How to Look Good in Front of the Camera

It happens all the time, you are together with your friends and someone pulls out a camera- nothing super fancy but something to capture the moment of hanging out. They take the picture and of course you have to check the results. Ugh- you look uncomfortable and the shot is unflattering. Redo!
I usually feel the same unless I remember a few simple tricks...

• Hold your arms slightly away from your body instead of pressed against your sides- this makes them slimmer and gives them definition.
• Try and be photographed from above, not below if at all possible. If you are all seated at a table, have the picture taker stand up and back up a few feet.
• Take the “celebrity red carpet” pose. There is a reason every starlet poses with one foot slightly in front of the other with their hips angled away from the camera and torso slightly turned towards the camera. It makes everyone look great!
• Lean your torso ever so slightly toward the camera to give your waist a slimming effect. This should be slight- not a 90 degree angle. :-)
• Think happy thoughts and try to make yourself laugh to get a more natural, unforced smile. Even better, try to get those around you laughing too.
• Grandma was right- no slouching! Shoulders back.
• Check yourself if you have a chance- glance in the mirror to make sure you aren’t pulling an Alfalfa a la Little Rascals.
• If you are wearing glasses that reflect light, take them off. This will prevent glass glare. If you aren't you without your glasses, learn the right angle to tip your head to avoid the glare.