How to Be Sort of Photogenic

I remember one of Art's honest and much loved cousins saying to me almost every time she saw me that I was photogenic.  Ummm... I didn't like it much.  I figured it meant that I looked so much better in photos than I did in person.  Well.. I'll be honest.  It's true.  That's because I only send or post photos where I don't look too awful.

However, there are tricks I've learned along the way that helps me take better photos.  Maybe I made a conscious effort because as a teacher I had to have my photo taken every year for the class/school photo booklets.  Many teachers would compare photos and complain about how they looked.  And it's true that many an attractive teacher didn't look so hot in their photo. 

Perhaps everybody is different but I found that for myself:

• a three quarter face is usually better if I can manage it.  

• As I got older I found that raising my eyebrows just a teeny tiny bit would give me an automatic face lift.  

• An upright but natural posture helps a ton and keeps that front part (I don't mean my chest, I mean the tummy) of me from sticking out.

• And smile!  But not too much so that your eyes squint up.  Try to look natural if possible.  Practice in front of a mirror.  It might seem silly or vain, but then you won't have to complain so much later. 

My son, Jon has said that Grandma always seems to be able to give you a sweet smile if you ask her.  

I have a certain unnamed relative who refuses to smile and always looks grumpy in her photos.  It's the first thing people notice and they think she's a grumpy person even though we all know she's the happiest, nicest, sweetest person around.  And yet... on those rare photos that she does smile, you can see how beautiful she is.

• Our friend, Dave is a wedding photographer and he's told me to stay away from sleeveless outfits for photos. It's true.  You can see from this photo why.  It makes your arm look fat.

•  If you have a weight problem, keeping an arm or something across the middle will keep it from being obvious.

• I always tell Art to stand back and not zoom in so much.   

• When you're standing, try to keep one foot in front of the other, especially if you're bare legged.  I don't know about guys. 

• If you know you're going to have your photo taken, make-up helps some people.  Lucky you who don't need it.  My daughter is one who manages to look lovely without make-up.  But then I'm biased.

Well... that's all I can think of for now.   And if all else fails, there's always Photoshop.