Easy Ways to Look Better in Any Picture

4. Learn the DIY facelift tricks pros use.

Makeup artist Sandy Linter, who has worked with some of the most famous faces in the world, says, “Models and celebs over 50 know how to chisel their faces in front of the camera by controlling their expression. A smile is something everyone can do, and it instantly lifts and tightens your entire face. If you’re not a ‘toothy’ smiler [some women are self-conscious about their teeth or simply prefer a subtle, closed-lip grin], just smile slightly while keeping your lips closed, and lift the corners of your mouth. It takes practice, but it firms your jaw and neck like a full grin. And always smile with your lips and eyes.”

That said, sometimes a broad, generous smile can cause deepset or hooded eyes to narrow slightly. Counteract this while smiling by opening your eyes a little wider or looking slightly up (this sounds harder than it is). Two other neck- and jaw-firming tips to looking photogenic: Try smiling (teeth or no teeth), but keep your tongue pressed to the roof of the mouth. Or imagine a string at the top of your head pulling it upward like a marionette. Push your head slightly forward with your chin slightly down, as if you’re holding an orange under your chin. Try it in a mirror. And a last pro smile tip: Say “money” or “peas and carrots,” not “cheese,” when smiling for a more genuine smile that doesn’t show every single tooth in your mouth.

(From left) Strike a pose like Gayle King, Drew Barrymore, Elle Macpherson and Gabrielle Union.

AARP (Getty Images, 4)

5. Pose naturally but strategically.

Many women tell me they don’t know what to do with their body when someone takes their photo at a party or celebratory event. My advice? It may feel silly, but try practicing poses at home in front of a full-length mirror to make your on-camera body language looser and less self-conscious. 

Stop trying to be a supermodel by standing frozen in what I call “the chicken-wing pose” with one hand on your hip, elbow extended straight out. You can improve this habit by pushing that elbow down and back instead of out to the side, or by putting both hands on your hips to trim the waist. You’ll also appear slimmer by turning your body to the side, angling your head and shoulder toward the camera, and shifting your weight from one leg to the other between snaps.

Depending on where the photo is taken, look for props such as doorways, chairs or railings. Consciously creating a little space between your arms and body creates a more flattering (and slim) shape, so do this consciously while your arms are down, or give your arms something to do. When seated, try propping up your chin with your hand by leaning on your elbow. “This is a favorite celebrity ‘beauty-shot’ pose, and it does hide a crinkled neck and loose jawline but looks confident and natural,” Linter says. 

The click-click-click method of pro photographers is also now used by cellphone photo-takers. It works like a slow-motion video and lets you vary your poses between shots, offering a greater chance of finding one picture you absolutely love. And finally, always yawn before and between shots to release tension in your face.

6. Use group photos to your advantage.

Being in a group photo is tough because you’re not often in control. One thing you can do is put yourself in a body-flattering spot in the group. If you’re trying to look slimmer, go for a middle placement and angle your body away from the camera. If seated, slant your legs to one side or cross them a little higher on the thigh to give them an elegant angle. You want to avoid crossing legs at the calf, which causes that fleshy area to widen as it presses against your knee. Act a little. Loosen up and relate to the camera and those next to you. Don’t be afraid to move a little, sling an arm around a friend, laugh or be playful.

(From left) Judith Light, Geena Davis and Parker Posey are camera-ready.

AARP (Getty Images, 3)

7. Stay a little photo-conscious.

You never know when a photo of you will be snapped these days. Any and every situation is a possible photo op, but even with no makeup, bedhead and your usual running-errands outfit, you can still take a great photo. I’ve yet to hear a better reason to keep teeth whitened — via strips or a professional dental treatment — and taking five minutes for a little skin care and makeup before leaving home. Even a tinted moisturizer, sunscreen, some cream blush or a touch of lipstick can enhance radiance and definition. Remember that people tend to zoom in on your face in photos on Facebook to get a good look.

No prep? Let bold glasses or sunglasses hide fatigue and power up your face. Check your face on your phone to get a reading on how you look and the lighting before you or anyone else takes your picture. Give your hair a shake, a tousle or downward head flip (like you do for volume) right before the photo for extra movement and va-va-voom. Then give your best angle and smile! And when you know a photo is in your near future, wear a white or blue top to brighten your face and give it a fresher look in photos, day or night.