Keep Your Head Up, Angle Your Body, and More Tips to Always Look Good in Photos

By Jennifer Merritt
Updated Dec 31, 2013 @ 10:45 am
Time Inc. Digital Studio

Earlier this year, it was revealed that on average, Facebook users upload over 350 million photos to the siteeveryday. (A whooping figure, for sure, but not surprising when you also consider how "selfie" was crowned 2013's word of the year.)

As New Year's Eve approaches, that figure is bound to increase -- how can you make sure you don't need to go on a de-tagging rampage Jan. 1? Check out our guide to never taking a bad picture again, complete with tips from pro photog Patrick McMullan, makeup artists, and a few tried-and-true tricks from celebrities (who get schooled in this kind of stuff before ever stepping foot on a red carpet).

Ready to have your most photogenic year yet? [action_no_link text="Click through the gallery to get the tips."]

[wrn_button url="https://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20514475_20511668_20990953,00.html" text="Get the Tips" title="Get the Tips"]

MORE:Get Even More Tips on How to Look Good in PhotosEverything You Need to Know to Take the Best Selfies Relive the Best Looks and Trends of 2013

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Never Take a Bad Picture Again

Randall Michelson/WireImage, Alexandra Wyman/Getty Images

Twist your hips, toss your hair, flash a sexy smile, and don't forget the concealer. Yes, that's fabulous! Here, 11 tips to help you shine like a star when the flash bulbs go off.

Master a Signature Smile
A wide grin radiates warmth-but if it's not your sexiest look, take a lesson from Kate Bosworth and go for something smaller and more mysterious. Once you've found your most alluring option, practice getting it just right. Take a deep breath and smile as you exhale, keeping your jaw open and unclenched so your face is relaxed.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Do the Sexy Scrunch

Jason Merritt/Getty Images, Time Inc Digital Studio

"The camera tends to shrink hair in photos," says photographer Patrick McMullan. To compensate, make like Zoe Saldana and dig your fingers into your crown to scrunch hair right before the shot. This little move-a classic model trick-makes hair look thicker and less static (goodbye, helmet head).

3 of 11

Keep Your Head Up

Time Inc. Digital Studio

This will help avoid the dreaded double-chin effect. And make sure the camera lens is at eye level or above. If someone shoots you from below, you'll look so bloated, everyone will think you just chugged soy sauce.

Advertisement

4 of 11

Snap Out of It!

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

When confronted with deer-in-the-headlights subjects, photographers often ask people to do something silly ("Jump around! Whip your hair!") to loosen them up. If you don’t feel comfortable channeling Willow Smith, look away for a moment. Think of something funny, then come back smiling just before the picture is taken.

5 of 11

Embrace Cloud Cover

RSBPhoto / Alamy

The diffused light of an overcast day is actually ideal for photography. Stuck with blue skies? Fake softer light by using the camera's flash setting in sunlight-it brightens and evens out skin tone.

6 of 11

Angle Your Body

Kevin Mazur/WireImage, John Shearer/WireImage.com, Venturelli/Getty Images, Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup

Facing the camera straight on is rarely flattering. Celebrities like Blake Lively, Jennifer Hudson, Bar Refaeli and Eva Longoria often stand at a more slimming three-quarter angle, extending one leg out in front, pivoting, and planting the corresponding hand on the hip. (So, left leg out, left hand on hip; right leg out, right hand on hip.) The result is a long, diagonal line.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Waterproof Your Lashes

Time Inc. Digital Studio
  • Regular varieties often smudge under eyes. Say goodbye to black under eye smears with a formula that stands up to the water and weather.
  • Rimmel London Sexy Curves Waterproof Mascara, $8; ulta.com.

8 of 11

Blot On

Time Inc. Digital Studio
  • A shiny T-zone doesn't do anybody any favors.
  • MAC Cosmetics Blot Film, $14/30 sheets; maccosmetics.com.

9 of 11

Have a Rosy Outlook

Time Inc. Digital Studio
  • Makeup artists swear that a pop of pink on the cheeks makes everyone look better.
  • Sonia Kashuk Creme Blush, $10; target.com.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Clean and Correct

Time Inc. Digital Studio
  • Apply under eyes and on the outer corners of the nose and lips for a fresh, clean looking complexion.
  • Giorgio Armani High Precision Retouch Concealer, $36; nordstrom.com.

11 of 11

Brighten Your Smile

Time Inc. Digital Studio
  • Infused with blue undertones, this balm produces the illusion of fuller lips and whiter teeth.
  • Benefit Cosmetics California Kissin' Lip Gloss, $20; ulta.com.
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Jennifer Merritt