TIPS AND TRICKS TO LOOK PICTURE PERFECT
Whether it’s your friend taking shots to post on social media or your mother for making that big family collage, knowing how to look photogenic is important
Didn’t Monica Geller from the TV show F.R.I.E.N.D.S. correctly point out ‘camera adds 10 pounds’? Many of you would agree with this, but there is something we Indians can’t live without, ‘jugaad’, and it can fix just about anything. With the right tricks, one can shed the baggage of those 10 pounds. If you are camera conscious, as you feel pictures don’t do justice to your looks, try these simple tricks.
Know your best profile
For some, the right side looks better, while for some, the left profile works well during a photo session. Fashion photographer Ashish Chawla says, “Full lengths should be taken from below the waist level, as it makes the subject look taller. Ideally, shoot with the light source behind you and the subject facing it. People with a long nose should be shot from a lower angle, else there can be distortion, making their features appear like a caricature.” He adds, “While shooting a larger group, try to crop the image below, basically keep the part above their knees.”
Chawla feels one shouldn’t stand straight like one would for a passport picture, a bit of a tilt makes the image appear casual and easy. He suggests, “Try and do something with your hands while being shot, like put them in your pocket... or hold on to something. Feet shouldn’t be spread apart too much, as it shows arrogance and aggression. Try and keep your body weight on one leg while keeping the other one slightly bent and at ease. These tips will add glam to your picture.”
Go easy with the hair
Hairstyling plays a huge role when it comes to getting that perfect picture. For a round face structure with chubby cheeks, it’s better to half-tie your hair rather than letting it loose completely. Sticky and crunchy hair doesn’t look good in a picture.
Hairstylist Rod Anker says, “Easy way to make sure your hair looks good in photos is to not disturb the hair too much, use a serum and avoid over touching.”
Be mindful of your makeup
Make sure your makeup is perfect, as it would add depth to the picture. Avoid cakey makeup and go for a colour palette that matches your skin tone. Makeup artist Parul Budhiraja Arora says, “Use products without shine and put translucent powder on your forehead, cheeks and nose. Contour your face by defining your bone structure with a bronzer. Give cheeks some dimension with a blush and create a radiant glow with some highlighter.” On thick eyebrows as a trend, she feels, “It’s important to fill in the brows, but not too much.”
Beauty expert Richa Agarwal says, “Over application of powder can make your skin look mature and create an uneven, dry, dull and dehydrated look. Though, remember to powder the
T zone, nose and chin to settle excess oil or sweat on the skin. Avoid using products that contain SPF, as they cause flashbacks.” She also suggests avoiding using lip balms of any shade and sticking to applying lipsticks. Also, applying a matte formula instead of going glossy with lips is a great idea.
Avoid bulky clothing
Lightweight fabrics such as silk and chiffon will always give a better presentation to the pictures, as compared to bulky clothes. Yatan Ahlu
PFashion photographer
walia, a fashion, grooming and image consultant, says, “Wear a tried and tested look. Ensure the colours complement your skin tone, body build and hair. Lighter colours will make you look broader and fuller, while darker colours will make you look taller and leaner.”
The right accessories
Go easy on the accessories, so that they don’t take the attention away from you. Chinu Kala, a jewellery
expert, says, “Jewellery can change your look from casual to cocktail. Make sure your necklaces do not clash with your neckline. Ensure your neckwear is either above the neckline of your outfit or falling at least a couple of inches below it. Match your earrings according to your face type, as choosing the right kind of earrings helps in highlighting your best features.”
Kala opines, “People with fuller faces should opt for longer earrings, whereas people with small or petite faces should go for big, bold studs. Choose your highlight. If your dress has bright and bold prints, pair them with sleek jewellery.”
PHairstylist
Try and do something with your hands while being shot, like hold on to something, suggests fashion photographer Ashish Chawla
Make sure your makeup is perfect, as it would add depth to the picture. Use a colour palette corresponding to your skin tone.
Full lengths should be taken from below the waist level, as it makes the subject look taller. Ideally, shoot with the light source behind you and the subject facing it. ASHISH CHAWLA,
Easy way to make sure your hair looks good in photos is to not disturb the hair too much. Use a serum and avoid over touching. ROD ANKER,
Bring attention to your best features with the aid of accessories