Do you cringe at the thought of taking a yearbook picture or Facebook photo? Well have no fear, because professional photographer and Olympus Visionary Maki Kawakita has given me her expert tips on how to take a good Facebook photo.
Look Current
Photo courtesy of Maki Kawakita
Your photo should represent you now. Ensure you are wearing your favorite clothes, makeup and accessories.
Originality is Key
Determine what makes you unique and tastefully show it off. Originality is important to ensure that you are not just another picture on a Web or yearbook page.
Find Your Best Color
White has a natural defusing effect. Similarly, red will warm your skin tone, blue will cool it down and yellow will give you a rich golden effect.
Be Natural
If you are always smiling, smile big. If you are a serious person, then be cool. Most importantly: Be yourself.
Makeup Isn't Only for the Ladies
Both men and women should bring some face powder and apply it shortly before taking the photograph to eliminate any glossy spots. This will give you an even skin tone under the camera lights.
White Teeth = A Better Smile
In the weeks leading up to your photo try using whitening strips on your teeth, because the last thing you want to be remembered for is darkened or yellow teeth.
Think About an Art Filter
For senior yearbook photos ask your photographer about a shot with a soft focus filter. Popular in wedding photography, soft focus evens out skin tone, cuts down on shine and is a nice shot to have even if you don't use it as your main yearbook photo.
For Facebook shots look to be even more adventurous with filters like pop art or grainy black and white. Several camera manufacturers like Olympus even offer filters in-camera.