OMG, That’s a Great Picture of Me

Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage would not be pleased with my reasoning of why the month of June is so popular for weddings in the Northern Hemisphere. I’d like to think it has something to do with June’s natural lighting being the most flattering of all the months. The rose and the pearl may also have something to do with it.

June is a good month for celebrations, including my birthday, Father’s Day, graduations and, of course, weddings. Chances are you’ll be celebrating in June, and get caught in the act by a camera. Consider the following tips for bringing out your inner photogenic personality.

First, do a little homework. Study pictures that you particularly like of yourself, note the angle of your head, and your bottom lip.

One of my all time favorite 40^th birthday cards had the verse, “Here’s hoping you find a do you like, and stick with it.” Hopefully, by now most readers are somewhat aware of their “good side.” Professionals claim that one’s good side is generally the side where the hair is parted.  Try to arrange yourself in the photo where the lighting is on your good side.

Posture is huge anytime, and in pictures it is worth a thousand words. Stand up, sit up, head high, shoulders back, chest and chin out a little bit with head slightly angled.

If standing, rotate upper body at the waist, with one shoulder closer to camera than the other. Put one foot in front of the other, with your weight on the rear foot, lean in slightly towards the camera. Of course, one hand on the hip is always slimming.

Point your nose away from the center of the camera. Look slightly above the camera, especially if the photographer is at a lower level. This will reduce red-eye and double chin.

Rest your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Go for a three-quarter smile, not full. Bottom lip should be relaxed and full.

Think cheeks. Pinch face cheeks for a rosy glow; squeeze rear cheeks for a silly distraction. Try it, it works.

Think happy thoughts, and remember those lyrics about Irish eyes smiling and all the world seems bright and gay.

 Just before the click, take a deep breath, release, relax and picture your biggest crush sneaking up behind the photographer.  (This trick may even give you a natural blush.)

If this is all too much to remember, just think of one thing before the shutter flies, “OMG, this is going to be the best picture of me ever.”

Your thoughts become you.