Photography

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

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If you only read a few

Choose someone you believe you could outrun if you must hand your device to a stranger to take a photo.
It reduces the risk of them running off with your camera.
- Some view this advice as paranoid.
3 people, independently
Do not coerce or guilt people into having their photo taken if they are uncomfortable; respect their refusal without pressure.
Forcing someone can cause anxiety and violates bodily autonomy and consent.
- It may be difficult when a significant other wants the picture.
3 people, independently
Count down starting from 2 ('Ready, 1…2….3… smile!') for bursts.
It usually works really well for bursts.
- Based on one person's experience.
one person who lived it
Take the photo on the count of '2' rather than '3'.
Faces tend to tighten and look less natural from '2' to '3' due to anticipation.
one person who lived it
Jut your entire head forward slightly (do not tilt) when facing the camera.
This creates tension on the skin between your chin and neck, minimizing double chins.
4 people, independently
- Have the photographer shoot from a higher angle while you look up to eliminate double chins.1
- Position your head slightly forward and angle your forehead toward the lens to highlight your jawline.3

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Start taking photos immediately upon receiving the camera and continue through the posing process.

Hold the shutter button to take a burst of photos, allowing you to select the precise moment from hundreds of shots taken in seconds.
Reaction time is often too slow to capture the right moment with a single shot.
3 people, independently
Focus on capturing the memory or moment rather than trying to look perfect in the image.
Photos are taken to remember moments, not just to look good.
3 people, independently
Do not adjust camera settings or take test shots when handed a phone.
Doing so may cause the owner to grab the phone back.
one person who lived it
Move closer to your subject.
It is usually the best thing to do.
one person who lived it

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Be aware that some people may attempt to steal phones or cameras after being asked to take a photo.
Scammers may refuse to return the device unless paid or run away with it.
2 people, independently
Take multiple photos from various angles instead of using a countdown, letting subjects choose their favorite later.
Phones have ample memory and speed, allowing you to capture more images in the same time than a countdown does.
- This method may not be as quick or easy on point-and-shoot cameras.
one person who lived it
Offer to take group photos for strangers so everyone can be included, but be aware that some may decline or view the offer with suspicion.
It can result in smiles and gratitude, and preserves memories of simpler times.
- Some people may say no or look at you like a serial killer.
one person who lived it
Send photos to the host or subjects the same night the event occurs while the experience is still fresh.
Receiving photos immediately feels more impactful than receiving them weeks later when the memory has faded.
one person who lived it
Request a photo from a stranger holding a DSLR or SLR camera.
They likely understand framing and composition better and have less incentive to steal a cheaper camera.
3 people, independently
- Carry a professional-looking camera to build confidence when offering to take photos for strangers, though note that some may assume you want money.1
Always initiate the request for a photo yourself rather than accepting an unsolicited offer from a stranger.
You are happier trusting a stranger if you initiated the contact, and the risk of theft is extremely low when you ask.
2 people, independently
Give compliments to subjects while taking their photos.
To make them smile.
one person who lived it
Take a mix of wide, close-up, and portrait shots.
Subjects will love you for it.
one person who lived it
Do not try too hard to pose for self-taken pictures, as excessive effort is obvious.
It shows.
one person who lived it
Post good photos first, then throw in a few bad ones at the end.
Because things happen.
one person who lived it
If you are the designated photographer at gatherings, arrange for someone else to capture your image.
It is easy to overlook that you remain unseen while operating the camera.
4 people, independently
Do not hold white posters in photos, as they can be easily edited to display unwanted text or images.
It is trivial to clear words from paper or Photoshop a blank poster next to you.
one person who lived it
Hold the phone horizontally (landscape) for group photos to avoid wasting space on ground and sky.
Vertical orientation often results in two-thirds of the photo being empty space like ground or sky.
one person who lived it
- Capture images in both landscape and portrait modes to offer flexibility for various applications.3
Check the subject's social media photos to see what angles and styles they prefer, ensuring new images align with their self-image.
They will be happier if the images coincide with what they see in the mirror.
one person who lived it
Ask subjects to close their eyes, then open them on command; snap the photo immediately after they adjust to the light.
This helps ensure they do not blink.
one person who lived it
Avoid front-facing phone cameras because they distort features; use rear cameras or have someone else take the photo instead.
Front cameras make things look weird.
one person who lived it
Have a group member photograph the photographer and place that image behind the main frame.
The photographer will not feel excluded.
one person who lived it
Record family members cheering for loved ones at events and send the footage to them.
The recipients may love seeing their support captured.
one person who lived it
Switch to video mode after taking several photos, then claim the last photo was bad to reset the scene and capture hilarious reactions.
The interruption and claim of failure create a funny, unposed moment that can be captured on video.
one person who lived it
Ensure there is enough natural lighting and keep the camera at a distance to prevent distortion.
Holding the camera too close distorts things.
one person who lived it
Take a second photo immediately after the first posed shot to capture the moment subjects relax.
People usually relax after posing, resulting in a more natural photo.
- Point and shoot cameras may not work for this technique.
one person who lived it
Hold a treat directly above the camera lens to make a dog look into the lens.
Most dogs do not look directly into cameras otherwise.
one person who lived it
Recognize that you may not appreciate your own fitness or appearance in photos until later in life.
one person who lived it
Capture candid moments of people setting up or giggling before the main shot.
Unexpected candids are usually better than posed ones.
one person who lived it
Use manual mode to adjust aperture and shutter speed settings.
Experimenting with these numbers helps you understand their functions.
one person who lived it
Clean camera lenses carefully, avoiding sharp metal objects that could scratch the glass.
Using sharp metal objects might scratch the lens.
one person who lived it
Ensure you are included in family photos rather than always being the one behind the camera.
Many families end up with photos of only one parent because only one person takes the pictures.
one person who lived it
Start taking photos immediately upon receiving the camera to capture candid moments before the group is ready, and take multiple shots to account for closed eyes or unflattering poses.
Waiting for readiness causes you to miss sweet moments; multiple shots ensure at least one good photo despite blinks or bad angles.
2 people, independently
Mash the shutter button continuously or record a short video when taking photos for strangers.
It avoids the fear of them asking for another picture later.
one person who lived it
Ask a mother holding multiple small children to take your photo.
She is unlikely to run away with the camera because she cannot outrun you while managing toddlers.
one person who lived it
Remove distracting background elements like poles, hydrants, or trash from your composition.
Clutter such as fire hydrants, telephone poles, lines, and dirt can ruin an otherwise amazing shot when viewed later.
one person who lived it
Act naturally and avoid putting on a special smile to appear photogenic.
One person found that being themselves rather than forcing a smile made them appear photogenic.
2 people, independently
Take a final photo that deliberately cuts off the subjects' heads and show it to them.
It typically elicits laughter.
one person who lived it
Focus on how ridiculous taking pictures together is to induce a giggle.
It displaces awkwardness for a more relaxed and natural result.
one person who lived it
Choose momentary embarrassment over missing out on memorable photos.
Having a photo to remember is better than not being embarrassed but having no memories.
one person who lived it
Include yourself and travel companions in photos of scenic locations, even if it compromises artistic perfection.
Family and friends often value personal presence and action shots more than generic landscape images taken by many photographers.
one person who lived it
Hire a professional wedding photographer rather than relying on friends or family members, even if they are aspiring photographers.
Using amateurs often results in low-quality photos, and keeping roles separate allows both parties to enjoy the event more.
one person who lived it
Take candid shots of children instead of having them pose and look directly at the camera.
Children appear more photogenic when unaware of the camera; direct posing can result in unnatural expressions.
one person who lived it
Be straightforward and specific about your intentions when asking strangers to take your photo to avoid awkwardness or misunderstandings.
Being blunt is less awkward than being unclear; specificity prevents errors like a stranger taking a photo of themselves instead.
2 people, independently
Start taking photos immediately upon receiving the camera and continue through the posing process.
5 people, independently
Be assertive about getting into photos by telling others to include you or hijacking someone to take the picture.
one person who lived it

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Yell silly words like 'POOP!' or 'fart' to provoke natural, happy expressions from children.

Tell subjects not to smile or ask them to frown to trigger reverse psychology.
Subjects often cannot keep a straight face when told not to smile.
- This is the natural face for teenagers, so it may not work on them.
- Some people are aware of this trick and it never works on them.
2 people, independently
Say random words like 'potatoes' or 'ice cream' instead of 'cheese' to catch people off guard.
Randomness catches people off guard.
one person who lived it
Leave a small gap between your teeth when smiling rather than putting them together.
It works like a charm.
2 people, independently
If you are taking portraits, count past three to make subjects laugh and capture natural smiles.
Laughing produces genuine expressions better than posed ones.
one person who lived it
- Make your subjects laugh while taking their photo to improve the result.1

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Smile yourself about as much as you want the people in the photo to smile.
People smile at smiles.
one person who lived it
Pretend to have a sneeze that won't come out to make the group laugh.
It breaks their straight faces.
one person who lived it
To get dogs or babies to look at the camera, fake a sneeze.
They will look up, resulting in shocked or laughing faces.
one person who lived it
Look at the photographer with affection, as if they were your best friend.
It conveys warmth and love.
one person who lived it
Instruct the group to look at each other after an initial pose to create awkwardness that leads to laughter.
The awkwardness usually causes them to start laughing.
one person who lived it
Say 'Yay' instead of 'Cheese' to avoid screwing up your facial expression.
Saying 'Cheese' or similar words can screw up your face.
one person who lived it
Imagine a person you enjoy seeing inside the camera lens and smile at them.
This creates a genuine smile directed at the camera.
2 people, independently
- Adopt a subtle, closed-mouth 'Mona Lisa' smile if forcing a big smile looks unnatural.1
Yell silly words like 'POOP!' or 'fart' to provoke natural, happy expressions from children.
- This does not work with all children; some may end up with dead expressions.
- It can also work on adults if presented correctly.
5 people, independently
Tell subjects to say 'shit' instead of 'cheese' to elicit a more natural smile and laughter.
The expression resembles a normal smile, and the comedic element of a naughty word triggers genuine reactions.
- Do not use this for school pictures of kindergarteners.
one person who lived it
Ask stubborn subjects to do the opposite of what you want, such as instructing them seriously not to smile, to break their communication pattern.
Asking for the opposite changes the pattern of communication and can yield new results.
one person who lived it
Use inside jokes or competitive triggers specific to the child to elicit a grin.
Competitive children may grin if they know they can say something others cannot.
one person who lived it
Alternate between smiling and making a serious face to produce better smiles in subsequent shots.
The later smiles are consistently good after this sequence.
one person who lived it
Use 'Toot' if you anticipate parental objection to stronger language, though it may have less shock value.
- The shock value is lower than stronger alternatives.
one person who lived it
Use foreign-language versions of 'cheese' spoken in an exaggerated accent to elicit natural chuckles and smiles from the group.
The absurdity of the phrase and accent often provokes genuine laughter.
one person who lived it
Use age-appropriate silly phrases like 'princess pickle' for girls, 'ninja monkey' for boys, or 'margarita'/'paid vacation' for adults.
- Suggestions like 'boobies' or 'chicken penis' do not fly in schools.
- Teenagers are difficult to photograph regardless.
one person who lived it

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Rehearse your poses and smiles before a mirror until they become second nature and can be performed without checking your reflection.

Smile for the photo, even if you feel it looks silly.
It makes you more attractive.
one person who lived it
- Squint your eyes slightly when smiling for a photo.2
Record a short video of yourself slouching and then standing up straight with your chest out.
Seeing the contrast motivates you to work on better posture.
one person who lived it
Look away with a straight face, then swing your head into the camera view with a grin.
This creates a natural smile.
one person who lived it
Bring your chin forward and move your ears toward the camera.
It might look strange in real life, but it improves how you appear in pictures.
one person who lived it

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Squint using your cheek muscles (squinching) to raise your cheeks and avoid the wide-eyed 'deer in headlights' look associated with fear.
It helps your 'eye smile' look more genuine and removes the scared appearance of keeping eyes wide open.
one person who lived it
Lift your arms slightly from your sides or place hands on hips to create negative space.
This makes your arms look thinner and creates negative space that makes you look thinner.
one person who lived it
Press your tongue firmly against the upper palate or teeth during poses.
It relaxes other facial muscles and helps with smiling.
3 people, independently
Avoid looking straight into the camera to maintain facial depth and appeal.
Looking straight into the camera removes depth and makes the face appear less appealing.
one person who lived it
Lean your forehead slightly down and avoid raising your eyebrows.
Raising eyebrows can make you look crazy or unnatural.
one person who lived it
Stick your forehead straight out, then tilt it slightly down to define your jawline.
This defines the jawline without appearing unnatural.
one person who lived it
Narrow your lower eyelids halfway between a squint to appear solemn, focused, or confident.
This technique, called 'The Squinch', exudes confidence and makes you look brooding.
2 people, independently
Rehearse your poses and smiles before a mirror until they become second nature and can be performed without checking your reflection.
5 people, independently
- Practice posing in the mirror to distinguish between awkward and appealing looks.1
Allow teenagers to experiment with hairstyles.
Hair grows back, making the change only temporary.
one person who lived it
Practice facial expressions in a mirror to ensure your face conveys the intended emotion naturally.
The emotions you are feeling aren't necessarily what your face is showing.
one person who lived it

Add another light source and avoid direct flash for selfies.
Lighting is everything; direct flash flattens the image.
- Unless you can make the flash a low soft fill.
one person who lived it
- Face a light source directly to eliminate the need for flash and achieve more natural lighting.1
Find a room with white or greyish walls and multiple windows.
This allows in maximum amounts of ambient light.
one person who lived it
Position subjects to face windows so light hits their faces directly, avoiding backlit frizz halos.
Front-facing window light is more flattering than backlighting.
one person who lived it