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My friends tease me because I have a “good side” and I staunchly, insanely, rabidly refuse to be photographed from any other angle. Like, ever. I look like a shoe. In fact, thanks to my fair share of red carpets and general “on the scene”-ness here in NYC, I’ve gotten a pretty good handle on how to look pretty in pictures . . . even if if I’m not feeling my super best. Maybe too good, actually. I’ve had more than one date comment that I somehow look better in pictures than I do in person. Um. Thanks, bro.
But, my dates’ disappointment is your gain! I’ve compiled 10 of the best tips on how to be pretty (seriously, your very prettiest!) in your snapshots–no Photoshop required! Just steal these 10 celebrity red-carpet moves and and you’ll be saying “Heck yeah you can tag me” in no time!
Posture is Everything!
Taylor Swift is a statuesque 5'11" and many girls her height slouch. But Tay always steals the spotlight thanks to perfect posture: shoulders back, hips tucked under, tummy sucked in. Not sure your stance is right? Check your thumbs--they should be pointing forward, not brushing your thighs!
Tilt Your Chin
Dropping your chin and turning slightly to one side makes you look coquettish and flirty both in pics and IRL. Dianna Agron employs this look a lot on Glee and c'mon, how cute is she?
Smile!
The whole "Blue Steel" look doesn't work IRL, trust me I try it all the time and each time I end up looking deranged. Not even Nicki Minaj can pull this off--would she be so much cuter with a little smirk?
Smile--But Not Too Much!
Your biggest smile can leave you looking squinty and strained. Instead, practice a more demure grin, a la Miranda Kerr. Show a little teeth to avoid looking constipated--I'm talking to you, Kristen Stewart.
Turn Your Torso
Giuliana Rancic is a woman who can pose. Her stance makes her look long and lean. To copy, face away from the camera at a 45-degree angle then turn your torso to face the photographer, with your closest arm on your waist--not hip. Drop the back arm and hide it behind your body as much as possible. Bend the front leg to create a lean silhouette.
Put (One) Hand On Your Waist
Allison Williams conveys confidence while simultaneously highlighting the smallest part of her body with this one-handed hip stance. But putting both hands on your hips looks domineering and cartoonish.
Cross Your Legs
I hate hate hate posing straight on, but sometimes the Guiliana Turn (as it is heretofore known) is a bit much for a casual snapshot. Jennifer Hudson has your solution: turn hips slightly away from camera and cross legs at the knee--too shallow of a cross and you'll look pigeon toed.
Don't Over-Pose
Sarah Hyland knows that when you look truly fab, a complex pose isn't necessary. If you're uncomfortable with a hand on your hip or Guiliana-esque turn, try this: throw your shoulders back and push one hip out, while your rib cage pushes in the opposite direction. Voila! Natural yet flattering!
Style Yourself With Photos in Mind
Poor Zoe Saldana. I'm sure this hairstyle was breezy and cute in real life. But in pics she looks like she should be chasing chickens around a yard. If you're going to a snapshot-heavy event like prom or a big party, keep your look sleek (straight hair photographs better than curls) and avoid too-trendy makeup like matte lips and liner-less eyes!
Know Thy Lighting
The out of doors is awesome--but not for taking pictures. To get your best shot, move into the shade, like Rihanna wisely did at this year's uber-sunny VMAs.
Do you have any tricks for looking great in photos? What’s your perfect picture pose? Tell me in the comments!
We Know What You’re Really Thinking When The Camera Snaps!
Can You Trust Him?
You should let your inner you shine. Dot focus on the camera, love. Think about how amazing you definetely look. I do that in my photographs and all the directioners tell me I look hot. Haha but if you are a girl, ask Garry. He knows a lot of girl stuff, which is weird… But yeah ask Harry
Thats NOT Dianna Agron!
Are you sure that’s Dianna Agron?