How to Look Your Best in Photos

Looking your best in photos has been something that's important to many for a long time. However, with the advent of social media, looking good in photos may have become even more important than it was in the past. Now more than ever it is possible to share pictures quickly with a wide range of people.

While this can be great for sharing memories with friends and family, it may not be so great if you don't like the way you look in that group photo that was snapped at your last family get-together. That being said, getting your picture taken doesn't have to be a source of stress. Here are a few tips to help improve your poses for photos.

Along with the increase in the ability to share photos, social media may have increased the likelihood of something else as well, which is Tech Neck. Because many are spending increasing amounts of time staring down at their phone, tablet, or computer, more and more people seem to be experiencing a bent over neck posture as well.

Ultimately, this may lead to a forward head posture that might not look the best in a photo. Taking some time to asses your neck posture and ensure that it is in line with the rest of your body instead of jutting forward may help you look more put together in photos.

Along with checking your posture, taking some time to consider your angles may be beneficial as well. In many situations, models don't always stare at the camera directly, because it tends to produce an unflattering picture.

Turning your face slightly to the side to create a three-fourths angle tends to be a better angle for most people and may have a slimming effect on your face overall. Additionally, tilting your chin slightly up and sticking your tongue to the roof of your mouth can be small tricks that may have a big impact on making your face look more defined.

If your full body is going to be in the shot, taking some time to consider how you will pose may result in a more interesting and flattering photo. Often, the first thing you should think about is your posture. Sitting and standing straight can not only help you look more poised, but may make you appear slimmer as well.

Another simple trick that can often be seen on red carpets is planting one of your hands on your hip. This can help add interest to your pose, and also have a slimming effect on your arm, as well.

While the idea of acting natural may seem a bit contradictory, it can be important to do if you're trying to look your best in your photos. While getting their picture taken might make some nervous, letting those nerves show in your body language might not result in the best picture. Before someone snaps your photo, take a moment to see if you're tensing up.

Being tense can make your smile look tight, stiff and unnatural. Additionally, it could also lead to you clenching your fists or holding your body in a way that looks rigid and uncomfortable. Taking a moment to relax and make sure that you feel at ease before getting your picture taken could make a noticeable difference.

With the increasing use of social media, sharing photos with friends and family may be easier than ever. While this may be great for connecting with others and sharing memories, it can be stressful as well if you're self conscious about how you look in photos.

However, if you don't always like the way your pictures turn out, it doesn't necessarily have to be something that you just deal with. By taking a little time to check your posture and find a flattering angle, you may be able to improve your photos dramatically, as well as your joy in sharing those memories with others.