk is the best time of day for outdoor pictures. "The lighting is really flattering," says former model and photographer Jack Guy. "The sun casts less shadow downward, so you don't end up with bags under your eyes in the photo. Instead, it lights up the area under the eyes and you look younger." 

8.  Don't be too shiny.

While it's nice to have a subtle glow to your skin, too much shine can be distracting, says L.A. makeup artist Troy Jensen, who recommends applying a matte finishing product, like Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector. "Run it on the side of your nose, forehead and chin. It neutralizes shine instantly without feeling goopy."

Keeping some oil absorbing blotting sheets in your purse can also help-- just wipe one across your trouble spots while in the bathroom, and it will soak up the excess oil while leaving you with a matte finish.

7. Say "money!"
"Cheese" is the classic spoken request for picture taking, but saying "money" yields better results. "The strong e sound makes the corners of your mouth go up," says Patti Wood. "And the crinkles around your eyes make it look like a genuine smile." 

6. Give yourself a berry smile!

"A berry lip color with a hint of sheen flatters everyone," says Los Angeles image consultant Mimi Dorsey. Avoid nudes, which can make you look like a corpse once the flash hits—and brights, which often come across as harsh.

5. Don't get sloppy

It is very hard to take a good picture while intoxicated (and this might be the hardest tip to follow, as holiday parties are usually full of libations). Try to take the majority of pictures early, before that third (or fourth or fifth) alcoholic beverage. You're more in control, and it shows! Says Los Angeles makeup artist Troy Jensen, "no matter how bright the flash is, your eyes will look droopy after drinks."

These are the last type of pictures you want floating around the inter-webs...

4. Keep your hair touchable

The styles of the 1980's are definitely back... but the best hair today shows no sign of that decade.

N.Y.C. hairstylist David Evangelista says "you really don't want your do to look sprayed or crunchy," so show some reserve with the big hair and styling products. Hair that can move comes across as sexier on film. (Just think about the hair styles shown on the models in a Victoria Secret catalog for proof... and inspiration.)

3. Stick out your face

Los Angeles image consultant Mimi Dorsey recommends pushing your face forward ever so slightly. "It feels absolutely ridiculous when you're doing it, but it makes your face look thinner and hides any sign of a double chin."

2. Trademark Your Own "Blue Steel"

Zoolander's trademarked "Blue steel" look was purposely laughable, but this practice is something that celebrities actually do. 

Is your right side more flattering? Does a subtle smile look sexier? "Pull out all of your favorite pictures of yourself and see what you like," suggests Guy. "You'll probably find a look that's consistent. Once you know how you like yourself to look, it's much easier to replicate." 

 

1. Stand like this to look your longest & leanest

There's a reason starlets like to stand at an angle... "Twist your torso, turning one shoulder toward the camera and the other away from it," says Atlanta body-language expert Patti Wood. "It makes you look very slender."

Putting your hands on your hips also helps, as the waist is more defined and the torso looks more shapely.  (Standing with your arms hanging down by your side makes the whole torso appear wider, while hiding the waistline.) Pointing one foot in front of the other helps make legs appear more slender.