The summer social season is upon us! Odds are your calendar is crammed with graduations, family vacations, weddings, and reunion plans. T’is the time most people typically content to hide behind the camera (ahem) find themselves standing motionlessly in front of one sporting an awkward smile while mumbling “Cheese.”

But maybe this year can be different, yes? I spoke with some area photographers who gave me some great tips. Try them out. Who knows? You might (for once) love the image staring back at you.

Chosing a background is very important.

“A few things to know? Take pictures near a window (if indoors) or in shade (if outside) to cast flattering natural light on the subject; avoid direct sun and shooting at noon if at all possible,” says Jonathan S. Pollack of J Pollack Photography. Also? Pollack advises, “Keep backgrounds free of distractions to bring the viewer’s attention to the subject.” (This is YOUR time to shine!)

And when it comes to positioning?

“Always avoid approaching the camera straight on. This tends to make you look heavier. You’ll look leaner if you turn to the side,” notes Lori Jansen of Traditions Portrait Studio. Jonathan concurs and adds that if a photographer is shooting down on the subject at an angle, “tilt (your) head up toward the camera – this will naturally slim them up a bit as well as hide a double chin and some wrinkles.”

There’s another great reason to lift one’s head slightly when staring into the camera. (the key word here is “slightly”) “ Be cautious not to overdo this one – lifting the chin too much makes an obvious statement,” Lori says.

When it comes to dressing for photography success? Go for bright, solid colors.

Forgo the neon. Rich, vibrant colors will help you look less pale or washed-out. And choose solids over busy patterns. “Designs (such as stripes or plaids) can be distracting and even make you appear bulkier than normal. Darker colors tend to be more slimming than light colors in photographs,” Lori states. Also? “A shirt with sleeves is much more flattering than going sleeveless. Snapshots do not usually show definition in arms, so no matter how thin your arms are, they will usually look larger and can be one of the first things noticed in a photo.”

And as a bonus? “Always carry powder with you before your picture is to be taken. This will help to reduce facial shine,” she says.

Last (but not least) smile naturally.
Some people just don’t smile well for photos. “The solution is to try to smile naturally. Easier said than done, right? Try this, think of something that truly makes you happy. This will always give you a natural pleasant smile,” Lori advises.

If you find yourself the subject of a photo, feel free to ask the photographer to take a step back before he or she clicks. The extra room can make a world of difference when the photo’s later printed. “Leave enough room on all sides for cropping and adjusting the photo later on,” Jonathan mentions. “Many point-and-shoot cameras take a 4:3 ratio picture, while many prints are a 3:2 ratio.”

Lori Jansen is the owner of Traditions Portrait Studio at 1041 Fairfax Street in Carlyle, IL. 618-594-3327. (Her blog can be found here.)

Jonathan Pollack is the St. Louis photog behind JPollack Photography. He can be reached at 314-374-3249.  (His blog can be found here.)