Now that pictures are constantly being uploaded to social networking, I’ve noticed that I think I’m better looking than I am. Without primping I’m actually far less attractive than when I blow dry and put lipstick on while all this time I kind of thought I was good to go without. So I’ve started primping a little more, not for my reality, but for my Facebook reality. It’s like this: you don’t care what you look like to throw back a couple beers with some close buds. However, you don’t really want your ex from 7 years ago, childhood friend, or long lost relative to see your greezy forehead and frizzies coming out of your ponytail while wearing your soccer shirt from 1998.

People sometimes think I know some secret to taking a good picture because of modeling, and while I think I was probably one of the most awkward models, I did learn some tips from stylists or photographers.

Makeup doesn’t show up as strong in a picture as in real life. Even the ‘natural’ look isn’t really natural on camera. It’s just nothing. I’m not talking about a fashion photo shoot or your wedding day or anything, but if you want to look good for pics when friends and non-friends alike are snapping and uploading away, add a little extra umph to your usual routine. Focus not on more products, but more of the product you’re already using. A little brighter on the blush for example.  This way you can keep it simple so you look good in reality and online. Especially if your on-line reality is more real than your tangible reality…..

Shine! I am so terrible with the shine. I’m like a reflector recently. Blotting papers, powder, or switching to a less greasy moisturizer are all ways to avoid this. The papers are easy because you can carry them around to use quick and easy without layering up makeup. I have one question, though, is it appropriate to blot in public, like at a dinner table? If you can blow your nose, why can’t you blot? And yet it seems so personal…..

To take a thinner picture, stand to the side (unless you have a huge pot belly of course), cross your legs (although I think this looks like you have to pee) or at least at a 45 degree angle. To give dimension to your waistline, throw a casual had at the narrowest part of your waist. Putting your hands on your hips can also make your shoulders look less rounded if you tend to slouch.  To take a taller picture, have the camera positioned lower than the usual eye-level and angled upward. Lean back a little if it’s not uncomfortable. In general, if you’re uncomfortable you probably look like it.  To look younger, use a bright flash, and/or hold a thin layer of white napkin over the flash to soften it. To have a more natural smile, laugh a little. Or rather, fake laugh a little. Ha. Ha. Ha.

Angles angles angles. If you have large features that can over-power a picture, one side of the face that’s obviously a-symmetrical, or just hate your big ass taking over the shot, turn at slight angles right, left up and down.

Sit up! That’s for you Mike. And for those of you who always look the same in every picture because you’ve decided that’s what works for you, please vary it up a little. I’m tired of looking at your same position in different outfits at different places.