Own the Lens: How to Look and Feel Your Best in Photos [Full Guide]
Who doesn’t dream of looking flawless in every photo taken of them? Or have you ever been bewildered by the fact that you look better in real life than in photos? Trust me, you’re not alone! It’s not just about the perfect filter or the most flattering angle—it’s about confidence, authenticity and a deeper understanding of photography. For those of you who want to own the lens, here’s your ultimate guide to looking and feeling your best in photos.
Embrace Yourself and Your Unique Features
First and foremost, you need to embrace yourself in all your glory. Remember, every person is unique and beautiful in their own way. Your quirks, your ‘flaws’, they all make you who you are – beautifully unique. Embrace your individuality. Avoid comparing yourself to others and instead focus on being the best version of you. Accepting your flaws and loving yourself despite them is the first step towards looking good in photos. Confidence is key, and when you’re secure in yourself, it shows.
Identifying and Accentuating Your Best Features
What do you love most about yourself? Your sparkling eyes, your captivating smile, your strong jawline? Identify your best features and learn how to accentuate them in photos. For example, if you have beautiful eyes, you might want to draw attention to them with eye makeup or specific poses.
Master Your Facial Expressions
With a little practice, you can master natural-looking smiles and a variety of expressions that can help you feel more confident in front of the camera.
Practicing Natural Smiles and Different Expressions
A forced smile can look unnatural and unflattering in photos. To achieve a natural smile, think of something that makes you genuinely happy or laugh. Practice different expressions in the mirror—surprise, thoughtfulness, joy, calm—and see which ones you like best. Remember, not every photo needs to have a big, cheesy grin. Sometimes, a subtle smile or a serious look can be just as captivating.
Tips for Relaxing Your Face and Avoiding Forced Smiles
If you’re feeling tense, it can show in your face and result in a forced smile or strained expression. Here are some tips to help you relax:
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths before the photo is taken.
Loosen up your face and jaw muscles by doing some facial exercises or yawning.
Don’t hold your breath—this can make you look stiff. Instead, try to breathe normally.
Think of something funny or happy to bring a natural smile to your face.
The Role of Your Eyes in Conveying Emotion and Tips for Where to Look in Photos
Your eyes can convey a lot of emotion in photos. They can show joy, surprise, thoughtfulness, and more. Here are some tips for where to look in photos:
Looking straight into the camera can create a strong, direct connection with the viewer.
Looking off-camera can create a sense of intrigue or make the photo feel more candid.
If you’re taking a close-up shot, try looking at something in the distance. This can prevent your eyes from crossing and create a more flattering look.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to photography. The key is to experiment, practice, and find what makes you feel the most confident and authentic.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, looking good in photos often comes down to practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel in front of the camera.
Experimenting with Different Poses and Angles
Find your good side. Everyone has one. Not every pose works for everyone. It’s essential to experiment with different poses and angles to find what works best for you. Stand in front of a mirror and try out different poses and angles. See what works best for you and practice those poses.
Using a Mirror or Taking Selfies for Practice
Using a mirror or taking selfies can be a great way to practice your poses. You can see in real-time how different angles and expressions look, allowing you to make adjustments as needed. The more you practice, the more you’ll develop an instinct for what looks good.
Importance of Repetition and Finding Your Go-To Poses
Once you’ve found poses that you love and that look great, practice them regularly. These go-to poses can be a lifesaver in front of the camera, especially when you’re feeling nervous or unsure.
Learn from Professional Models
There’s a lot we can learn from people who are photographed for a living. Here’s what models and celebrities do to look their best in photos:
Know Your Angles
Just like the professional models, you need to know your angles. Which profile do you like better – left or right? Do you look better when the camera is slightly above you, straight on, or a bit below? Knowing these details will help you strike the best pose every time.
Posture is Key
Notice how celebrities always stand tall and straight in photos? Good posture can make you look confident, slimmer, and more attractive. So, pull your shoulders back, stand up straight, and own the lens.
Learn from Professional Photographers
Study Professional Portfolios: Look through the portfolios of professional photographers to understand how they use light, angles, and composition. Notice how they direct their subjects to pose or express themselves.
Attend Workshops or Online Classes: Many professionals offer workshops or online classes where they share their knowledge and experience. This can be an invaluable source of learning.
Ask for Feedback: If you have the opportunity, ask a professional photographer for feedback on your photos. They can provide constructive criticism and practical tips to improve.
Understand the Basics of Photography: Learn about basic photography principles like the rule of thirds, depth of field, and the impact of different lighting conditions. This can help you collaborate more effectively with a professional photographer.
Follow Professional Photographers on Social Media: Many professionals share tips, behind-the-scenes content, and insights on their social media platforms. This can be a great way to learn from their expertise.
Extra Tips for Owning the Lens
Sometimes, the best photos aren’t posed at all. They’re the ones that capture you in the moment, radiating your genuine self.
Be in the Moment
Don’t focus too much on how you look. Instead, try to enjoy the moment and focus on having a good time. When you’re genuinely having fun, it shows in your photos, making them more attractive and engaging.
Let Your Personality Shine
Let your true self shine in your photos. If you’re a fun-loving person, let that show. If you’re more serious, that’s okay too. Authenticity is beautiful and makes for great photos.
Forget About the Camera
Sometimes, the best way to get amazing photos is to forget about the camera. Strike a pose or for candid shots, engage in your activity or conversation and let the moments unfold naturally.
Experiment with Different Styles
Don’t limit yourself to one style or theme. Experiment with different looks, settings, and themes. You might surprise yourself!
Trust Your Photographer
If you’re working with a professional photographer, trust them to capture your candid moments. They have the experience and skills to spot and capture these moments beautifully.
Master Your Hair & Makeup
Understand Your Hair Type: Different hair types require different care and styling techniques. Understand your hair type and find products that work best for it. For instance, if you have curly hair, you might want to use a hydrating curl cream for definition, while those with fine hair might prefer volumizing products.
Choose a Hairstyle that Suits Your Face Shape: Certain hairstyles can complement your face shape better than others. For instance, those with round faces might find longer, layered hairstyles flattering, while those with oval faces have more versatility with different haircuts.
Opt for Natural-Looking Makeup: Overly heavy makeup can look unnatural in photos. Opt for a more natural look that enhances your features without masking them. Focus on creating an even skin tone, defining your eyes, and adding a touch of color to your lips and cheeks.
Pay Attention to Your Eyes and Lips: Your eyes and lips are focal points in photos. Make sure your eye makeup is visible but not overwhelming. Use mascara to make your eyes look bigger and brighter. Similarly, a touch of color on your lips can make them look fuller and more attractive.
Use Makeup Suitable for Photography: Some makeup products contain ingredients that can create a white cast or shine in photos. Choose products designed for photography, such as HD foundation, matte powders, and non-SPF products.
Practice and Prepare: Practice your hair and makeup look before the day of the photoshoot. This allows you to tweak anything you’re not happy with and reduces stress on the day. Also, make sure to clean, moisturize, and prep your skin before applying makeup for a smoother application.
Less is More: In photos, less is often more. You want to look like yourself, not like you’re wearing a mask. Opt for natural-looking makeup that enhances your features rather than hiding them.
Dress for Success
Whether you’re planing a maternity photoshoot or a fashion portrait session, when it comes to exuding confidence in front of the camera, what you’re wearing plays can make you feel good about yourself and enhance your appearance in photos.
Choosing the Right Outfit for Your Body Type
Understanding your body type is the first step towards selecting the right outfit. Are you pear-shaped, apple-shaped, rectangular, or hourglass? Each body type has different clothing styles that suit it best. For example, if you have an hourglass shape, clothes that cinch at the waist will highlight your balanced figure. If you’re pear-shaped, you might opt for A-line dresses that emphasize your upper body and skim over your lower body. Knowing what flatters your specific body type can make a significant difference in how you look and feel in photos. See our guide on posing for maternity photos here.
Selecting Colors that Complement Your Skin Tone
The color of your outfit can affect how your skin, hair, and eyes look in photos. Some colors can make you look vibrant and glowing, while others might make you look washed out. Knowing your skin undertone (cool, warm, or neutral) can help you select colors that complement your skin tone. For example, if you have cool undertones, blues, purples, and rosy pinks will likely look great on you. If you have warm undertones, you might opt for earth tones, oranges, and golden yellows.
Importance of Comfort and Fit in Clothing
Lastly, it’s crucial to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. If you’re uncomfortable, it can show in your photos and affect your confidence. Well-fitted clothes can make you look polished and put-together. Too loose or too tight clothing can be unflattering and make you self-conscious. Always prioritize comfort and fit when choosing your outfit for a photo shoot.After all, the most beautiful thing you can wear in a photo is your self-confidence.
Understand Lighting
Lighting can make or break your photo. Knowing how to use it to your advantage can drastically improve how you look in photos.
Natural Light is Your Friend
Natural light is flattering and can make you look youthful and glowing. If your shoot is at an outdoor location in Los Angeles for example, try to take photos during the ‘golden hours’ – just after sunrise and just before sunset. The light during these times is soft and warm, perfect for photos.
Tip: Avoid overhead light because direct overhead light can cause harsh shadows, especially under the eyes. It’s often unflattering and can highlight imperfections. If you’re indoors, try to position yourself near a window for natural light.
Studio Lighting
Studio lighting is a crucial element for executing professional-grade photos. This controlled environment can emphasize textures, illuminate subjects, and create a specific mood or atmosphere.
The key light, your main and usually the brightest light, defines the most visible lighting and shadows, and its positioning can drastically change your subject’s appearance. A fill light helps control shadow intensity, offering more control over image contrast. A backlight is often used to separate the subject from the background, providing depth and creating a ‘halo’ effect.
To create softer, more even light that reduces harsh shadows, softboxes and umbrellas are essential tools. They offer a more directional control of light and broader light spread, respectively. For a dramatic or stylized look, color gels can be added to light sources, creating colorful lighting effects that can evoke specific moods or complement fashion elements.
Studio lighting can be a more complex type of photography lighting, but understanding these basics will enhance your ability to manipulate it, ultimately enhancing your photography. See benefits of a studio maternity photoshoot here.
Props and Backgrounds
Use Props Wisely
Props can add interest to your photos and help you interact naturally with your environment. Use props that are relevant to the photo’s setting or your personality. But remember not to let the prop overshadow you – you’re the star of the photo!
Choose Your Background Carefully
A cluttered background can distract from the photo’s main focus – you. Choose a background that complements you and the theme of the photo, whether it’s a solid color, a beautiful landscape, or a textured wall.
Working with a Professional Photographer
Working with a professional photographer that you are comfortable with can elevate your photography experience. Their expertise and artistic vision can help you capture your best self, your most cherished moments, and your significant milestones in the most beautiful and meaningful way.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Photographer
Quality Images: Professional photographers have the technical skills and equipment to produce high-quality images that stand the test of time.
Professional Guidance: They can guide you on posing, expressions, and choosing the right outfits, ensuring you look your best in the photos.
Artistic Vision: Professional photographers have an artistic vision that allows them to capture unique, creative, and aesthetically pleasing photos.
Reliability: When you hire a professional, you can rely on them to deliver consistent results. They know how to handle different lighting conditions, setups and locations.
Oxana Alex Photography
At Oxana Alex Photography, you’re not just getting a photo; you’re getting a piece of art that tells your story and celebrates your story, your essence and your journey.
Our fashion and maternity sessions are include designer wardrobe and accessories for your session free or charge and are designed to make you feel confident, beautiful, and empowered. We take the time to understand your vision and work with you to create stunning images that reflect your personality and style while guiding you through the process and capturing your natural beauty and genuine emotions.
Our studio is located at 2100 Sawtelle Blvd UNIT 307 Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA. You can see our photoshoot pricing here & our photography reviews here.
Conclusion
Photography is an empowering tool that goes beyond capturing moments—it’s a medium of self-expression, a catalyst for personal development, and a diary of our personal growth and milestones. Embrace yourself, practice your poses and expressions, understand lighting, master your makeup, dress for success, use props and backgrounds wisely, learn from the pros and experiment!
Working with a professional photographer can also further elevate your photography experience, allowing you to benefit from their expertise and artistic vision. Whether it’s a fashion session or a maternity shoot, at Oxana Alex Photography we believe in capturing your journey in the most beautiful way and in creating pieces of art that tell your story and celebrate your growth.
How do I schedule my session?
You can schedule your session by emailing [email protected] or by texting our studio at (310) 854-9695.
