Your BEST angle... (yes, you DO have one!)

​When I get clients in for studio headshots, I take a LOT of pictures of them at varying angles. Then I proceed to upload the images and look over them with my client. This either lead to a favorite image or a very clear understanding… We ALL have a preferred angle. Sometimes my client is able to choose a favorite, I edit it according to their specifications, and we’re done.

But sometimes, looking over the images leads us to a conversation and an understanding – we ALL have a “best” angle for us… and it’s unique. After looking at the images, if a client is unhappy with all of them, my client knows exactly why and we do it again… we always get their idea of perfection the second time. They’ve had time to evaluate and work their best angle.

Why am I sharing this? Well, because I have my best angle, too. I have awful angles and pretty angles. My nose isn’t small and it has a bump, which can make it look larger than it is at the wrong angle. I love my bump and wouldn’t change it, but I’m being realistic here. Also, I love my jawline (thanks, Mom!). When possible, I like for it to show. Oh, and my teeth. Despite braces in my teens, my teeth have shifted and I have one in particular that makes me feel insecure (I WILL fix it one day, but today is not that day). It is inset slightly and shadows in an ugly way at the wrong angle. So what do I do? I aim THAT tooth at the camera so there won’t be any shadows on that tooth. And I like my face tipped slightly upward… because jawline. See? I have preferences. It is truly what helps me empathize with my clients. And people I know would never think the same things about me that I just shared with you… we are our own worst critics. But that doesn’t change the facts. We all want to share an image of ourselves that makes us feel attractive. Me too!!!

So, without further ado, here are my tips…

1. Get your camera as far from your face as your arms (or tripod or friend or ledge) will allow. The closer you are to your camera, the worse the distortion. So… step back.
2. Try a HUGE variety of angles. Don’t get drastic. A little to the left, a little to the right, a little up, a little down… find YOUR best angle.
3. Face the light. No, really, not “face the truth,” but face the light. Any light. Window light is gorgeous! Try that. Face the light and get rid of unsightly shadows. Super flattering! You’ve got this!

I would LOVE it if you read this, tried it, and shared the results with me. Even more, I’d love it if, when you need professional pictures, you hit me up. Because really… my goal is to photograph you looking like YOU on your BEST day! I’ve got your back ;)
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~Lori