How to look good in photos
While taking a good photo seems like it should be as easy as “one…two…cheese!,” we know there’s more to taking a fantastic photo than meets the eye. 📸 We’ve created a guide to help you feel confident in front of the camera and make that pesky self-doubt when you hear the camera clicks disappear. Read on for how to highlight your best features, showcase your personality and find beautiful natural light for your best photos yet! Oh, and why you should stop saying “cheese” — find out below. 😉🧀
Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers to show us all the very best tips on how to look good in photos!
TLDR
(A little sneak peek just for you 😊)
- Best poses for good photos: With posing, it’s usually the most subtle changes that make the biggest impact in photos.
- Outfit and hairstyle ideas: Wear what feels best and stay true to you whether that’s dressing for an occasion or staying casual.
- How to act naturally in front of a camera: Our Flytographers are experts at helping you feel comfortable and confident during your shoot, so you’re not alone!
- How to find natural light: Good lighting is the foundation for a great photo! We love natural light, so sunshine is an essential light source.
Photo: Kelly in Singapore for Flytographer. Brad and Garrett capture memories in Singapore on a couple photoshoot.
Best poses for good photos
With posing, it’s usually the most subtle changes that make the biggest impact in photos. You don’t need a highly-specific breakdown of how to position every body part down to the millimetre — just use these guidelines mixed with a bit of practice and confidence! ✨ (Seriously, set down your phone, point at yourself in a mirror, and say “I’m a badass” before you dive in. We’ll wait 😎)
1. Strike a pose
Posing is all about creating angles. For example, instead of having your hands straight down at your sides, think about creating a triangle with your arm. Rest your hand on your hip, run your fingers through your hair, play with your jewellery, or even pretend to wash your hands in slow-motion (tip: this is one of our favourite prompts for boys!). This also helps with the “what do I do with my hands?” dilemma. 🙌
If you’re taking an up-close portrait, make your jawline pop by turning one shoulder a bit more towards the camera and slightly raise your chin. This brings an air of poise and dimension to your photos and allows you to emphasize one side of your face, if you have a best side.
Photo: Madison in Jackson Hole for Flytographer. Lucinda and their family capture memories in Jackson Hole with a family trip.
2. Make a move
Striking a pose doesn’t mean standing stiff and still — we’re human and we’re made to move! Moving around in front of the camera has many benefits: it can help reduce any anxiety you might have by distracting you, and it will also offer you more photo options. You’ll get 10 different photos if you’re moving around versus 10 of the same photo if you’re standing still!
Ideas for movement include:
- Laughing.Fake laughter often turns into real laughter, and real laughter is our favourite way to see your smile!
- Walking.🎶 “Put one foot in front of the other…” 🎶 Other options include running, dancing and jumping! Look at each other if you’re a couple or group, or out into the distance if you’re solo.
- Couples. Bring all of the “honeymoon phase” vibes to your shoot, even if you’ve been together for years. Holding hands, kisses all over each other’s faces, and cuddles will bring genuine connection and fun to your shoot. If you’re not into PDA, plenty of eye contact will still bring that important feeling of connection into your photos.
- Families.Hug someone you love, look at each other, and have fun playing games. Imagine having an entire family that gets excited when the camera comes out… it’s not just a dream!
- Solo.Flying solo? Use what’s around you to interact with. Sitting down, leaning on a wall or tree, using a prop and interacting with the person behind the camera can bring connection into your photos.
Photo: Bayu in Bali for Flytographer. Jessica and their partner celebrate their trip to Bali with a couple photoshoot.
3. Mix it up with different angles
Even if you have just a handful of go-to poses, mixing it up with different camera angles will give you even more variety.
- Shoot from just above eye-level for flattering angles. It’s why everyone you see taking a selfie is holding their phone up above their face rather than straight-on. This will make your eyes pop, and bonus, show off more of your destination when travelling!
- Shoot from below and lift your chin for a unique angle. This angle can give the effect of extra long legs, but it can be less flattering to look down at the camera. This is the perfect opportunity to practice “plandid” (aka planning out your “candid” shots) by looking up and out at the horizon and pretending the photographer isn’t there.
Photo: Mary and Maurizio in Positano for Flytographer. Jennifer and their partner celebrate their anniversary in Positano with a couple photoshoot.