How to be Photogenic and Relaxed

Be photogenic, and radiate joy!

Be photogenic and relax! Do you have photos of yourself, your family and friends that are less than stellar? Don't you wish you had more shots that truly reflect the good times and great fun? You can be photogenic and relaxed in photos by following some of the following advice.

Things You'll Need

• digital camera(s)
• friends and family

Instructions

1. I know an attractive woman who has never photographed well. Why? She claims she "always feels like a goon" when she poses for the camera. Unfortunately, her self-conscious grimace does make her look bad. Solution? Stop posing. Get candid photos of your friends and family. Most people look best when they're doing something, and when they have forgotten about the camera. My friend looks gorgeous and not all like a goon in many candids.

2. Pay attention to clothing even when you are not posing for professional portraits. On a day when you know many pictures will be taken, wear long sleeved clothing, so bare arms don't distract from the face. Choose simple, classic, solid colored clothing. V-necks, turtle necks, or collared shirts look great. If you are heavier than you'd like, wear darker colors. If you are a woman, wear some makeup, as photos can make us look washed out. Also, wear a black bra under a sweater, because if you wear a light colored one, a flash can result in your bra showing in the picture.

3. Take lots and lots and lots of pictures. Chances are, if you take tons of images, you will end up with at least some that are superb. Don't be "the phantom photographer" who was there, but was so busy taking the pictures of others that you appear in none. Hand off the camera and ask others to take some shots, so you are in the pictures too. Most digital cameras are fool proof. Remember, kids love to use cameras.

4. Edit your pictures. Before choosing which to delete, use an artist's eye, find portions of the photo that look good, and try cropping the picture to make the most of those parts.

5. Be gracious about having your photo taken. Those who refuse to have their picture taken are missing the fact that your pictures are not just for you. Your images are treasured by your loved ones. You don't want to deprive them of memories, right?

6. It's probably inevitable that you will be asked to take some posed shots. If you are the photographer, forget about asking everyone to say "cheese". This results in a wide, weird, tooth clenched grin. Instead, ask them to gently say "Yes." The resulting smile is much nicer.

7. If you are the one posing, look slightly above the camera, and think appreciative thoughts of the photographer, count your blessings, etc. If you are thinking joyful thoughts, that is what will radiate from your image.

8. To be ready for posed shots yourself, try looking in the mirror and practicing. Some people swear that you can find and memorize a certain good angle or "look" to try when posing.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure that your digital camera's batteries are charged completely ahead of time.

• Have a back up card for your camera, in case something happens to one, or it gets full and you want to continue taking pictures without interruption.

Resources

• More Articles by This Author
• This Author's Profile
• How to Take Flower Photos with a Digital Camera