Photo Tips For Those Who Hate Photos
“I hate photos! I never look good in photos.”
Everyone has a Chandler Bing in their family - the person who looks perfectly normal day-to-day who then freezes up and makes a weird face the second that they see a lens. There’s usually also a relative (or several) who’s incredibly body conscious, and thinks that every picture makes them look awful.
Historically these were usually the relatives taking scissors to a photo album, or trying to tamper with rolls of film. Now they’re the ones who are adamant that you delete their picture from a digital camera or a smartphone because they feel that no matter what you’ve done it will be unflattering.
Maybe you’re close with that relative, maybe you ARE that relative, but the truth is that photography doesn’t have to be unflattering! No matter what your body type, facial structure, fashion sense etc…there are tricks to taking favourable photos that can make anyone look their best.
First, think about what you’re trying to get across. Are you looking for something natural and relaxed, or serious and formal? There are great tricks to achieving both, but you don’t want something super casual for a professional headshot, and you don’t want something super formal for a casual family gathering.
Then start busting a move. If you don’t love photography, it’s probably because it makes you feel very uptight and on edge. The moment that you even know there’s a camera present, your body’s natural inclination is to stiffen up and tense every muscle. Bringing fun music to a photoshoot can help you relax, and loosening up will often make for a better photo.
Walk towards the camera. This one almost seems cliche when you see it in photographs, but there’s a reason why it’s so popular for modeling photos. When you walk towards someone while staring at them, you’re automatically projecting an air of confidence and authority. You’re not crouched meekly hiding - you’re loud and proud, and that energy comes through in the shot.
Laugh a little. Laughter is one of the most attractive things in any photograph because genuine laughter is so disarming. The challenge is the genuine part - it needs to be authentic or else it just feels forced. Yet actually laughing can sometimes make us laugh harder at ourselves, or at each other, and it definitely lightens the mood during a shoot.
Play with various poses. If you have a few minutes, try playing with a few different angles. Hands on your hips is popular, as is having your arms crossed, but there are no set rules. Unless you’re posing for a passport or a drivers license photo, the world really is your oyster. Try a few different positions that you can play around and have fun with!
Bring out the props. You don’t need to go from zero to Carrot Top, but there may be some props for a photo shoot that will help bring out your message, especially if you’re doing a branding shoot for your business. Are there items that you use regularly in your work that you’d like to feature? Is there something like a coffee or another beverage that you’re rarely seen without? If it screams you, try bringing it along!
Stand up straight. Our parents are always yelling at us for having such terrible posture, but the camera just proves them right. We may not notice ourselves slouching, but it brings our shoulders forward, and makes us sink into a shapeless lump in photos. Straightening your back and putting those shoulders back as much as you can makes a big difference.
Relax your face. When you let the camera stress you out, your face tends to tense up without you even noticing it. The forehead tightens, the neck gets stiff - it’s those small details that are picked up by a camera. Instead try and relax your face and take a few deep breaths while you’re at it. Remember that looking relaxed = looking relaxed on camera.
Lighting is your friend! Lighting can be the best or worst thing to happen to your picture. Too little and you can look like Dracula; too much and you turn into Casper. When used properly though, lighting makes the best parts of you shine. Play with lighting while you’re shooting, look at the sources of light and where the shadows are, and try to pose where the lighting shows off the best of you.
The best part about hiring a professional photographer is that we know all of this already, and can help you look your best all while making it look easy! We shoot photos and videos for our clients every day, in all kinds of lighting and all kinds of backgrounds. We see what you can’t, and we can help minimize the worst while bringing out your best.
StIll feeling afraid? We can help with that, too. All you have to do is connect with us, and let us take care of the rest.
