How to Take a Good Picture

For everyone that dreads having their picture taken, this article is for you!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Practice your smile in the mirror before “picture day.” Once you find a smile the suits you, practice it without the mirror and be sure that you can remember the feeling.
2. Make sure that your face is not greasy or sweaty. If it is, blot it before the picture. The glare from the flash can make a face look shinier than it really is.
3. Stand straight, don’t slouch. Posture is very important in pictures.
4. Stand on a 45 degree angle with the camera. A picture taken straight on often makes people appear wider than they really are. Note: If you part your hair to one side, stand with the parted side closer to the camera. This shows more of your face and makes the hair (if long enough) fall nicely on the shoulders.
5. Keep your neck long and your chin parallel to the ground in order to prevent the “double-chin” look. Be careful not to tilt your head up because you will lose your features in the picture and your face will appear flat.
6. Arm placement is critical. If you let the arm hang by your side, it makes the bicep area look large. Keep some space between your arm and your body. I suggest putting your hand on your hip.