How to make myself look better in a photo?

[Capturing.Life.in.Photos]

You're definitely not the only photographer that hates having your own picture taken, I hate having mine taken. I've always thought it was kind of funny that I love to take pictures of other people, but hate to have them taken of me. I guess it's kind of like directors not wanting to act or songwriters not wanting to sing.
Good luck with your practicing!

[sartracker]

Thanks! I'm sure we're not alone. This would be a good poll!

I'll be in front of the mirror today trying to find my best side although when the photographer starts shooting and telling us which way to stand it won't matter. But at least I can work on standing tall, chin a little forward and hopefully the sagging won't be so noticeable!

Thanks for writing!

[Gearscout]

There are a few standard methods to look better in Photographs.

1. Make sure the camera is being held at eye level or higher. Lower camera angles add pounds, distortion and exaggerate age. One of the posters here complained of double chins etc. -- try looking up at the camera turning your head over one shoulder. The camera is actually going to be behind you, above you and to one side.

2. Lighting - noontime shots outdoors will likely give subjects a dose of "raccoon eyes." Use fill-flash! Better yet, an inexpensive reflector will improve any daylight shot and can be made from something as simple as a large sheet of white cardboard. Holding up a white reflector isn't enough. You need to position your subject so the card can reflect sunlight onto the face and torso.

"Golden Light" available at sunrise and sunset almost always casts your subject in a pleasing light. Use fill flash and a lens that allows the camera to be positioned 8-12 feet away from the subject. Getting too close in this scenario will have the flash overpowering the lighting effect you want.

3. Clothing/Attire - Busy patterns detract from a portrait. Simple, solid colors in muted tones often work best. A common admonition is to avoid wearing white, but it can add a crispness if the camera and lenses are up to handling higher contrasts gracefully. Underexpose 2/3rds of a stop or more to avoid hot spots and bring the exposure up in post processing.

4. Help yourself out. Use a foundation makeup or concealer to lighten under the eyes, cover age spots or facial hair. Use powder to flatten your complexion, making it less reflective. Put a few drops of Clear Eyes to remove any redness. Even if you don't use makeup, you can bring along a towel or face cloth to remove oil and perspiration.

Don't overdo the makeup. Less is sometimes more pleasing when trying to get a better portrait.

5. Animate! A subject who is comfortable with themselves will always come out looking better than someone who appears anxious. With gestures, holding props like flowers, musical instruments, etc. you can help the "real you" come through.

[sartracker]

Those are great methods Gearscout! Thanks!

As it turned out, the main photographer was awesome. Although he had over 300 people to photograph, he took time to pose us, addressed my concerns (he uses a Portrait program in post), was very good at making us comfortable and really smile, not fake it. I only saw one photo on the back of his camera but it looked pretty good and he took several shots not just 2-3.
So, thank you all for helping to alleviate my concerns. Can't wait to get the finished product and see how they turn out. Hoping I can post one here if that's allowed. Thanks again! Kitty

[Photologyst]

We'd love to see the photos, Kitty.

If you can get the original RAWs that would be excellent as well. That way you/we can practice PS corrections.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

We'd love to see the photos, Kitty.

If you can get the original RAWs that would be excellent as well. That way you/we can practice PS corrections.

Perhaps she can ask the photographer to join DPS and post the photos here.

I doubt the photographer will release the RAW files for you and she to edit, though.