Help! Advice on dressing for a photo I am dreading...

[Gargantua]

Hi I have to get my photograph taken for something quite public to do with my work. It's going to be published in a few places (something like an author photo on a book only not that unfortunately!) and I am DREADING it I hate having my photo taken I look horrible in photos all round face nasty hair and massive body .

I have curly hair, a roundy face and currently a rather roundy body (am bf at moment so boobs massive). I don't mind doing hair and makeup etc but I need advice on what to wear, I am thinking something plain like a shirt?

please help!

Anyone pleeeeeeeeeease!

Is it just head and shoulders? Black and white or colour?

In general, yes, something plain like a shirt (if not actually a shirt then definitely something with a V neck), and in a plain colour rather than a pattern.

It's going to be in colour, so therefore I will look even worse, and will probably be down to waist or hips or something. Why do you say V neck, do you mean for breaking up the vast bosom?

Yes, if you are large of bosom then a v-neck is definitely the way to go (in life in general but for photos in particular). Do not even consider a crew neck or anything high.

Probably best to go for something in a reasonably dark colour but not black, Depending on your skin tone, maybe a burgundy or a deep racing green or some kind of blue? If there's a colour you know you look good in, try to find a top in that colour.

I assume they are using a professional photographer? They should be experienced in dealing with sitters who are unhappy with their own bodies and have the knack of making you feel at ease and get a good final image, so try not to worry. Professional hair and makeup and a nice top and you'll blow everyone away!

(Oh, and long sleeves if possible)

Yes it is a pro photographer which is comforting, and they do want a nice final image, but am still just absolutely knotted in the stomach when I think about it.

I will have a look for some sort of v neck top and hold my tummy in thanks for taking the time to post.

DH & I are booking for studio session (for fun!!) and got some advice from the photographer as follows:

Nothing highly patterned, plains are best.
With sleeves.
Light and mid tones are best - avoid black or white.

But in addition to this he did say wear what you feel comfortable in. He took some nice pics of DH for his publicity brochure for his business and offered a good deal on a portrait session for the two of us. We have not had our photo taken professionally since we were married centuries ago!

Posture is very important, no slumping !

A good tip for helping you look comfortable rather than tense and self-conscious - try to think 'I really hope people notice my wonky teeth / wobbly tummy /whatever' rather than trying to hide what you consider to be your defects. Bizarrely it really does make people less likely to notice those things and more likely to warm to the expression in your eyes.

WHAT?? If I think those things I am going to look as tense as the future perfect!!

Yes my neck is not the longest at the best of times mustn't let it sink away completely.

Don't I sound attractive?

Where can I get a plain long sleeved block coloured V neck thing that will do up over bf boobs?

What size do you need? What colours suit you?

And do you have a budget?

I would need a 16, I like colours like coffee, amethyst purple, pink.

I will find the cash for the right thing.

This from Kew or possibly this

Edith from Monsoon

Oh yes they are nice.

Is it advised to put a necklace to distract from boobs or is my style advice a legacy from the 80s?

Would Edith make one look preggers?

Thomas Pink (although it is grey)

Oooh the Thos Pink one is lovely. There is TP near me.

I think necklace is fine but, again, make it V-ish rather than round/high. And you probably don't want a Statement necklace, rather something understated.

Do you think maybe a pendant on a thickish chain (to just above cleavage) rather than a great clatter of baubles?

I like 'tense as the future perfect'!

Good luck - I hope it goes well!