A Friendly Guide to Feeling Confident on Camera
Pictures capture moments that sometimes might not feel too glamorous while they’re happening, but just because you’re not perfect doesn’t mean you can’t look it in photos. It’s really about understanding basic tips and tricks, relaxing, and letting your personal charm shine. Keeping that in mind, here are some tips to help you feel confident, natural and ready for your close up.
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1. Find Your Best Angle
Most people will never look their best face-on, nobody is symmetrical enough. Instead, try turning slightly to one side and cocking your head a bit. Move around until you feel comfortable; this will become your natural spot for being photographed.
2. Relax Your Face Before the Shot
Photographs capture tension in milliseconds. You don't want your jaw or forehead to look strained in a picture. When someone tells you to smile, exhale, relax your shoulders, loosen your jaw, and smile.
3. Think a Happy Thought
If you try to force a smile, you'll end up looking uncomfortable. Instead, think about something that legitimately brightens your day, or find something around you that you can humor yourself at. Your expression will shift ever-so-slightly, and the difference will show.
4. Mind the Lighting
Lighting can make or break any photo. It's always best to be in front of a window with soft lighting rather than overhead fluorescent lights. If you're catching too much light, try turning your body slightly until soft light hits your face.
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5. Keep Your Chin Slightly Forward
Drawing your chin back creates unnatural shadows on your face and can make your neck look skinny. Simply move your chin forward/downward slightly to create definition in your jaw. It might feel odd, but it looks great on camera.
6. Use Your Eyes, Not Just Your Smile
Photos with faces that aren't focused on the camera can sometimes seem lifeless. Narrow your eyes ever so slightly instead of staring wide-eyed into the camera. It adds personality and warmth.
7. Watch Your Posture
It should go without saying, but good posture can make or break an outfit. Straighten up and pretend like you're being lifted by a string attached to the top of your head. You'll instantly look and feel more confident.
8. Let Your Hands Do Something
A lot of people don't know what to do with their hands when someone is photographing them. Move one hand to your hip, hold your jacket around your waist, or softly touch your hair . Anything that occupies your hands makes it feel less awkward.
9. Wear Clothes You Feel Good In
Confidence is always best when photos are concerned. If you don't feel good in what you're wearing, it'll show. Wear an outfit that fits you well and you feel comfortable in.
10. Avoid Standing Flat-Footed
Instead of standing with your feet straight ahead, shift your weight to one foot. You create an instant shape and it will make you feel less stiff. It helps you look relaxed.
11. Don’t Overthink the Camera
This can often make you feel like there is pressure, so if someone is snapping your photo and you feel weird doing this, try looking slightly off into the distance. It tends to create a more candid and appealing photograph. It also makes it look more like a captured moment rather than a photograph.
12. Take More Than One Shot
Unless you're a professional model, the first photo is never your best. Allow yourself to take a few minutes adjusting your position and setting your face. The more photos you take, the better your chances are of getting a good one.
13. Breathe Between Photos
You want to avoid holding your breath or scrunching up your face. Try to exhale as the picture is about to be taken. It also relaxes your body!
14. Keep Your Shoulders Relaxed
Nothing makes you look worse than tense shoulders in a photo. Drop your shoulders and let your arms go loose. It makes a world of difference.
15. Play With Movement
Take a small step, sway your body, or turn your head. Anything that creates movement will keep your photo from looking so stiff. It adds life to the photo.
16. Laugh If It Feels Right
You know those adorable photos people post of their kid with their mouth dropped open laughing? Yeah, those will look great on you too. If you naturally start laughing while someone is taking your photo, let yourself. You'll thank me later.
17. Be Aware of the Background
If you can help it, stand in front of something plain when you're being photographed. You don't want a bunch of trees sticking out of the top of your head. The focus of the image should be you.
18. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Just because your best friend looks fantastic in all of her photos doesn't mean you can't. Stay confident, and remember that you're great at being you! Focus on what makes you feel relaxed rather than trying to mimic others.
19. Practice Without Pressure
The more photos you take, the better you'll feel behind a camera. It might not be supermodel quality photos, but you'll get used to seeing your own beauty when it's clicked. Just like anything else in life, practice makes perfect!
20. Remember That Imperfect Can Be Charming
Everyone has double chins, awkward smiles, and weird hair days. Let loose and forget about trying to create the perfect photo. Any little thing that makes you human will make your photo that much better.
