5 Free Ways to Look Better in Photos

Five Free Ways to Look Better in Photos by Wild Cotton Photography

Raise your hand if you get nervous having your photo taken….I know I do! As a photographer its my job to help my clients feel 100% comfortable in front of the camera. If you follow along on Instagram, I posted a reel recently with an easy (free!) way to look better in your photos…and its not a filter! Here are 5 easy tips that you can implement any time you have your photo taken:

Hydrate! Ever have too much wine, coffee or salty food and then wake up the next day with puffy eyes and dull skin? That is your body’s way of begging for some H20. The week leading up to your wedding or photoshoot is the time to start pounding some water. Don’t wait until the day of! Properly hydrating your body makes a huge difference in how you look and feel.
Lose the non-essential accessories. Take the hair tie (or Apple Watch) off your wrist. Take the phone or keys out of your pocket. Most photographers are happy to hold these things for you in their camera bag, so they aren’t distracting from your photos.
Posture. You would be surprised with how much of a difference this makes! Tall friends…I am talking to you. Embrace your height and don’t squat or slump your shoulders just because your significant other, friends or bridesmaids are shorter than you. Models are tall and beautiful and so are you.
Wear clothes that you feel great in. Let’s be honest…the “Quarantine 15” is real. (Anyone else barely exercise in the last year? Just me?) Don’t wear a dress that is too tight or borderline too short, because you will spend your time constantly adjusting it instead of having fun. Hate wearing a strapless bra? Don’t wear something that needs one! I love dresses and feel the best in them, so that is what I usually wear for my photos. Whatever your shape or size, wear something that you feel fabulous in, and that will reflect in your photos. Promise.
Be on Time. You may ask, “What in the world does that have to do with how I look in photos?” A lot. Your photographer will tell you the ideal time to start your photos for the best possible lighting, and if you are late you are cutting into that time. Racing the sun leaves everyone feeling rushed, stressed, and doesn’t result in the fun and relaxed photos both photographer and client want. Good lighting = good photos.