If you’ve ever felt shy or uncomfortable in front of the camera, you’re not alone. As a wedding, family, and couples photographer, I take photos of a lot of people, and plenty of my clients feel some level of – ”I hate having my photo taken!” 

In my experience, this is usually because you don’t feel confident or comfortable. 

The good news? Those are things we can improve without spending a single dollar or taking any kind of drastic action. 

Keep reading for my best professional tips for how to look better in pictures.

Your Clothes Matter

Yep, what you wear actually has a significant impact on how you feel being photographed and how much you like the photos afterwards. 

Here’s what may surprise you: the answer is not to buy a bunch of expensive new clothes.

In fact, I recommend shopping from your own closet and not buying new clothes for most photo sessions. (If you’re getting married, you’ll obviously have some new clothes.) 

The secret to looking better in pictures is feeling comfortable and confident while the photos are being taken. And there’s nothing better for comfort and confidence than an outfit you know looks good and that you’re used to wearing. 

New clothes are often uncomfortable – jeans that are too stiff and not broken in, shoes that pinch your toes or give you blisters, a sweater that’s unbearably itchy. Those are the things we want to avoid!

Instead – go to your closet and pull out the pieces that make you feel your best. These are the clothes you want to use to build your photo session outfit. You may need to buy something to fill in a gap – like a camisole that’s the right color – but your main outfit should come from clothes you already own and like.

You’ll immediately feel better in front of the camera! 

How to look better in pictures without changing your body

Have someone take photos of you before your photo session so you can try out different ways of standing, posing, and angling your body. 

Honestly? You’re perfect exactly as you are. But everyone does have a good side or an angle they look best from!

And if you figure that out before your session, you can always tell your photographer so they can make sure and capitalize on your most flattering poses. It’s okay to want to be photographed from the left if it’s your best side! 

You can also improve the way you look in your photos by engaging in good posture. Slumping and slouching are out, standing up straight with your shoulders back and down is going to make you look your best. 

Try to always be aware of your hands. They look so strange in photos when they’re just hanging limply by your side. Try one hand relaxed on your hip, loosely resting on your leg, or engaging with someone else in your photo – on a child’s head or holding hands with your partner.

Your emotions matter

If you’re tense or anxious, it will show up in your face. 

Give yourself plenty of time to get ready before your photo session so you don’t arrive already feeling stressed. Practice relaxing your face, softening your jaw, and smiling a natural smile. 

They say your eyes are the window to your soul for a reason – it’s where your emotions truly shine! Try to make direct eye contact with the camera and channel your feelings through your eyes for a more authentic emotional expression.

Some people like to “smize” (smiling with your eyes with a more neutral mouth) which can look good when you know what you’re doing. Try this in a mirror at home and make sure you like the look before breaking it out in a session! 

When taking photos with kids, don’t try to control them or force them to smile a certain way. Letting kids be themselves, and giving yourself permission to enjoy the experience, always leads to better photos. 

Knowing how to look better in pictures helps you relax and feel confident

When you have a few tricks up your sleeve like an outfit that feels great, a handful of flattering angles to try, and great posture – you’ll automatically look better in pictures!

You’ll also enjoy the entire experience more. 

Remember, avoiding photos because you don’t like your smile or you want to lose 20 pounds just means you’re missing out on memories that you can never get back. 

Families change, moments pass, and life is constantly moving forward. It’s worth it to slow down and capture some photos (even if you’re not 100% excited about the prospect) because you’ll look back in 5, 10, or 25 years and be thrilled you have these memories. 

In the Bay Area and ready to look and feel your best with couples or family photos? Check out my work and let’s chat about scheduling your session! 

As always, as a photographer I leave no trace!