How To Look Good In Photos. Tips from a Hampshire Photographer

We’ve all been there: scrolling through a gallery and finding one photo where we look absolutely radiant, followed by ten others we’d rather delete forever. It’s frustrating when you can’t quite put your finger on why one shot “clicked” and the others didn’t.

If you’re currently prepping for a family, maternity, or newborn session here in Hampshire, that “camera shyness” is completely normal. You’re investing in professional portraits services because you want pieces of art to hang in your Gosport home or share with family in Fareham, not something to hide in a drawer.

The good news? Looking “photogenic” isn’t a DNA trait. It’s actually just a mix of comfort, the right light, and a few little-known posing tricks. Here is how we make sure you walk away loving every single frame.

Choose a photographer that you trust and feel comfortable around

You’ll find plenty of photographers across Southampton and Portsmouth, but the best one for you is the person you feel you could grab a coffee with. If you feel stiff or intimidated by your photographer, it shows in your jawline and your eyes.

I always tell my clients to look beyond the portfolio. Check out the Google reviews and see if people mention feeling “relaxed” or “at home.” When you trust the person behind the lens, you stop “performing” and start just being yourself. That’s where the magic happens.

Choose your favourite clothes so you can look good in photos

The “rules” of what to wear for a photoshoot have changed. Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching white t-shirts. For my outdoor family sessions, I recommend textures and tones that complement the Hampshire landscape, think soft knits or flowing fabrics that move with the breeze.

For my maternity clients, I provide a curated studio wardrobe of gowns designed to celebrate your bump. The secret? If you feel beautiful in what you’re wearing, you’ll naturally stand tall. If you’re tugging at a hemline or worried about a neckline, it’ll show. Pick the outfit that makes you want to twirl!

How to do your makeup and hair to look good in photos

Your makeup plays a crucial role in your photos. It’s essential to have the right foundation colour – if it’s too light or too dark, it really shows in pictures. Use a concealer that matches perfectly to hide any imperfections or under-eye circles.

Also, apply a translucent powder on your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin to prevent your skin from appearing oily. When it comes to your hair, you definitely don’t want it to look dull and lifeless in photos. Combat frizz because the camera flash can accentuate stray hairs.

Be mindful not to use excessive hair products that make your hair seem wet and stiff. Right before the photo is taken, you can add some volume by flipping your head over (if your hairstyle allows it).

Posing tips for your photos

Here are some handy tips for posing in photos to look your best:

• • Lift Your Arm(s): Instead of leaving your arms flat at your sides, place one hand on your hip. This not only makes you appear more comfortable but also helps avoid making your arms look larger than they are.

• • Angle Your Shoulders: Standing straight towards the camera can make you seem larger. To look slimmer and more flattering, turn your shoulders slightly to show a thinner profile.

• • Occupy Your Hands: When you’re not sure what to do with your hands, it can add to the nervousness. Consider holding a prop like a coffee cup or a handbag to ease that awkward feeling. You can also use your hand to gently touch your face or hair for a more advanced but stylish look.

• • Roll Your Shoulders Back: To appear relaxed and confident, take a deep breath, relax, and roll your shoulders back. It will help you exude confidence in your photos.

• • Pose Your Hair: Your hair is part of your overall pose. If you have long hair, decide whether it should be in front of or behind your shoulders, all on one side, or even up. Your hairstyle can make a significant difference in the photo’s overall impression.

Smiling tips to look good in your photos

Here are some tips to help you achieve a more natural and flattering smile in photos:

 

• • Be Natural, Don’t Force It: Instead of forcing a smile, aim for a natural one. Relax your facial muscles, engage your eyes, and think of something that genuinely makes you happy. Practice smiling in front of a mirror beforehand for the best results.

 

• • Put Your Tongue Behind Your Teeth: To maintain a natural-looking smile, try placing your tongue behind your teeth when you grin. This technique prevents an overly wide and goofy smile.

 

• • Think or Tell a Joke: If you’re struggling to smile naturally, sometimes I will try to share a joke or a funny story, most of the time this works and we will have a laugh. This can help you relax and capture a genuine, natural smile.

 

• • Wear Bright Lipstick: Bright lipstick can enhance your smile in photos. Dark lipstick may make your lips appear smaller and have an aging effect, while bright lipstick can make your features stand out and give a boost to your smile.

 

• • Practice Smiling with Teeth and Without Teeth: Experiment with both smiling with and without showing your teeth in the mirror to find out what suits you best. If you choose a closed-mouth smile, ensure it still appears pleasant by practicing this technique. Practice makes perfect!

I hope that these tips I have shared about how to look good in your photos, either are outdoor family photos or couple photos, either maternity and baby bump ones, I hope these tips have been useful. As you’ll probably already know, I love photographing families and kids all year round.

Remember, I specialise in lifestyle portraits of not just families, but also newborn babies, children of all ages, and pregnant ladies too. So, if you’d like to secure a slot for your own photography session, please get in touch as soon as possible, I cannot wait to meet you.

 

Choosing the perfect Hampshire backdrop

While the Gosport and Fareham areas are perfect for those cosy, timeless newborn and maternity shots, we are so lucky to have incredible landscapes right on our doorstep for outdoor family sessions.

• The Coastal Vibe: Places like Hill Head or Lee-on-the-Solent are stunning at “Golden Hour” (just before sunset) for that airy, breezy look.

• Woodland Magic: If you love greenery, the New Forest or the Forest of Bere offer a textured, natural backdrop that looks different in every season, from bluebells in spring to golden leaves in autumn.

• Historical Charm: For something a bit more unique, the stone walls around Portchester Castle provide amazing depth and character to family portraits.