Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Gtalk, Linkedin… every social networking site needs that perfect profile photograph. And if you are a serious social networker, you will have different ones for every account. Here are a few tips that professional photographers have for youngsters. Wearing a new dress, going out for a party..., every occasion calls for a new display image. And you have to get it right. Sensing the importance here, lifestyle photographer Roohshad, says, “The only difference between a professional model and people who just want good photographs is that a professional model knows how she/he looks.
“The best thing to do is just sit in front of the mirror and practice. Most Indian women don’t show their teeth when they smile. I personally believe that pictures come out better when you are laughing whole-heartedly. For women, a photograph comes out better when they twist just a little bit and then look into the camera.” Roohshad also gives a few handy technical tips. “Shoot the photograph from a higher angle. People have a misconception of taking pictures from a lower angle but that makes them look fatter. The farther the camera, the better the picture.”
And what about the different types of poses? Derek Blasberg, an American fashion writer and editor-at-large of Harper’s Bazaar, writes in his book, Very Classy: “It’s crucial to have mastered three types of facial expressions. The first is the big smile, the second is the half smile, that is the smiling with the eyes over the shoulder shot, and as you venture away from the smiles – into the realm of the Princess Coldstare.” He adds, “In an effort to look thinner, people hunch their shoulders, towards their ears and try to sink their chests back towards the spine.” Photographer Josh Komanapalli talks about taking the perfect selfie: “Lighting is very important. And as far as possible, even if you are clicking from an iPhone, opt for natural light and make sure that you have a neutral background.”
He too puts in a note about how to pose: “Focus on your good features; for example, if you’re trying to show off your beautifully done hair, try to show most of that and part of your face — that highlights what you’re trying to show. While taking full-length photographs are always better, for women, showing off long legs is attractive but men should stay away from it. For men, it always works better to squint their eyes a little as they pose for a full length shoot as that brings attention to their jawline.”
When you are posing with someone, it’s preferable that the girl stands just a step ahead of the boy. While smiling is the most important factor, a little squint from the boy steals the show. But, most important, is to be comfortable in front of the camera.
