Ugh, taking pictures can be the worst. Whether it's the sunlight, the wrong angle or just a filter that is not flattering, sometimes pictures turn out down right awful. We've got you covered though. These simple tricks will get you flawless pictures every single time.
Spot The Pattern
We all have favorite pictures of ourselves. When you look back at old pictures that you like are there certain patterns you can pick out? Do you stand a certain way? Does your hair lay a certain way? Pick out these patterns and try to recreate them whenever you take a picture.
Avoid Standing Under A Light
Standing under a light can not only cast weird shadows on your face, but it does nothing for your complexion. Instead, make sure you face a natural light, so the light from a window hits the front of your face.
Pop Your Knee Out
Nothing says flirting with the camera and creating cute, slimming pictures like popping your knee out. For a side angle, make sure to create an "s" shape with your body by popping your knee out and tilting your shoulders. [Photo via abadabing.com]
Know What To Do With Your Hands
Make sure the shape of your hand goes with the shape of your face. You don't want to have your palm facing the camera. [Photo via brightside.me]
Create The Perfect Angle With Your Shoulders
By turning to the side and dropping your shoulder a little bit you create the appearance of a longer neck and gives you an overall relaxed position. [Photo via photography.tutsplus.com]
Make Your Eyes Sparkle
To get your beautiful eyes to really sparkle, try looking at a lamp or Christmas lights. The light from those light sources will make your eyes twinkle.
Lean Your Body Away From The Camera
To get a leaner look, turn your body away from the camera about three quarters of the way. [Photo via brightside.me]
Never Get A Picture Taken From Below
Pictures taken from below are never flattering. Always make sure the camera is at eye level or above. If the person taking the picture is shorter than you, sit down to take the picture.
Drop The Cheese
Stop saying the ever popular "cheese." Instead think of a funny joke or joke around with your photographer to create an unforced smile. A natural smile is the best smile. [Photo credit: micadew via Flickr.com]
Strike The Right Pose
The perfect carefree pose comes from creating an "s" formation with your body. You'll look far more relaxed and comfortable. [Photo via canadaoncanvas.com]
The Brighter The Better (Lipstick, Of Course)
Bright lipsticks really make your lips and your whole face pop. Dark lipsticks sometimes look unflattering and can age the face.
The Tilt Of Your Head Says Everything
Your pictures will take on a whole new look once you start tilting your head away from the lens. By slightly titling your head, it makes you look like you're looking up at the camera and creates a better angle. [Photo via blog.ravenbergphotography.com]
The Perfect Smile In One, Two, Three
This one old school trick will get you the perfect smile every time. Put your tongue behind your teeth when you smile to make sure you aren't sporting one of those cheesy, too-wide grins.
Stand Your Ground On Backgrounds
By choosing a lighter background, or even a white wall, you'll brighten up your face. The light wall will also help the camera better focus on your skin tone so you don't turn out yellow.
Look Towards The Light
Right before you get a picture taken, look toward a light for a quick second. By looking towards a light, your pupils will shrink so you'll be less prone to annoying red eye.
Perfect The Red Carpet Pose
This pose is used by everyone and there's a reason for it. The red carpet pose makes you look thinner and shows off your best angles. Angle your body to the side, put your hand on your hip and turn your head towards the camera.
The Oldest, But Best, Trick For A Surprise Photo Op
We all hate surprise photos and somehow we can never seem to avoid them. For a quick prep, blot your face with a tissue and pinch your cheeks to make them rosy. Picture perfect in no time.