Frugal Living » 6 Secrets for Perfect Photos

6 Secrets for Perfect Photos

fb iconpinterest icontwitter iconlinkedin iconbuffer icon
This post may contain affiliate links, see Disclosure.

Paying someone else to take photographs can get expensive, here are 6 secrets for perfect photos to get amazing pictures throughout the year and have more memorable shots.

To ensure your subject stands out, use a plain background, you want to make sure there isn’t something that will distract from your main subject (such as balloons or a light pole sprouting from the top of their head!). Don’t be afraid to use your flash outdoors, even in the sunshine. This will help correct harsh facial shadows that can occur in bright sunlight.

If you have a double chin, you can reduce the appearance by gently pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth and sticking your chin out just a tiny bit, elongating the neck. This reduces the appearance and makes you look younger. (Don’t take my word for it, try it in front of a mirror! Don’t forget to smile!)

6 Secrets for Great Photographs

Be Casual

6-secrets-for-perfect-photos
All Photos via JP Ball Photography

Strike a casual Pose, allowing for a natural curve of the body, rather than a stiff pose.

Your Position Matters

Body Positioning: For a More flattering shot, turn your body away from the camera at an angle

6-secrets-for-perfect-photos
All Photos via JP Ball Photography

Head Tilt Trick

While facing the camera, Tilt your head slightly, this softens the angles of your face. Direct on shots eliminates shadows- which can make your face appear wider, larger or even discolored. Direct eye contact is very engaging in a photo, be sure your subject is looking at you and you’re at their level. If you’re photographing kids, you may need to stoop to catch their gaze.

6-secrets-for-perfect-photos
All Photos via JP Ball Photography

Knee Bend Trick

For a More Natural Look, Bend a Knee- This is an old red carpet trick, positioning the body at a 45 degree angle, with the arm closest to the camera at the hip. If the arm is flattened it makes the subject appear larger than she is.

6-secrets-for-perfect-photos
All Photos via JP Ball Photography

Hand Placement

Hand Placement can make a big difference in the finished photo- avoid covering your facial features, you want to accent them- not hide them!

6-secrets-for-perfect-photos
All Photos via JP Ball Photography

Drop Your Shoulder

Loosen up a Bit, Drop one shoulder to create an angle

6-secrets-for-perfect-photos
All Photos via JP Ball Photography

Following the above six simple steps can turn your casual snapshots into frame-worthy photographs that you’ll appreciate for years to come.

📌 Love this 6 Secrets for Perfect Photos? Pin it!

Portrait photography scene with text reading “6 Secrets for Perfect Photos”

Melissa 'Liss' Burnell, Founder of Budget101

👩‍🍳 About the Author

Melissa "Liss" Burnell started Budget101.com in 2001 because she needed it to exist — not because she saw a market opportunity. She was feeding a family of four on under $200 a month, and people kept asking how, so she started writing everything down.

That turned into 25 years of recipes, debt-busting strategies, and DIY content — including figuring out how to make 128 loads of laundry detergent for less than $2. Millions of families have quietly used this site to stretch a dollar without feeling like they're sacrificing anything. She's also the author of two bestselling budget cooking ebooks, available on Amazon.

📚 More on the About page, or find her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.

1 thought on “6 Secrets for Perfect Photos”

💬 Join the conversation
Have you tried this? Tell us what worked or what you would change.

Leave a Comment