We live in a very unlucky world where everything we do is documented with photos. There’s even a whole app dedicated to snapping your food and uploading it. There are a couple of tricks you can do the next time someone is waving their cell phone in your face wanting to take a snap with you, or if you have family photos lined up. Hell, you can even use them for selfies, if that’s what you’re into. Ok, ok. I mean you can use these especially for selfies. I don’t judge. If my hair and makeup is actually done I will take the shit out of a selfie. I don’t regret it one bit either. Give them a try!

Unless You’re Miley……

Put. Your. Tongue. Back. In. Your. Mouth. I’m not even kidding. Do you know why Miley can get away with this kind of face distortion on all of her social media? She has millions of dollars, millions of followers and is a celebrity. That’s why. Let me explain what I mean by distortion. You’re going to automatically get three chins, forehead wrinkles, one wonky eye and a tongue that looks like a slug if you try to do this face in a picture. It’s not a pretty look and it’s going to be a photo that, when the booze wears off, you wish that you never posed for.

The Same Goes For Duck Face

Just stop it with this. I don’t even want to see Kim K do this face. It’s not sexy. It’s not flattering. You’re actually making your mouth look like a cats butthole. Think about it. Is the visual there? If you’re actually wanting a picture that you’ll love looking back at in five years, this probably shouldn’t be the go to pose. Again, your eyes will squint, your chin won’t look right, and most importantly……cat butthole mouth.

Make It Up Accordingly

If you’re having actual photos done, then always follow this makeup tip. Never make your makeup too dewy or shiny for photos. Always try to keep it more on the matte side. The flash from the camera will reflect off of the moisture or oil on your face and can cast some weird shadows. I’m not saying you have to layer your makeup on, just a light dusting of translucent powder will do the trick.

Style It Right

Solid colors always have, and always will photograph the best. Busy patterns can be very distracting and can actually compete with your features. If you’re ever in doubt, wear red. A lot of people don’t wear it. Not only will you stand out, but it photographs very well. That’s the secret behind the very famous “Valentino Red”. It pops right out of the frame in every photo.

Know Your Light

Try to avoid standing under harsh light sources. Its going to be the most unflattering thing you can do. The most flattering light in photos is soft and indirect. The wrong lighting can actually change the color of your skin tone and makeup. Also, it can create shadows that will make you look like you haven’t slept…..ever.

Pose Like Your Life Depends On It

This is a little Hollywood trick. Have you ever noticed that when celebs walk the red carpet they are very rarely photographed head on? That’s because getting a photograph taken squarely can make you appear larger than you are. Angle your body slightly, bring your ankles together, and put one or both hands on your hips. Your shoulders and elbow will make a triangle that makes your hips look smaller and that will show off your waistline.

Actually Smile

If you’re out and having fun, then smile! A natural smile will always be the most flattering because it’s genuine and you look like you’re enjoying yourself. If you are in a situation where you can’t muster one, then think about something that you can’t help but laugh at. Mine happens to be thinking of when my son walked up to me in front of strangers and said “Mum Mum, you remind me of an onion…….because you stink” and then he laughed at his own joke for about ten minutes. It works every time. I think of it and my giant shark mouth is in full effect.

Practice

If this is something that is important to you because you don’t like how you ever look in pictures, then figure out your angles. You will have one side you prefer photographs being taken on. Does your chin look better angled up or angled down? Do you prefer a full smile or a half smile? I know that for a lot of women, getting their photos taken can be really daunting and they hate it. If you prepare a bit and figure out an expression that you don’t mind, then you won’t fear the camera anymore.

I know what you’re thinking. There’s more to life than looking good in photos. I agree with you. Also though, life’s too short to hate every picture taken of you and to pick yourself apart for it. It’s a great thing for your self esteem to be able to look back on pictures and not want to light them all on fire because you’re making a face that looks like you’re pooping in all of them. Either way, smile and try to be comfortable. The camera, much like a dog, can sense your fear. Relax and have fun. Besides, they make a delete button for a reason.

xo Stephanie