Work photo shoot - argh!

[jamaisjedors]

I HATE with vengeance having my photo taken.

I ruin them all by blinking and always look strained and cross.

Just got a big promotion and found out we have a group and (gulp) individual photo for the website/press on Monday.

Could someone give me some tips on:
How not to look too stupid (3 glasses of wine to relax me? It's at 9am so maybe not...
What kind of thing will look professional but not too formal or dull?

I think it's the photo tips I need most actually, everyone else seems to look totally beautiful in their online selfies - I haven't updated my Facebook profile for 10 years...

[ARoomDimAtNoon]

As Tyra Banks says, you can either be a giraffe or an owl.

Owl = over the shoulder; maybe not what you want for a professional shoot

Giraffe = shoulders back, chin up, have confidence

Also practice in the mirror. I always stand with left side to the camera because I think I look better.

[Queenbean]

Well the photographers job is to get the best out of you, so let him worry about your pose. However, relax, be natural, shoulders back, elongate your neck, chin slightly up to avoid double chin. Don't wear too much foundation that will sink in to creases or heavy black kohl that may age you. However do wear a bit of bronzer as flash photography can make you look pale. And blot blot blot before you go in so you don't look greasy and shiny.

Clothing wise, something smart and neutral without spots or stripes as the camera can distort these. Make sure no bra straps are showing or the shirt is straining across the bust. No sweat marks either.

Good luck!

[jamaisjedors]

Thank you.

at the owl, don't think that will do at all! Will try to visualise the giraffe.

I think the photographer is just our in house communications dept so not v professional really and I'm not sure they will car that much if look grim

[jamaisjedors]

God I'll have to practice in the mirror won't I, you're right.

I hate looking in mirrors.

Tried to take a selfie the other day and was horrified by the result.

I think that in my head I Iook ok and then when see the photo it just depresses me.

A lot of people have also said that don't photograph well so I'm not totally imaging it !

[MrsLettuce]

If you usually wear a product with SPF then don't apply it until after the shoot, it does weird things in photos.

You need to practice in the mirror and with selfies too.

[jamaisjedors]

Oh didn't know that about the spf, Will swap my usual moisturiser then, thanks.

Just had a little practice in the mirror, is it better to not smile too much? I look really crinkled (41) when I grin.

[CleopatraCominAtcha]

There's a chapter in Sali Hughes's book about looking good in photos. Worth the cover price in lots of other ways also.