5 Tips to Looking Fabulous in Photos

We’ve all been there. You go to bed, wake up, check what’s been happening in social media land, while you were sleeping, and you see these words:

“106 people like a picture you were tagged in.”  

Panic sets in because you know YOU didn’t post anything. I swear, it’s always the same story. The person who “tagged” you looks phenomenal; side swept hair, backlit by the sunset accentuating her golden highlights, hand resting to one side of her tiny waist, head tilted ever so slightly, rocking a true “red carpet” pose.

 Standing next to her is…is…well… we don’t know what it is because it’s blurry. It’s eyes are closed and the head seems to be melding into it’s chin.  OH! I see, it’s a troll!

Why is Brenda at the beach with a troll?  Here, let’s blow the picture up to full screen (time passes, bifocals come out) OH! Well, that’s not a troll! That’s…Ohhhhhhhhhhh………….

Yeah, you know the drill. 

It’s summertime and that means time to vacay, host travelers, attend numerous social occasions and opportunities for A LOT of photos!

I have spent half my life running from the camera because I literally can NOT take a decent picture. It’s actually a joke in my family 😊 I’m animated, what can I say! But now that I’m a grandma my daughter said “Mom! If you never let us take you’re your picture it will look like you were never with us.” That really struck a chord with me.

Also, now that my kids are all out on their own I’d occasionally like to send them a selfie to show them what I’ve been up to. But I’m scared! It seems like every woman I talk to feels the same way.

What if I could show you some ways to actually look amazing in pictures? I’m so excited to share with you a few links, tips, and free editing apps that I found just in time for your weekend get away with the girls.

Okay, I’m impatient! I simply must share my biggest ah-ha moments I had while researching this week.

1.Did you know you can use your earbuds, that come with your smart phone, to take a picture? All you have to do is press the microphone while in camera mode.   Point, suck and tuck, shoot, and voila! 

2. To make your hips look slimmer, cross your ankles mid-calf. Try it! It really works! That’s why all the stars do it.😉

3. Also, don’t stand straight on facing the camera, shift your weight to your back leg. This makes your backside look farther from the camera giving you a sleeker look.

4.Say hello to my little friends: Two of my new favorite editing apps are Snapseed, and Photo Editor Axiom. You can crop, brush out blemishes, add text, frame, change lighting and much more! Both apps are super easy peasy to use even for a grandma like me. 😊

5. Most importantly, friends don’t let friends look ridiculous. I’m going to take one for the team and show you what happened last weekend. Apparently, the pin fell out of the nose piece on my sunglasses and this happened (see below). Details people, details. Enough said.

Okay, I don’t want to spoil the rest so please check out these links for tips on posing for photos/selfies, lighting, backgrounds, etc…

How to Pose for Camera/ Tips to look good in pictures

7 Posing Techniques for Non-Models

7 Tips for Taking a Professional Selfie

You will have plenty of time to check out these links and practice your poses this summer so you will be ready for the holidays just in the St. Nick of time.

The most important thing is to have fun with your family and friends while creating memories.

Always put your best face forward,

Kathy XOXO