Do you cringe, or run for the corner, whenever someone steps into the room with a grin - and a camera? Are you the one who hides behind the time-and-place-recorder making other's holidays a stressful heck? Well, this year let's make a change in the way you feel about seeing yourself on film, shall we!
Photo-phobics have long wished that some thoughtful jeweler would create some clever camera-blinding earrings, but it's unlikely that they will, this year, so if you happen to be shutter-shy, here are a few tricks to help you meet those pesky blue flashes with great confidence this year.
First, remember that you are the only you who can represent you on film, (particularly to people who know you) so it's imperative that you realize that what makes you unique makes you beautiful. Put on a confident smile and remember it's not polite to point! (I'll explain later)
Now, I've been a photographer since as far back as I can recall...and I'm a pretty good shot too, so I can assure you there's no reason for you to be disturbed by all the camera flashes this year; just remember these simple things: Hair, Eyes, Lips, Teeth, Elbows and Toes.
A confidence builder: Before you attend the first Christmas party this year, grab your camera (I pray it's a digital) and snap a few shots of yourself awash in smiles, grins, and thoughtful expressions. Select the photos that reflect the beauty that you are - ones that don't reveal that you have any imagined flaws. Study the photos and memorize which side of your face intoxicates you, then do your very best to keep that side front and center when anyone in your party screams out "It's picture time!!!"
And now for the tricks:
1) Never wash-and-wear your hair in front of the camera. Try not to wash your hair the day of a party where photos will likely be taken. Let the natural oils in your hair keep frizz/fly-away/frazzled hair at bay. Your hair will be most manageable and can be adjusted fairly radically by simply wetting any portion that displeases you and drying it into the position you desire. ***If you must wash your hair, use a salt water spritz to manage your locks, it works better than any gel or spray on the market.
2) Grab a tube of that little girl's flavored lip gloss (Bonnie Bell?) from the cosmetics department and some waterproof mascara for the occasion. Waterproof mascara will prevent a party gone-too-long, or tearful goodbye scenes, from being recorded for all time's sake - making you out to be a raccoon in drag. And the girlie lip gloss will taste just yummy while it keeps your lips looking moist and kissably perfect.
3) Clean up those chompers. That's right, before you leave your humble abode, brush your teeth well with a dissolved mixture of salt, baking soda and warm water. This will cleanse your palate for the fine delectables you'll be feasting on later and give your teeth a whiter look that lasts!
4) Give yourself some room and never hide your elbows - they're too handy! Your elbows mark where the smallest part of your waistline should be, so use them to your advantage. Crook your arm out, or back, away from your body at the elbow as you strike your casual angle-pose for the camera. Your elbow will stop the critical viewer's eye in the foreground of your body, then they'll move up to your face, so they won't even notice if you've put on a couple of extra pounds since dinner.
5) Never point - your toes - at a camera! Put one foot slightly in front of the other and turn a few degrees away from any grinning-photo-snapper, making sure that the side of your face you've come to admire (from your home photo-shoot session) is turned toward the camera. This little trick takes pounds off instantly and gives the distinct impression that you have longer, more slender, legs than you might actually have!
And finally, if all else fails:
6) Never forget how much fun pets and children are around the holidays - use them appropriately. Seize every opportunity to pull a child or pet close to whichever side of your face you'd prefer not to have memorialized this year; this will prevent any accidental capturing of your not-so-perfect angle and build warm memories for all to enjoy. ***A little bag of Hershey's Chocolate Kisses in your pocket will keep both types of living distractions close at hand...and keep your spirits bright!
And now, you're ready to head out for the holiday parties fit and happy to be photo'd! May each of you have a very Merry Christmas!
Amy K. Jones
http://belovedranter.spaces.live.com/
Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12mpCoby DTV
Canon EOS 40D 10 1MP
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