This is the time of year when you will get photographed continuously. Everywhere you turn there’s someone Instagramming/Snapchatting/Periscoping and you’re smack bang in the middle of the frame. Not only is this a high photo taking time it’s also the time of year when most of us are sporting extra podge, sunburn or eye bags from lack of sleep. Here are a few tips that I like to keep in mind around those sneaky Chrissy morning snappers so I don’t look like a total muppet in every photo.
Always pose
No one likes a picture of themselves all hunchbacked and double-chinned, glugging back a cocktail with their eyes half-shut. Just be aware of cameras and simply sit up straight and smile. If you just embrace it, you’ll avoid those photos that make you want to have your face amputated in the New Year.
Practice your smile
I find that a huge, majorly fake smile looks the most natural on camera. It sounds stupid and I guarantee you will feel like a right arse but it works. If you look like you’re having the best time of your life no one will notice your double chin. Your dazzling smile says it all.
For full body shots always raise your arms a little off your body
Even the slimmest of women can benefit from the Hollywood pose. One hand on hip, body twisted to the side, other arm hidden. Best way to avoid that pool-of-arm situation when your bicep is flattened against your body.
For the family shot, always stand to the back so everyone at the front will hide you
If your family is anything like mine they will all be scrambling for the covetable back spots. If you are one of the youngest, you will probably be forced to sit on the floor, cross-legged, which is the most universally unflattering position. The solution to this problem is to grab the nearest child (cousins are ideal) and plonk them on your lap. A decent sized toddler will cover a multitude of sins. Best case scenario is always a back row Hollywood pose though.
Sunglasses are fantastic
I always wear sunglasses and I am usually horrified when I see photos of myself sans sunnies with all that face hanging out everywhere. Give this one a try but be warned that grandparents are usually on risky behaviour watch for the young ones wearing their shades in family photos.
Pose to the side
Side poses are usually the most flattering and if you sort of half hide your body behind the person standing next you, you will look tiny. You need to do this with someone who doesn’t know what you are doing though. My mother and I tousle for ages trying to shove each other to the front until we just give up and hide ourselves behind some other oblivious victim.
Don’t slouch.
Seriously, don’t. Even supermodels look like Gollum when they slouch.
What’s your tip for great holiday photos?
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6 Comments
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Funny meme seen recently on pinterest: “Some of us are so old, we can remember going through an entire day without taking pictures of anything”. These days I am constantly on high alert around family for sneaky photo taking. Great tips Carly. Merry Christmas my lovely to you and to all the smagglets. xx
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Thank you so much! Yes I’m also that old – I can remember when it was ‘expensive’ to take photos. Like my parents would warn me about wasting film.
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Great tips! I always like to get at the back or failing that my camera catchphrase is “just headshot is fine.” Wishing you a smag-tastic holidays and a new year full of fabulous!
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I do that too! I’m like – head is fine. No need to include every piece of pudding I ate over Christmas thanks! I am feeling much better after a weekend of eating my own food. My body is like ‘OMG! Fibre!!!!’
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“A decent sized toddler will cover a multitude of sins.” — Still laughing.
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It’s so true. Tiny newborns are useless. You need a substantial 2 year old.
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