No one likes an unflattering photo. 

You’re going out for drinks with friends and all of you are looking great. You’re looking forward to sharing a great group photo to Instagram but then you blink while all of your friends look perfect in the shot. 

Can you relate?  While retaking a picture for an Instagram post isn’t the end of the world, what about for photos that are a little more high stakes, i.e. senior photos?

While it’s nearly impossible to avoid those awkward photo mishaps, there are a lot of things to do to make sure you look your absolute best in your photos.  Even if you’ve never been the most photogenic, here are a few tips for how to be more photogenic.

1. Treat yourself well before a shoot.  Show yourself some love by getting a good night’s rest.  It’s hard to be fully present when you’re exhausted.  The same goes for eating healthy—you don’t want to feel bloated when you’re trying to smile and enjoy your shoot!  Be sure to drink plenty of water as well.

2. Practice what looks best.  There are a few tried and true tricks that photographers use to make their models look their best.  One of these techniques is elongating your neck.  This is a slimming effect that helps create better posture (that will help you feel more confident, too!).  A photographer might also mention pointing with your nose—it sounds crazy, but it works.  When you use this technique, it gives you an energetic vibe.  It’s important to remember the second part, though:  putting your chin down.  You don’t want to look like a bird searching for food!  The last cheek-muscle-saving tip?  Smeyes is real.  This one takes some practice to make it look natural, but the results are worth it!

3. Relax.  Did you see this one coming?  Although it sounds difficult to “just relax”, try something that works for you.  Play music you love and have a dance jam before you leave for your shoot.  Wear some of your favorite flattering clothes.  Grab a Starbucks Refresher with someone you love before you meet up with your photographer.  If you’re a yogi, have at it!  There are so many ways to help relieve some of that pre-photo shoot stress, and your photographer wants you to feel as comfortable as possible.  Make sure you choose someone that you trust to make you look your best!