Looking photogenic isn’t about being camera-perfect — it’s about knowing a few small adjustments that make a big difference. Research and real-world experience show:
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70% of flattering photos come down to subtle shifts in posture and head position.
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56% of people unintentionally tense their shoulders or hands — and it shows.
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Focusing on just four key areas (chin, hands, shoulders, legs) can noticeably improve how you appear on camera.
The cheat sheet below breaks it all down. No stiff poses. Just simple, effective tips that work.
POSING CHEAT SHEET
| Body Part | Do This | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Chin | Slightly down, tilt slightly | Chin too high or pushed forward |
| Hands | Relaxed, fingers slightly apart | Clenched fists or awkward gripping |
| Shoulders | Roll back slightly, stay relaxed | Raised or tense shoulders |
| Legs | Cross ankles or shift your weight | Locked knees or stiff stance |
10 TIPS TO LOOK GREAT IN PHOTOS
- EMBRACE VOLUME! We love messy buns too, but when the camera is out, hair that frames your face is flattering. Create volume with a blow dryer and a large round brush. Love curls? Throw some extra large hot rollers in your hair. Some clients have had success with heatless curlers for natural volume. This also saves time in the morning!
- HYDRATE! We ask our clients to drink plenty of water because hydrated skin is noticeably healthier on camera.
- OUTFIT! Wear something that fits, not too tight, and not too much fabric. For instance, a maxi dress can look great in the wind at the beach, but sitting still at the holiday table, it might add 15 pounds. Solid colors often look best, as it keeps the attention on your hair and eyes. If you wear a pattern, do so with intention.
- SKIP FOUNDATION! Some women will gasp, but foundation typically adds more problems than it solves. Skip the foundation unless you go to a professional makeup artist. Instead, think light exfoliation and moisturizer for a healthy glow.
- SKIN! Healthy, clean skin is the key to looking amazing both on and off camera. This is why the best makeup artists will give brides a skin care plan, in advance of their wedding. Learn more about how to get a healthy glow in our skin prep guide.
- POSE! If you want to appear leaner, position your body at an angle to the camera and lean slightly towards the lens. Leaning away from the camera is what creates that 10 pounds everyone talks about!
- MODERATION! Skip the refill on the wine and cocktails. Red teeth, droopy eyes, and inflamed skin don’t look so hot on camera. Enjoy a glass or two, but if you want to look spectacular in the pictures, don’t over-indulge.
- CHIN! Nobody wants a double chin to show up on Facebook. So, extend your chin slightly forward and downward. This small change helps define your jawline.
- LIGHTING! Look up? Is there a light directly overhead? Ask to change the image to a flat light source, for example in front of a window. Overhead lights may cast unflattering shadows.
- RELAX! Trust us on this one. Breathe out. Laugh a lot as it relaxes the face muscles. You are among family and friends, so don’t sweat it. In our studio, we ask clients to put themselves somewhere amazing. If you follow this advice, you can say bye-bye to the stiff awkward expression. This is so powerful, we can tell if a client is faking it.
To recap, many people believe they are not photogenic. But, there is no such thing!
The secret to being photogenic isn’t about your weight, or age.
In the studio we take care of it all — but you don’t need to be a pro to look amazing in photographs.