It’s like a bad joke.  You’ve covered all of the beauty bases and your clothes are perfect yet somehow photographic evidence shows you looking like a train wreck. Eventually you may find yourself wondering, “Is it possible that I’m not as attractive as I think I am?” Well, the answer is no. It’s not possible because you are very good-looking. Some of us could just use a few pointers on how to be sure the camera sees thing our way.

My good friend, gifted photographer and raving beauty Audrey Normand Polito has a few pointers that will help you to look more comfortable in front of the camera.  Here are a few things you can do to be sure that you end up with the photos that you’re looking for!  Thanks, Audrey!

Channel your inner Pinnochio.  Pretend that you have an imaginary string attached to the top of your head and straighten yourself out!  Bringing your head up and lengthening your spine will not only improve the results of your photos, but your posture as well!  Keep it relaxed, but stand up straight!

Lift that chin!  This is one that can be easily overdone, but if you lift your chin slightly it will prevent the dreaded double-chin.  Practice in the mirror if you aren’t sure that you have it right.  Everyone has a good side, take the time to find yours!

Never face a camera straight on.  Turning your body just slightly away from the camera and shifting your weight onto the foot farthest from the camera will instantly take pounds off.  You never want to have both shoulders square to the camera.  Never.

There is nothing in the world better than a photo of a person who is genuinely smiling. If you’re not comfortable in front of the camera, think of something that makes you happiest, maybe a memory from your childhood, something your little one did that morning to make you laugh, or the love of your life…it WILL make you smile, and it will be a genuine smile.  There’s the old trick of imagining your audience naked, but I find that we all have something to be thankful for and happy about.  Channel that happiness and you have the most important element to taking a great photo.  Just SMILE!

Shannon C, Lashing Out