If you want to look great when the family photographer is prowling around with his/her camera, try the following tricks used by some of the top stars and models. When I used to photograph weddings, I would use these techniques with the bridal party. Made for happier clients!

1. Wear bright or light colors next to your face. Dark colors will make you look washed out. Patterned or busy checks will lead the eye away from your face, so leave them for another time.

2. Wear your hair up to make your neck look longer and slimmer. Ditto with long dangling earrings.

3. If you are weight conscious stand, don't sit.

4. If you are sitting, cross your legs at your ankles. This will make your thighs and calves look slimmer.

5. To look slimmer, never face the camera dead on ... stand with one shoulder facing the camera ... your body will be at an angle, making you look slimmer.

6. Long nose? Tilt your chin forward.

7. Don't wear heavy, dark eye makeup ... you'll end up looking like an owl or racoon.

8. Try different versions of a smile. From a face splitting grin, to a gentle closed lip smile. Choose the best look for you and stick with it.

9. Short neck? Tilt your chin up.

10. When you are looking at the camera, diffuse your focus so that you don't have a hard stare. Do this by looking at the person behind the camera and diffusing until they are fuzzy. This is hard so you may have to practice, but give it a go because it make you look more friendly.

(c) Melanie Rockett

Melanie Rockett is a small business consultant who works with photographers to grow their businesses. 
http://www.proofpositive.com