Don't allow the photographer to pose you in a position that feels awkward. Demand a natural pose! Sometimes it feels like they're getting you to play twister or something! My sister and I got tired of unnatural looking poses in our pictures, insisted on doing our own and the pictures turned out much better. I still have a hard time not blinking or preventing my eyes from getting watery in anticipation of the flash though!
try to be laughing when the picture is taken. So many times when I'm getting tired of having pictures taken, I just force my mouth into a smile and you can tell that I'm faking it. But if you're talking to the photographer or anyone else and kind of get giggling or smiling genuinely, it'll look so much prettier.
I look AWFUL in pictures. I'm already dreading my wedding day because I'll have all this pressure to be beautiful in the pictures and I won't be. I think I'm pretty when I look in the mirror (I hope that didn't sound too conceited!) but it's only one picture in a hundred of myself that I actually like.
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Fashion is art you live your life in. - Devil Wears Prada | formerly ttara123
Yes, I agree that laughter or at least feeling comfortable/happy/relaxed is crucial! I'm not sure if this is something that works for everyone or just me, but I always find that if I tilt my head down just ever, ever so slightly it creates a much more flattering picture than if I am photographed with my chin more up (if that makes sense).
I agree with the chin thing! That works for me and I've gotten a few of my friends doing it...we realize we all hold our heads up too high when we smile for a picture.
It is helpful to use a mirror or a bunch of headshots to pick the most natural and flattering angle and smile and then practice it until you can feel comfortable with it.
Even though I feel weird doing it, I take Tyra's advice and look away and back right before the picture is taken. That way you aren't holding a face and getting "posey" looking. It makes a big difference!