I recently came across an awesome wiki about how to be more photogenic.  I wanted to highlight some of the awesome points they have there and add my own tips!

1. Wear clothes with colors that suit you.  Bright bold colors look really nice.  Think about the background that will be more prominent in your photos. For instance, if you are being photographed in front of a brick wall you probably don’t want to wear green.  I love accessories, you should too. Don’t wear sneakers…please don’t!!  Flats, heels, boots, loafers are nice.  Collard shirts look really nice on men.

2. Determine your best angle…and let me know! Some people let me know jokingly, so you can joke and then tell me you’re serious.

3. Get rid of a double chin. Let’s face it, everyone can have one.  Next time you’re in front of the mirror do this. Take your chin out pull it away from your body (you’ll feel awkward) and then slightly lower it.  That looks very flattering.  Try also doing that while shoulders point in different angles.  Full on body shots don’t look so flattering!

4.  RELAX! Don’t get nervous! Take a deep breath and relax your shoulders.  This will help you feel better.

5.  Smile genuinely! Don’t smile the entire session! This will wear your smile muscles out! Have an overall happy look on your face and then anticipate when the photo is going to be taken and then bring out that smile.  If you think about happy things the entire session, verses being nervous, then you’ll look pleasant in general! You know when you think about something funny and you can’t keep it in?! You can totally do that during a session and I won’t think you’re a dork.

6.  Smile with your eyes.  When you’re doing that neck/chin thing in the mirror also practice smiling with your eyes.  Open them just slightly more than normal and notice the difference when you can see JOY in your eyes!

7.  Forget that you’re being photographed! Just play along!