This is the time of year when it takes only one word to send shudders through an entire get-together -- especially for those who are camera shy. That word is: "Smile." Smile for the camera at graduation ceremonies. Smile for the camera at weddings. Smile for the camera at picnics.
We fear the word because, too often, we look at snapshots of ourselves taken during these events and wish we'd brought shovels to dig holes just deep enough to jump into. Is that really me (left), family schnauzer (right)? Or is it the other way around?
Looking bad in photos can make anyone camera-shy. Luckily, some easy tips can help you look like a polished model in your next snapshot.
We've quizzed style experts and our own Journal Sentinel photographers about ways to look like a star in your next photo. So let's try that again, with confidence this time:
"Smile."
Before you say "cheese":
- Stand up straight. Good posture can take up to five pounds off your appearance, photo experts say. Turn slightly to the side for a polished look in front of the camera.
- Relax and be yourself. If you expect cameras to be clicking at an event, "Stick with hair, makeup and clothing you feel comfortable in, and you'll be much more confident," says Rachel Andrews, a stylist with VICI Capilli Salons in Milwaukee. You also can loosen up by laughing with the other people in the photo and chatting with the photographer.
- "Beware poses that wrinkle clothing and cause neckties to bunch up," says Journal Sentinel photographer Michael Sears.
- Remember your hands. "Poses that bring the fingers nicely together in a more closed position are most flattering on close-ups," Sears says.
- Watch where you're standing. Be aware that what's lurking behind you might ruin your photo. Says Sears: "You don't want tree branches or sign poles seemingly growing out of your head."
- "Right before a snapshot, pinch your cheeks a little bit, to give yourself that naturally blushed look," says Daniela Iannelo of Milwaukee's VICI Capilli Salons.
- Use a cream blush rather than a powder. "Cream blush always looks believably natural in photos," says Sarah Brucker of Blush Beauty makeup salon.
- Use a good concealer under your eyes and around your nose to hide redness and bring out shadows, Brucker says. Set with a dusting of either loose or pressed powder to control shine.
- Make your eyes bigger for the camera. Says Brucker, "Curling the lashes with an eyelash curler helps to open up the eyes for photos." Use the curler before applying mascara.
- Don't be in a rush to have the snapshot taken. "Wait for the right moment," suggests Gary Porter, Journal Sentinel photographer.
- Bright sunlight can reveal a bit too much. Try to take snapshots in shade or when clouds cover the sun. "The light will be more even and can soften facial features," Porter says.
- Headbands, feathers or flowers can be your accessory friends or your photo foes. "Something that overpowers or clashes could ultimately be an eyesore in your photos," says Melanie Poblocki, artist at VICI Capilli.
- Men, leave the hair gel out of the camera's eye, says Yomi Miroslav Kabic, a VICI Capilli stylist. "Go natural. A great cut will allow your hair to fall perfectly in place."
- Ladies should always have three things in their bag to look great in summer snapshots," says Karina Werner, master stylist at VICI Capilli. "Bobby pins make sure those side-swept bangs don't cover your eyes. . . . Lip gloss keeps your lips looking pretty and natural. Hand lotion has a dual purpose of keeping your skin glowing and taming those flyaways."
- "Learn by your mistakes," Sears says. "When your photos don't work out, ask yourself why."
Sources: Stylelist.com, Shine.yahoo.com
