Okay, heres the brutal truth. I'm NOT a fan of getting my picture taken. Why? Because I have a very real fear of looking at the picture and cringing. This isn't just imagined, it has been deeply drilled into my psyche from awkward snapshot after awkward snapshot. (and then the offending photographer posts it on Facebook and tags you in it! Why?!?!)
To be honest, I'm just not particularly photogenic. In fact, I never have been. Nonetheless, I am a firm believer that everyone deserves to have pictures of themselves that they love. As a friend of mine once put it, I want to look as good as I felt. And every now and then, that happens.
This is my awesome gang. Love these guys. :)
So, the goal of this series of blog posts (which will certainly be non-consecutive) is to give you, the reader, a gift. The gift of confidence, the gift of flattering pictures. We'll cover all sorts of topics and we'll learn together. I'll start with the single most helpful tip I have ever received - and it will rock your photogenic world.
But first, a word of comfort. It's MY job to make you look good, not yours. Yes, I will do my best to give you tips and tricks that will hopefully serve you well throughout your photographic journey. But at the end of the day, it's my responsibility to present you in the best light possible. And I promise you, I take that responsibility very seriously. But, for now, let's start with the first tip:
It's All About The Jaw.
Once upon a time there was a man named Peter Hurley, and he made a very good living making people look good in their professional head shots. One day he made a little 15 minute video showing people how to hold their head when they get their picture taken. And it was more than just a little helpful. It was revolutionary. Have you ever seen a picture of yourself where you had weird unflattering neck wrinkles and double chins? Or where you just looked... not good? This will help. I promise. So watch, enjoy, see if it won't help you out basically forever more.
So there you go. Now it's your turn. Was this helpful? Do you have any other tips that deserve to be shared? What else are you dying to learn about on the topic of being more photogenic? Chime in! I'd love to hear from you. :)