If you've ever watched even a single episode of "America's Next Top Model, � you know that it takes a helluva lot more than saying "cheese" to look good in a photograph.
Those wannabes spend countless hours testing and trying the expert tips they're taught to figure out their best angles, learning how to "find the light " and mastering the "smize" -- Tyra-speak for smiling with your eyes -- before even having professional hairstyles and makeup done to be shot by a top photographer. The kicker? More times than not, the judges aren't even impressed by their photos.
HUH? So how are we regular folk ever supposed to look good in wedding pictures or camera phone snapshots if even those glamazons, with all of the expert tips they're given, can't manage to?
Well, in order to even the playing field a little, we've corralled a stable of experts whose job it is to help make Hollywood types look good on film, to chime in and share some expert tips and insider info that will help us all feel less doomed the next time a camera's pointed in our direction.
Keep in mind that, above all, the key is not to panic. As noted fashion, beauty and celeb photographer Andrew Stiles says, looking good in pictures "doesn't only involve angles and lighting. Perhaps it is a thought that the subject is holding in their mind. Something that is revealed through the eyes that is more important than any other factor."
So we don't have to be uber photogenic to get a great shot? We can just employ a few expert tips? Phew �
First up? Celeb stylist Beau Quillian's expert tips on how to pose.
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The scoop on posture
"Stand up straight," implores celebrity stylist Beau Quillian who has styled the likes of Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and Jessicas Biel, Alba and Simpson. He says that when it comes to posing, posture reigns supreme.
"Good posture can take off five pounds," he advises, adding that it's equally important not to stand with your hands at your sides. �Put your hands on your hips, clasp them behind you, put your thumbs in your back pockets -- whatever it is that you need to do to keep them from just hanging there making your body look shapeless."
Next: Smile help
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The smile test
To look great in every photo you need to figure out the smile you're most comfortable with. "Practice in the mirror," counsels Quillian. "See if you like a semi-smile better than a big toothy one. Or, maybe you look good smiling with no teeth. A lot of people think they have to go with a default giant grin, but that may not be your best smile."
Next: How to avoid the frozen stare
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The key to avoiding a frozen stare
Clearly there's a difference between being snapped at a bar between shots of Jaeger Meister and posing for dozens of portraits at your sister's wedding.
"If you 're going someplace and you 're going to be photographed a lot don't hold the smile for multiple photos -- let it go and then start again with a fresh smile," cautions Quillian. If you don't, "by the second or third snap you'll end up with a frozen look."
Quillian also thinks that people shouldn't be shy about rearranging a shot. "If someone asks you to pose with a group and you prefer to be on the left side, go ahead and ask people to scooch -- whatever makes you comfortable -- remember, a photo lasts forever."
Next: Tips on choosing a winning Facebook profile pic
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The DL on Facebook profile pics
Forever shouldn't be how long you keep the same Facebook profile picture. Quillian says "I love it when my friends change their picture -- it's more interesting -- I admire people who are constantly refreshing their image."
What makes for a great Facebook shot? "I think that it's really about choosing what represents YOU," Quillian contends. �There are people who get creative and use pictures of their kid or their dog or pull back from the familiar and use a destination. Bottom line, whatever best represents you and what you're feeling is what's appropriate."
Next: A top make-up artist shares what works (and doesn't) on film
If you've ever watched even a single episode of "America's Next Top Model, � you know that it takes a helluva lot more than saying "cheese" to look good in a photograph.
Those wannabes spend countless hours testing and trying the expert tips they're taught to figure out their best angles, learning how to "find the light " and mastering the "smize" -- Tyra-speak for smiling with your eyes -- before even having professional hairstyles and makeup done to be shot by a top photographer. The kicker? More times than not, the judges aren't even impressed by their photos.
HUH? So how are we regular folk ever supposed to look good in wedding pictures or camera phone snapshots if even those glamazons, with all of the expert tips they're given, can't manage to?
Well, in order to even the playing field a little, we've corralled a stable of experts whose job it is to help make Hollywood types look good on film, to chime in and share some expert tips and insider info that will help us all feel less doomed the next time a camera's pointed in our direction.
Keep in mind that, above all, the key is not to panic. As noted fashion, beauty and celeb photographer Andrew Stiles says, looking good in pictures "doesn't only involve angles and lighting. Perhaps it is a thought that the subject is holding in their mind. Something that is revealed through the eyes that is more important than any other factor."
So we don't have to be uber photogenic to get a great shot? We can just employ a few expert tips? Phew �
First up? Celeb stylist Beau Quillian's expert tips on how to pose.
