The phrase "let's take a picture" from school days and still drives me into a panic: I will again smile ridiculous, squint my eyes, and in the end I will seem fat to myself. I know that I am not alone, even Charlotte Gainsbourg does not like herself in photographs. If you, like me, are jealous of those who are able to make a beautiful story from the first take, master the tricks used by the stars.
1. Learn from yourself
Look at your old photos and try to find a sample. Do you like how you look from a certain angle? Or maybe there is some special smile? Try to play back your favorite shots again to see how you can improve the situation. If possible, try to have as many photos as possible. Even Kate Moss doesn't get the perfect photo at the first click. Let there be a hundred photos - you can find the one on which you look great, and use it in the future.
Practice smiling. We are told all the time that we need to look at ease. But if you do not prepare for this in advance, it is difficult to avoid stress. Turn on the camera and have fun! Use fanciful masks and app filters to help you relax and enjoy the process.
2. Eyes are the center of photography
Good mascara, false eyelashes are a great trick to visually expand your eyes. And since the eyes are the focal point of the entire image, they will draw people's attention to the picture. The wider the eyes are open, the better they shine, the better. If you're worried about red-eye, look at the light before the photo is taken, and you can also drip some Vizine or another remedy to combat eye fatigue. If you tend to blink when taking pictures, close your eyes before taking the picture, and then open them until the camera clicks.
3. Makeup should be different from your usual
Make sure your makeup is suitable for photography. If your foundation is lighter than your natural skin tone, it becomes visible in the flash light. Also, don't forget what color your neck and chest are: they are usually paler than the skin on your face. An important point that determines your appearance in the photo is your eyebrows. Not only do eyebrows convey your character and emotion, they often appear paler in photographs. If you know that there is shooting ahead, even consider using a pencil one shade darker. Do not bypass the blush: without highlighting the cheeks, your face will look two-dimensional. That being said, don't go overboard with shine: anything that shimmers slightly in life is likely to create a feeling of oily skin. Apply the highlighter only to the ends of your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose and add a little shine to your neck and chest. Avoid dark and matte lipsticks: they visually age your face in the photo, and also give the effect of dry lips.
4. Be mindful of your posture
Do not forget about the main pose of the red carpet: the hand on the hip, the body is slightly turned, the head is aimed at the camera. Yes, it's a cliché, but it helps to visually make the figure lighter. Remember to turn your elbow back!
Think about the corners. Full-face photos rarely flatter people. Try a slight three-quarter head turn. To avoid the double chin effect, stretch your neck and tilt your face slightly forward. It may sound awkward, but it will look great. Try the old trick. When smiling, put your tongue on the inside of your teeth to avoid a silly and overly wide smile. Do not try to tensely suck in your stomach. Instead, exhale and engage your shoulders, pushing your shoulder blades back. As soon as someone grabs the camera, take a deep breath, then open your shoulders and exhale deeply while smiling. Do not try to straighten your entire body: the natural posture involves bent elbows, wrists and ankles, not an army bearing with hands at the seams.
5. Keep track of the background
Avoid being directly under a light source that can cast strange shadows on you. Face a natural light source, such as a window or any lamp that provides soft light. Try to choose a white background or a light one with a warm shade to avoid feeling unhealthy paleness of your skin.
6. Take it all in hand
Taking pictures with someone? Take it by the shoulders or take it by the hand, but in no case try to hide behind your backs. If you are taking a group photo, remember that the two people on the edge always look a little larger and blurry focus on them. An easy way to relieve tension is to pick up a small object, a flower pot, a piece of jewelry, anything that will help relax your posture and also add some character to your look. In this case, the subject should not be very large, so as not to distract attention from your face.
