seem to have unflattering features,
such as a double chin. If you stand at a slight
angle to the camera (between 30º and 45º), the
double chin will disappear and your pose will present
you in a more flattering way. Remember that your face
should still point directly at the camera.
Smile for the camera. There is
a reason your school photographer told you to smile
every year. People respond to a person that is smiling,
but tend to avoid a person with a frown. So smile! Don’t just smile with your mouth, smile with your eyes
to achieve a smile that is genuine and makes
others want to smile. If you aren’t sure how to smile
with your eyes, practice. Use a mirror to see the
difference between a put-on smile and a real smile, and
rehearse until you can smile with your eyes.
Location is everything. Choose a location that suits you and
your business. If you work for a landscaping firm, have your
picture taken outside with some greenery; if your customers know
you like water sports, take your picture by a lake. Select a
background that is nice but not too busy – you are the focus of
the picture, not the ten rose bushes behind
you. Also make sure your clothes don’t blend in with your
background. Lastly, choose good weather.
Shoot on a sunny day, avoid rain, and don’t look directly at the sun to prevent squinting.
Being photogenic is about knowledge. Some people are “naturals”
when it comes to standing in front of a camera. Even if you aren’t, you can seem like one by following the above tips.
Looking good for the camera is easy if you know how.
Products and Buildings
In addition to yourself, you may want pictures of your products
and/or your building. Here are some tips on how to improve these pictures.
Be opportunistic. Don’t take pictures on any old day. Wait for a
day that will provide clarity and good color.
Pick weather that suits your product. Most products look best on
a sunny day, but if you sell umbrellas, a rainy day is best.
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