5 Ways to Become More Photogenic

Some of the most beautiful people in the world don't always look great in magazines because they aren't photogenic. Taking great pictures may not seem like that big of a deal, but that is going to determine how people remember you in the future. You obviously can't change the structure of your face or body to suit your photos, but you can tweak a few other elements to make yourself look better. Here are a few tips to help you out.

Find the Light

Fans of the show America's Next Top Model may have heard Tyra Banks tell the contestants to "find [their] light." This is an old trick that can completely transform the way you look in photos. If you use the light to your advantage, you can hide some of the negative features you may not like about yourself. If you ignore the light, you can actually emphasize areas that didn't look that bad to begin with. Play around with your facial positions until you get light to glimmer off your cheek bones, irises, and lips. You'll instantly look better after that.

Make It Natural

Rather than looking like you're forcing a smile, you need to make your photos look like they were taken in the moment. For instance, let's assume that you're just trying to take a picture with you smiling. Laugh during the photo session so the smile looks believable. Your muscles will react differently during live situations like this. It's your job to get those moments captured on film. 

Practice Your Angles

Turning your body, face, or feet in a certain direction can completely transform the way you look in a photo. Most people look larger when they face a camera than they do when they turn to the side. You don't have to completely move around, but you need to think about cocking yourself slightly to the side. You'll automatically look thin and lean this way.

Utilize the Eyes

Your eyes are the windows to your soul, and they also happen to be the doors to great photos. The key here is to "smize" (smile with your eyes). You basically have to squint while staring at the camera so that your eyes look like they are piercing straight through the viewer. Practice a bit on your own, and you'll soon see a difference in the emotions your photos evoke.

Clean Your Skin

Having clear skin is an important part of taking a good photo. Blemishes and dark marks always seem to stand out in photos, no matter how much makeup you wear to cover them. Wash your skin on a regular basis, and consider using a microdermabrasion treatment to get that ultra-clean feeling every few weeks. If you can consistently keep your skin soft and smooth, your pics will naturally look better. 

If you follow the tips above, you're sure to have consistently great photos. People will be offering you modeling contracts in no time!