by Johanna Draper

Created on: January 22, 2010

Being prepared to have your photo taken is important. Photos have the tendency to over emphasize flaws and blemishes that would normally go unnoticed. Other things, such as slouching and not smiling, make you look tired or angry.

Over time, and after having my portrait taken many times, I have learned a few things about making yourself look great!

If you are planning on having a professional portrait done, then you have plenty of time to prepare! If not, you might still use the following tips just to be prepared if you are going out, you never know when your picture might be snapped.

Tip 1: If you are a woman, then makeup is essential! I find that mineral works best, and provides an excellent flawless look to a final portrait.
Start out by covering blemishes, and then lightly brush some veil on before applying foundation. When you are done applying all your makeup, finish with a colored finishing veil or glow, instead of a translucent veil. The layers of mineral makeup make you look flawless in photos!

You might want to make your eyeliner a little thicker than you normally would as well. Eyeliner has the tendency to disappear in photos.

Check out these photos. The model is wearing mineral makeup, and notice the clothing compliments as well.

Tip 2: Dress well! Don't wear shabby old beat up clothes. Throw a lace scarf on to dress it up, put on some elegant earrings...the ones you are always getting compliments for, wear colors that compliments you, etc. Play around a bit and find a way to looks stylish!

Tip 3: Your posture is important! Hold your back straight, with your shoulders thrown back slightly, but don't be stiff about it. Stay loose! And never slouch!

Tip 4: If the picture is candid, and someone asks you to look at the camera, don't turn and face the camera head on. Instead,  turn your body so that is ever so slightly turned away from the camera, and turn your head more toward the camera, but is still at a slight angle. Look right into the lens with your eyes.
Try not to be stiff and uncomfortable looking. Stay loose, and avoid having both hands dropped to your side.
In studio portraits, you will not have to worry about this, as someone will help you pose.

Tip 5: Try to smile with your eyes as well as your mouth. This will make the smile look more genuine.

Tip 6: Make sure your eyes stay open, and make a conscious effort not to blink.

Tip 7: Do something nice with your hair. It doesn't have to be really fancy or complicated, but having your hair orderly and decently brushed will really improve your look in a photo.

And last but not least, have fun! Don't let your appearance worry you so much that all the work you go to to look good is in vein because your stress shows in the pictures.

Just be yourself!

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