The holidays bring so many wonderful opportunities to create magical memories and of course you’ll want to capture those memories on film…or at least in your digital camera (does anyone actually use film anymore?) This is all well and good until you see an unflattering photo of yourself tagged on someone else’s Facebook page–am I right?
While it isn’t possible to take a perfect photo every time, therefore ensuring that you’ll never be tagged in a less than flattering Facebook post; there are some things that you can do to increase your odds of taking a good photo. Follow these simple tips to look FabYOUlous in your upcoming holiday photos.
10 Simple Tips for Looking FabYOUlous in Your Holiday Photos
1.) Take a hint from celebrities and look slimmer by trying the “red carpet” pose. Place one leg in front of the other and slightly bend your knee to make your hips appear less broad, turn 45 degrees off center and lean toward the camera. This pose will give you a sleeker silhouette.
2.) Just before the photo is snapped, focus your gaze a bit above the camera. This will help to prevent flash-induced blinking.
3.) To reduce the risk of red alien eyes, focus your eyes on a lamp or nearby light source for three seconds right before a photo is taken. Red-eye typically occurs when you’re in a dimly lit area because the irises in your eyes expand to let in more light causing the retinas to become illuminated as the flash hits them. However; when the pupils fix on something bright, the irises shrink, reducing the potential for the pesky redness.
4.) Don’t let the person taking the picture get below your body. Your eyes should be level with the camera lens. If you are taller than the person taking the photo, try to grab a seat. A photo shot from slightly above you is far more flattering than one shot from below you.
5.) Don’t say “cheese” unless you like looking cheesy. Instead, try joking around with the photographer so that they can capture a much more natural looking smile.
6.) Avoid standing directly under a light source as this can cast weird shadows on your face. Instead, stand facing a natural light source (like a window) or in a spot where soft light hits your face.
7.) Another “red carpet” trick is to put your tongue behind your teeth when you smile to avoid a goofy, too-wide grin.
8.) To avoid the dreaded double chin, elongate your neck and push your face forward a bit. Try sticking out your forehead and tipping your head slightly down. It’ll feel awkward but will look great.
9.) Make angles work for you. Facing a camera straight on is rarely flattering. Instead, give your features some depth by turning your head to a three quarter position.
10.) Avoid looking straight at the camera lens. Instead, try looking past the lens over the photographer’s shoulder. This will help you to look like you are engaged in the photo but will avoid any weird Zoolander intensity.
Following these tips will help to ensure that you’re at your photogenic best this holiday season, but don’t stress out too much about how you look. Holidays are for enjoying, sharing, laughing and celebrating. Don’t worry if someone snaps a photo of you that you aren’t crazy about (it happens to everyone–remember that super unflattering shot of Beyonce at the Super Bowl that went viral after she tried to have it deleted from the internet?) and don’t go into hiding every time someone whips out their camera. Enjoy the FabYOUlous memories that you are creating and do your best to capture some on film–you’ll be glad that you did.
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