You wonder how the cover models do knock-out photos all the time. Their best features, confidence and knowledge of knowing how to pose for photos help turn them into the men they have always wanted to be on Instagram anyway.
In order to prevent you from looking like ‘Oh no, not good again‘ at yet another picture of yourself, we have collected these tips with the help of some photo experts so you can take a good photo from well before the camera clicks till your garner those Instagram likes.
1. Consider your posture, hair, shave and clothes
Celebrity photographers reveal that there are four main things to consider when preparing for your photograph to be taken: posture, hair, a shave and the clothes you wear. Whether you want to look be it smart or rugged, all of these things are easy to do, but they take thought and preparation before a shoot and are difficult to fix at the last minute. A fresh hairstyle and a clean shave (or at least a trim of the beard) will make you look more presentable, but the clothes you wear are often an overlooked piece of the jigsaw when it comes to preparing for a photo opportunity.
2. K.I.S.S (Keep It Soft and Simple)
Keep your style soft, clean and simple for the best shots. When dressed in suits, stick to different shades of grey jackets and suits and wear white shirts when wearing anything formal at all. This also helps if I want a shot to be black and white as it provides a contrast. Also, take care to think about the setting. Focus on the atmosphere in a shot rather than the clothes themselves. Clothes can only take a look so far in a photo.
3. At the click of the camera
Don’t be deceived, every photo a model posts on Instagram is not done with a dollop of graceful laissez-fairness. There are 100 photos behind that perfect profile pic, so for the best photos try and take as many as you can and edit down from them. While you are taking test runs keep an eye on the photos and try and figure out what your best side is. The only way to find out is through trial and error so look at past photos that you like of yourself and try and notice a recurring side.
4. What to do with your face
Sometimes there are obvious facial features to show or hide. To hide a double chin, or even just to prevent one showing up that is not there, push your chin out and a little bit down. This will also make the jaw look more angular. Do not pull it back as this tends to be why double chins show up in photos. An elevated camera angle will also help here, and not be facing the camera squarely, as doing so can cause a face to widen, while a little bit of a turn helps to create a more chiselled look.
5. What to do with your body
Your posture is the defining moment of the photoshoot so maintaining the right posture is key. Keep your chest broad and pinch your shoulder blades together to create a straightened back and prevent hunched-over shoulders. You should try and retain this posture throughout the day, whether you are on camera or not. Think about what you are doing with your hands too. Anything that creates a bit of dynamism in the photo is good, such as a hand leaning up against a wall. You can strike a pose by putting a hand in a pocket or the classic pose of straightening a tie, both of which bend the elbows. Avoid creating parallel lines though, such as standing straight with arms by one’s sides.
6. Composition and lighting
When it comes to lighting also bear in mind how much of an effect this will have on your image. Note that every face handles light differently, but a full frontal light a little bit above you, or a little bit to the side is a standard on set. Natural light is the best. Morning light and the light an hour before sundown is called ‘magic hour’ and the natural light you get at this time gives the skin this impeccable beautiful glow. Bright light creates strong shadows and an overcast day makes for soft shadows. And sometimes rain in an image can be fantastic though.