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6 Tips to Taking the Perfect Picture

What do Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé and J. Lo have that you don’t? Aside from the obvious millions of dollars, off-the-runway wardrobes and superstar status, they also have the ability to take a pretty darn attractive photo.

Sure, you can chalk part of that up to natural genetically-blessed good looks. But, what else makes these celebs red carpet-ready?

Knowing how to work the camera!

If you’d rather flood your Facebook feed with hot pics of yourself (even if it’s on the red carpet of your family room, and not the red carpet of a movie premiere) instead of those “not’s”, a few tips and tricks can help you to bring out your inner-model.

Move! Okay, you don’t need to jump, stamp and stomp. Just move three quarters away from the camera’s lens. The three-quarter pose slims you down and doesn’t give the awkward appearance that a full-on shot does.

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Move away from the camera, the three quarter pose is slimming and more flattering for you

Go low. At least, lower a shoulder. Now that you’ve turned yourself into the three quarter position, drop that front shoulder down and fold your hands (don’t tuck them in – keep those digits visible). Now you look confident with clean lines and a slimmer neck!

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lower a shoulder and fold your hands

Get handy. You kept your hands out when you dropped your shoulder and posed for your photo. Now you’re in a pic that doesn’t require a good old arm-cross (or you’re somewhat worried that you’ll come off as having that mean, “Don’t you dare do that” mummy pose). Should you tuck your hands in now? Should you dangle them awkwardly by your sides? Um, probably not.

Instead, let your hands follow the natural contours of your body. If you’re cradling your face, literally cradle it. Avoid the odd palm to camera look by turning your hand inward and gently holding your cheek and chin. It looks natural and makes you appear more relaxed.

how to take the best photos
Instead, let your hands follow the natural contours of your body. If you’re cradling your face, literally cradle it.

Keep your head away from the camera. Have you ever noticed that celebs never look directly into the camera when they’re posing for the paparazzi? A straight-on pose is likely to look like your not-so-clever grade eight school photo. Slightly tilt your head down and to the side for a perfectly pretty pic.

how to take the best photos
Slightly tilt your head down and to the side for a perfectly pretty pic.

Stop the static stance. Your mum always told you to stand up straight. Even though you don’t want to slouch, you do want to create an ‘S’ shape with your body for side facing photos. Bend your knees and lower your shoulders to get a casual (and slimming) pose.

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Bend your knees and lower your shoulders to get a casual (and slimming) pose.

Speaking of casual — keep your photos carefree. Standing stiffly with an ‘I just ate a lemon’ puckered face isn’t exactly easy on the eyes. Avoid that military stance and be yourself. Get loose, relax try a more natural way of standing. This is where that ‘S’ shape come into play. Bending those knees and tilting a shoulder down drops you from a straight up and down look to something much more casual. Why strive for a carefree look? Because you’re having fun! Why are you taking photos? Is it to remember a fun-filled family outing? Maybe a sweet holiday moment with the kids? Looking like a statue never says, “I’m having a ball!” On the other hand, a relaxed pose makes you look completely real – and not at all rigid!

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Avoid that military stance and be yourself. Get loose, relax try a more natural way of standing. This is where that ‘S’ shape come into play. Bending those knees and tilting a shoulder down drops you from a straight up and down look to something much more casual.

Photo Credits: Bright Side / JP Ball Photography

Avatar of Belinda Jennings

Belinda's a passionate advocate for community and connection. As the founder of the Mum Central Network she’s committed to celebrating the journey that is Australian parenthood. Mum to two cheeky boys, and wife to her superstar husband, they live a busy but crazy lifestyle in Adelaide. Great conversation, close friends and good chocolate are her chosen weapons for daily survival. Oh, and bubbles. Champagne is key.

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