The Photo Makeover

How to look great in photos

If only you had a nickle for every time you hated a photo of yourself. We've all been there, but only the wisest women work on becoming photogenic. That's right: it's a skill you can learn, just like playing the piano or riding a bike. Here are a few pro tips for taking a great photo. In the meantime, practice doing your photo makeup in our virtual makeup studio.

How to Pose For Photos

Relax your mouth between takes so your smile doesn't freeze up and look as if someone is forcing you to say "cheeeeese!" Close your eyes every once in a while and slowly open them while the photographer is shooting to get sexy bedroom eyes that are less "dear caught in the headlights" and more "seductive siren." If you move around while taking your photos, slightly varying your facial expressions and poses like a pro model, you will have a wider range of shots from which to choose.

Keep your arms by your side but not smashed to your body (which gives the illusion of added weight). This will ensure a more natural pose and keeping them away from your body a little will make you appear slimmer. Stand with your belly tucked in , your buttocks tight and your shoulders back.

Focus your eyes slightly above the camera lens, don’t stare directly into it, and move your face forward to prevent the dreaded double chin effect. To feel more at ease at a professional shoot, try closing your eyes and relaxing your smile between takes.

How to Dress For Photos

Dress in rich solid colors that complement your background of choice. Burgundy, rust, hunter green, chocolate brown and jewel tones look great with the turning of the leaves in fall. For summer, bright reds, light blues and hunter greens (and also steely blue denim) are no-fail options. Bring several wardrobe choices with you on a professional shoot and let your photographer help you choose your best look.

Having an amateur take your pics? Remember that peak photo hours are early in the morning (around 9 a.m.) and late in the afternoon (until 8 p.m. in the summer). The so-called Twilight Hour, which is actually the 15-20 minutes right after the sun sets, casts a golden glow on the skin. That’s your best light, but your photographer will have to work quickly to capture it.

How to Do Your Makeup For Photos

There aren't any hard-and-fast rules where photography makeup is concerned, but you should pick cosmetics that complement your outfit and bring the products with you the day of the shoot for touch-ups. Smoky eye makeup is great because it's flexible. It can be seductive, sexy, fun or conservative. If you want to be photographed wearing a few different outfits, but don't want to change your makeup between takes, this is the best look.

Your foundation should not contain sunscreen, which reflects light, and always apply more blush than you would for everyday (think evening makeup even for day photos so you don't get washed out by the flash). Be sure to wipe excess mascara from the wand with a clean tissue to prevent clumps, which show up on film. Coat them by brushing forward, not in a slanted direction, for a lengthening effect and to make your lashes pop head-on.  --Stephanie Simons

TRY ON MAKEUP BY UPLOADING A PHOTO TO TAAZ