Picture day is coming up. The picture is going on your ID, which you’ll be using for the rest of the year, or it’s going to end up in the yearbook, which your friends will all see for years. That, of course, raises the question: How do you make sure that your picture is something to be proud of?
A few things will make you more likely to capture the perfect look. Like getting ready for a red carpet photoshoot, you have to take a few extra steps to ensure you’re ready for the camera’ snap.
Prepare the Week Before
If you’re rushed, stressed, dehydrated, and tired, your picture is going to reflect that, no matter how much makeup you put on. Instead, you need to present the best version of you. That means everything, top to bottom, not just your face.
In the week or so before picture day, plan everything so that you’re not stressed or rushed. Drink lots of water to hydrate your skin, and make sure you get enough sleep the night before. In the morning when you wake up, make sure you spend a little extra time on your skin care, and not just your makeup. After all, healthy skin provides a healthy canvas!
Don’t Use True Glitter
Glitter is an intense look. That’s good in some circumstances, but it’s definitely not good in pictures. The camera flash can reflect off glitter in a way that you probably weren’t expecting, leading it to look gaudy or, in a worst-case scenario, making the picture useless.
To avoid this, stick to things that look “shimmery,” not glittery. Hold off on glitter sunscreen and instead try a warm bronzer that has a deep shimmer, such as copper. You want to look sun-kissed, not like a disco ball.
Create a Strong Natural Look
The word you should always be thinking about when it comes to school picture day is “natural.” Sure, playing around with bright colors and interesting textures can be fun on other days, but this shouldn’t be where you’re showing off your creative skills. Instead, it should just be a way to bring out your best features in a natural way.
Remember, however, that the camera can sometimes distort things. As much as you should be looking at creating a natural look, you actually want it to look just a bit unnatural off-camera so that it looks truly natural. That might mean adding an extra coat of mascara, blending your foundation much more than usual, or lining your eyes a bit more than usual.
Use the 3/4 Turn Trick
Taking a head-on picture is useful when you’re getting an ID photo taken, but that’s about it. It tends to be an unflattering angle, so if you’re taking yearbook photos or any other school pictures, try not to let the camera be exactly head-on, because you’re not doing yourself any favors with that angle.
Instead, you want a slight 3/4 angle. When you sit down for the picture, turn your face just slightly either to the left or right, and then tuck your chin down a little. Even just a few degrees each way can lead to a much more flattering angle that will bring out your features in the best possible way. You may want to practice with some friends at home to perfect just the right angle.
Embrace Your Look, No Matter What
At the end of the day, this isn’t a picture that the world is going to judge you on forever. Even if it’s not the most flattering of photos, that’s not the end of the world. Laugh about it, shake your head a bit, and then move on. It doesn’t do you any good to dwell on how you could’ve made the picture a bit better. After all, you can’t change it now.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect makeup look for any occasion is difficult, even more so when you’re taking a picture of it. Although doing it on your own is a viable option, if you’re not good at makeup, you may want to hand the job over to a pro. Consider booking an appointment at an Ogle School salon to get expert tips on your picture day look.
