For the next few weeks, I’m going to give you some tips so your friends/hubby/kids look great in your photos. Perfect timing now that summer is almost here. Just remember, the worst time to take portraits is when the sun is directly overhead. Due to the shadows under the eyes, your friends will end up looking like they haven’t slept in awhile. Not a great look.
(P.S. try these tricks yourself when someone takes pictures of YOU. You'll look fabulous if you do.)
The most unflattering pose is the head-on one. You know, the one referred to as the mug shot. Okay, let’s just save that one for passport and driver’s license photos. There’s a reason most people don’t look good in them.
The best pose is where the shoulders are at an angle to the camera. It doesn’t have to be by a huge degree. Even a slight turn of the shoulder toward the camera is pleasing. The next step is to have your friend look in a slightly different direction to the line of the shoulders. For example, if your friend’s shoulders are turned to the right, then have her turn her head to the left (she can still look at the camera if you want). Even if your friend’s shoulders are square to the camera (like in this photo), turning the head will help prevent the dreaded passport photo look.
Remember, there are always exceptions to every rule. But like with writing, once you know what the rules are, you can break them with confidence.
Stay tune for more posing tips next week.
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