Did you eat a little too much turkey on Thanksgiving, haven't lost the baby weight or maybe just feel like you're not very photogenic?  I will raise my hand to all 3 of those! As a professional photographer, I meet a lot of people who don't want to be in front of the camera because they don't feel their best. While we're all the most critical of ourselves, I think it's important to capture yourself as well as your family. The pictures I have with my children are often the ones that I cherish the most.  Plus it's great for your kids to look back and see you in the photos one day.   With these four tips you'll be feeling better in front of the camera in no time.

1.  Turn to the side.  Never have your shoulders and your body parallel to the camera, this will just make you look wider.

2. Chin out and down. This one is my favorite trick!  I probably say it 100 times when photographing adults. Having your chin out and down defines your jaw line = no double chin. Yes, you might feel a bit like an awkward turtle at first, but I promise you will thank me for this one! Try taking a quick selfie and see the difference.

3. Lean in. Whatever is closer to the camera is going to look bigger so if you want minimize your lower body, lean in slightly.

4.  Avoid wearing lighter colors on your bottom half as the eye tends to gravitate there and GASP…potentially focus on your hips!  Good news, you can trick the camera by creating a long line from head to toe if you choose a monotone palette (this trend never goes out of style)!  This tip comes to us from Fashion Blogger & Stylist, Beth of Seersucker and Saddles.

Most importantly, SMILE, HAVE FUN, and EMBRACE actually being IN your pictures!  These are memories that will last forever, and with a little preparation, you’ll have photos you can enjoy for a lifetime!

Photography by Kristin Tatem

 

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