Introduction

A picture is worth 1000 words say the wise... so what are your ID, Driver's License or Passport photos saying about you? An invaluable tool, a good portrait can be sent ahead in preparation for an encounter... to strategically create the image you want to project.

We don't get a second chance to make a good first impression so let « Image thinking »... tilt the odds in your favor. Portrait photographer Dominique James has 7 tips for looking great in photos.

Directions

The following tips are designed to help you look your best for any kind of professional portrait.

1) At picture-taking time, take a few seconds to compose yourself. Don't just fix your hair, face or clothes but find your inner facial expression. Start by relaxing the muscles in your forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, lips, neck and finally, shoulders. Turn your focus to what image you want to portray and then "radiate" it.

2) When you smile for the camera, don't just smile with your mouth but with your eyes. Tap on your source of joy from within (by thinking happy and funny thoughts, remembering loved ones or recalling great moments) and then let your eyes sparkle with brightness from this wellspring of emotion. The rest of your face and posture will follow.

3) Automatically apply the secret of photogenic men, women, and children &emdash; put your chin down. What is being photographed is your face, not your neck. You become more photogenic by a factor of 20% when you slightly draw your chin downwards.

4) To make a "double chin" magically disappear, simply extend your neck a bit forward to the direction of the camera. As extra insurance, it may be helpful to make sure that the camera position is at your eye level.

5) To show poise, don't "confront" the camera directly. Find your "good side", turn yourself to the ten or two o'clock position to show it to the camera (when at noon). then slowly and naturally twist the top of your body back to face the photographer to look in the lens.

6) In whatever pose you strike, deal with hands and arms by making them fall naturally and comfortably to your side, slightly back, bent at the elbow. You can clasp your hands, cross your arms, occupy your hands by holding a small object, etc.. Make sure your fingers are not straight down, spread out or clenched into a fist or a claw.

7) Wear appropriate and subtle clothing and accessories as props for the image you want to show. You don't need to "dress up". Ideally, the outfit you should wear must best describe your unique personality, profession, or the circumstance of the particular occasion.