How to Take a Nice Picture
If the mere thought of having your picture taken startles you, it's imperative that you learn to relax. Whether a photo opportunity is planned or spontaneous, taking a nice picture is all about knowing how to calm down and present yourself in the best light possible. This may be difficult if you’ve taken “bad” photographs in the past or you simply don’t think of yourself as photogenic, but it can be done. If you feel comfortable--inside and out--your confidence and personality will be clear to anyone who looks at the photograph. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Dress to impress if you've got a chance to do so. Wear vivid clothing that doesn’t feature busy patterns or restrict movement. Take your skin tone and the photo background into account to avoid appearing “washed out” in your picture. Coordinate your outfit with everyone else, if it's a group photo.
-
2
Check and quickly fix up your appearance for a spontaneous photo opportunity. Just ask for a couple minutes for a little grooming-you may be surprised the difference this can make. Fix your hair, make sure your collar is straight, check that there's nothing in your teeth if you've just eaten. Ask a friend or co-worker how you look. This should calm your nerves and prevent you from looking nervous about how you're going to look in the photo.
-
-
3
Free your mind before the shot is taken. Relax and be yourself. Fear of taking a bad picture can guarantee that you take a bad one. Pay attention to whoever is taking the picture to avoid being caught off guard. Block out distractions from bystanders and listen to suggestions for poses.
-
4
Strike an interesting pose for the camera. Standing up straight and offering your best smile is good, but standing out, even just a little, can be better. Try out a variety of poses if you know photos will be taken--or suspect they may be--until you get the one that “feels” right. See how it looks in the mirror--this won't show you exactly how it will appear in a picture, but it'll give you some idea of which poses work and which don't. Coordinate your pose with others when taking a group photo. Have multiple photos snapped, posing differently in each one, to increase your chances of finding one you're happy with.
-
1
