to ask for your top tips for looking half decent in a photo you're not taking yourself ?

[PineappleDreamer]

I'm going to be somewhere this weekend where I'm sure lots of photos will be taken. I can't get out of this workout looking very odd indeed but the fact is, I detest having my photo taken.

I always look 3 times the size I am, my smile is a weird grimace and well, I've never seen a photo taken of me by someone else that I like.

So what are your top tips for looking nice in a photo you're no control over?

*without not workout

Sorry I’ve no advice but I could of written this! I try and pose in a flattering way and usually look even worse. I’m just not photogenic at all.

Pull your chin a tiny bit away from your face and put your tongue on the roof of your mouth

Stand up tall with good posture and no slumping

Dress in somethjng you feel gorgeous in. Fake tan

Laugh in photos (if it’s appropriate and not a funeral or somethjng). Happy people always look better

Get a bit shit faced so you’re definitely having a brilliant time and won’t care about the photos

@Spinningaround21 me neither! And it's not like I'm hideously ugly. But it's like my slightly chubby size 12-14 frame suddenly becomes massive, and I just look demented in the face. I can take selfies but of course, I take 25 before I go 'yep that's the one!' - and I don't make a habit of taking those either!

Just need tips to look nice in photos which aren't pressing my tongue against my teeth or something - remember that one?

Honestly, I hate photos of myself, but I went to a convention a couple of years running for a tv series I love, and was so happy and excited at being there that the photos I had taken with the stars and crew look great. I am beaming my widest smile because I couldn’t help myself, and they are honestly the best photos I’ve had taken in my adult life. I don’t usually photograph well, as even those who love me best will attest, but being happy and therefore relaxed, and wearing all black (my usual anyway!) so I had no lumps and bumps showing, worked out great. Just relax and enjoy it and they’ll be good!

@ShirleyPhallus standing up properly is a good one. I'm short and try and make myself look 'smaller' I suppose - I try and blend in.

I do the fakest smile too when a camera is pointed my way. Oh and I duck pout. Been doing that for 30 odd years for some reason and have to try really hard not to automatically do it. I don't want to!

It's actually more 'pulling an unnatural face' than a pout

Hmm... I can do all black! I think that's a good tip. Maybe dark jeans and a dark ish top

Don’t squish your arms against your body or they look bigger than they are. Hold them slightly away from you, particularly if it’s a side on shot.

Wear your best colours & a bright lipstick. Practice your posture for the next few days & pick a standing pose. Good luck!

Yes good advice about holding your arms out from your sides. Also stand side on and twist around (something like that I am sure??) No, hang on its one leg in front of the other and mouth the word WOGAN - I swear to you these are real tips I've read over the years.
But the best advice is wear something you love, make the best of your best features and enjoy being out and hopefully with people you like!

Avoid looking at the photos (or at least yourself in them). That’s my strategy and ignorance is bliss!

I am absolutely crying at mouthing the word Wogan. I won't look at all mad will I?! You're having me on aren't you?

I'm going to practice the arms not clamped to my side thing but not sure how that'll look! Knowing me, I'll have them extended a bit like a monkey would

No - I promise I'm not! I read it in a magazine - apparently it's what the supermodels of yesteryear did to give them the ideal pouty look. I imagine that it's not as popular now due to lip fillers but it does work. But you probably know that by now, I bet you've already had a go in the mirror, haven't ya OP! OP...??😁😁😁

I’ve been mouthing Wogan all day on zoom calls thanks to this thread

Never be the person at the end of group!

I have no tips because I hate all my photos. I have purposefully not looked at the photos of my brothers wedding last year because I’ll hate myself!

'Hello, ladies.'

Think of something funny as you smile, it helps transfer the smile to your eyes. Lift your chin and turn your head slightly rather than looking straight down the barrel of the gun lens of the camera.

@Wishingwell75 literally can't stop doing it

Why not be at the end of a group? I think I can see why

I practised some showing teeth selfies. Just no. My teeth are fine and white and straight but I just look practically demented. It's like a really insincere grimace that distorts my features. So I already know closed mouth better

Or I'll just make like Wogan and lean casually on something