Taking your yearbook photo is a bit exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. Who wouldn't want to look good on the yearbook, right? You don't want to be remembered as that awkward kid who equally looked goofy on it too.
To prepare you for the perfectly captured moment, Gradshop shares these tips on how to project yourself in front of the camera and look dashingly good on your yearbook.
Some stuff are just optional.
1.) Know what angle of your face works best for you.
Studies tell us that the left side of our face is the more good-looking one compared to the right side. Well, we're not totally against the study, but there may be exceptions.
To check which angle works best for you, practice smiling and posing in front of the mirror or better yet, take selfies on your camera or phone and observe which ones look best. While doing that, remember to:
- Pose or take pictures on both angles of your face, so you can see which side is the best.
- Remember to not slouch or cower your shoulders.
- Don't tilt your head downwards, your neck should be stiff and still while your chin is tilted a bit to the right/left (to see which angle really works best for you).
2.) Practice the right Facial expression.
Remember that we are taking this photo for a yearbook. Don't go for a wacky face, duck face or even a pouty look or a smug look. Just look natural and formal, wear a curt smile- like Mona Lisa!
To smile with teeth exposed... or not?
It depends on what you're comfortable with. To know which one works for you, it's best to practice smiling in front of the mirror or while taking photos on your phone or camera too!
- Practice doing different kinds of smiles.
- It's best to take photos of each type of smile so you can review and choose which one looks best for the yearbook!
What If I have braces?
You can still put on your best smile even with braces! But if you don't want them to be immortalized in your yearbook, you can always opt for a smile that's not showing off your teeth (and braces!).
3.) Pick out the right top.
Yearbook photos are usually taken as portrait shots, and portrait shots usually include the shoulder part wherein your tee can be seen. What you're wearing doesn't really matter, but if it looks overly ridiculous, then you might be forever remembered for it as a major fashion faux pas.
To pick the right top for your yearbook photo, choose:
- A sleeved top or blouse—remember that taking a yearbook photo calls for formality, and wearing sleeveless tops won't achieve you that look.
- Pick the right-colored one—blending too well with the background color may make you look like a floating head, so pick a top that will definitely pop out, but make sure it isn't too patterned or multi-colored. A simple, plain-colored top will do.
4.) Be ready with the right hair and make-up.
No, this isn't like Prom. So there's no need to look overly elegant when it comes to hair and make-up, but a little fix can go a long way.
For your hair:
- Comb or brush your hair thoroughly, make sure they'll look neat.
- You can use hairpins to arrange your hair more neatly.
- For girls, it's best to stick with down-do hairstyles or a half-up, half-down hairstyle.
- For boys, just make sure your hair looks slick and neat!
For your face:
- No need for heavy make-up, just some powder and blush-on (for girls).
- Boys may need to apply some powder too.
- A light lipstick and gloss will do.
- Applying some mascara is also good if you want to emphasize those lashes!
- If you are worried about your oily face, you can apply some mattifying lotion on your T-zone.
5.) A few things to remember before the shot.
- Remove unnecessary accessories like earrings and necklace. It may draw more attention than your face!
- Remember to maintain good posture when taking the shot- sit erect, keep your neck still and elongate it a bit, and tilt your chin in the right angle.
- Don't blink!
- Of course, don't forget to smile!