Q&A for How to Be Photogenic

One of the best poses is usually a headshot, which doesn’t involve touching your face or your hair. Usually a close up of your facial expression, skin color, and smile. If you have an athletic physique take a body shot, by putting your hands in your jeans pockets and show confidence and smile.

Take photos of yourself or ask a friend to take your photo so you get used to being on camera. If you want, you can study portrait/fine art portfolios of models and photographers to see how other models look. Try to imagine what they were thinking and how they achieved their pose. In the end, confidence is all about how you choose to see yourself. It takes a lot of practice (I used to be extremely shy!) but if you pretend to be a confident, eventually you will actually feel confident.

Confidence is key. If you don't feel confident in yourself, then it will show in your pictures. Tell yourself that I am beautiful and no one can bring me down. Be natural and yourself, nothing else. And by all means, smile.

There are many modeling tricks that will allow you to look slimmer. Some of these include turning your body, separating your arms from your torso (they will make you look larger), or using a clean background so you don't have any visual extenders to your waist. Look up videos and articles on modeling tips. For dramatic lighting, it really depends on the equipment you have. Lower angles will demonstrate superiority, but can make it harder to look slim. Harsh shadows (bright source of light from one angle), a contrast between the subject and the background's brightness (flash), and the point of view will determine the mood of an image.

Turn your head slightly to the side so that the natural shadows contour your face to make your nose look slimmer.

Try to think of a funny memory to make you smile naturally. People look a lot better in photos when their smile is natural rather than forced. If you can't conjure up a memory, smile in the manner that you normally would for a photo. However, as the article says, make sure it's natural and not so wide that you can see your gums.

The best way to do so is to stand facing a mirror so that you see your phone screen and how you look in it.

Just work your angles and choose a flattering filter. Everyone is beautiful in their own way, don't be hard on yourself.

Just think of something funny, and listen to the photographer, because chances are, they know what they are doing. When they say "say cheese" just smile though, because saying cheese will give you a gummy and fake smile. Don't tilt your head up too much and puff out your chest a bit too.

Take different pictures, tilting your head in different directions each time. The one that looks best to you is the way you should aim to pose most times. Realize that there will be occasions when you've no choice about your angle, such as for passport photos or candid shots, but when you have control over it, remember the image of your best angle and perform that.

Tilt your head up slightly and to either side (which ever looks best for you) and hold your camera at an angle and above your head.

Try to do your hair so that it is not on your face and shows off your features. A good option is a clean ponytail or braids. You can also wear your hair down, as long as it is not messy.

You can move into a different angle. If you think you are fat, turn a bit so it will make you look skinnier. Also, flip your hair and add a pouty look if you are trying to look sexy, and if you are trying to make a funny picture, lean in and smile big, close your eyes and pretend you are laughing. Also, you can stick out your tongue or make a duck face, just for hilarity.

Maybe you could smile so your teeth don't show. But, don't feel bad. What makes attractive people so unique is often a feature that could be considered unattractive.

You can wear makeup, or use a filter on smart phone pictures. Visit a dermotologist, and see if you can't address the acne problem head on.

You can try smiling with your lips only. Consider getting braces if your teeth bother you.

Don't use a flash straight on. Use an off-camera flash instead and diffuse it to eliminate harsh shadows. If you don't have access to an off-camera flash, consider looking a different direction by turning your body and head in opposite directions. Remember to keep your eye line in line with your nose to avoid showing too much white over the iris.

Tilt your head towards the higher or longer side of your lips and smile. You could also try to draw attention from your lips by accenting other parts of your face.

Try to include hands in your poses. Or, just find an angle that will make it look slimmer.

If it's temporary, you can use glue tack. If you're going to use it for a long time, try using curtain poles or hooks.

Embrace your flaws! Confidence is key and once you find your confidence, posing for photos will be easy. If you can’t find the confidence to embrace your acne scars yet, opt for some concealer.

You could get bangs if you are a woman or wear a hat if you are a man.

Google search modeling schools in your area, and research them for credibility. Find one you trust and apply.

Tyra Banks always told her models to "smile with their eyes", which to me made a person's eyes have life and shine. Try practicing it in a mirror until you can do it without having to look.

Be confident with your smile! Also, you're not alone having a gap between your teeth; it is totally normal and totally charming.

Put your chin down and look up at the camera through your upper eyelashes.

Just wear a minimal outfit, like some jeans, a cute t-shirt, and some tennis shoes. You can look online to find some fashion or style blogs if you want to get better at dressing yourself though!

If you don't want to draw attention to your legs, I would avoid high-waisted skirts and jeans as well as heels.

You could wear a maxi dress or an A-line dress (or if you are male, wear a suit and tie). You could also just take a photo of your upper body instead of a full-body shot.