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Experts Offer Tips To Look Your Best In Photos

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - There's going to be lots of picture-taking this summer from vacations to family reunions and weddings - not to mention prom season. Do you know how to look your best when there's a camera around?

As it turns out, there are some simple tricks to look great in photos, and some can even make you look thinner.

KDKA-TV's David Highfield went to two local experts to find out.

Becky Thurner is a photographer who's taken pictures of models and notable Pittsburghers such as Mike Tomlin and Dan Bylsma.

Deb Docherty is a model and talent agent, who used to be a model herself.

"There are a ton of tricks. Tons of tricks," says Thurner, talking about secrets to look better in photos.

No. 1: Put Your Chin Out & Down

Docherty says people make a common mistake in photos.

"They throw their heads up and they pull back, which I don't really want to do because that creates the 25 chins," she said.

Instead, Thurner says you should put your chin out slightly and lower it to give yourself a more defined jawline. She also says you'll look thinner.

No. 2: Shift Your Weight Away from the Camera

"Anything that's farther from the camera is going to look smaller," Thurner says.

So, she recommends people shift their weight to a leg that's more in the back and away from the camera.

No. 3: Turn Slightly

"You always want to be three-quarter," Docherty says. "Show your longest line."

"If you have a woman who is maybe a little bit bigger, turn. It's like a classic model pose," Thurner says. "You'll turn slightly away from the camera about 45 degrees."

No. 4: Squinching

New York photographer Peter Hurley is getting a lot of attention for an idea called squinching. He even has a You Tube video about it.

It's essentially squinting slightly to add a little expression to your eyes, and Thurner says she's been instructing subjects to do that for years.

"Creating a tiny bit of squint, from the bottoms up. Don't do a half -blink or you're just going to look drunk," laughed Thurner.

However, Docherty has a word of caution.

"As you get older, you don't want to squinch as much because then the wrinkles start to show," she says.

No. 5: Avoid Midday Sun

Avoid taking a picture outside in the middle of the day because the sun is too harsh.

"Early, early morning and late evening - like magic hour," is when Docherty says the light is most flattering.

No. 6: Tongue Behind Teeth

Docherty says putting your tongue behind your teeth while smiling will tighten your jaw under your chin. While it may work for some people, it may not work for everyone.

Thurner says this isn't a tip that she's been able to use.

No. 7: Suck Your Gut Back, Not Up

Docherty says guys should suck their guts back towards to their backbones in a picture rather than trying to suck it up.

No. 8: Look at Yourself Before

Thurner says take a moment to check whether you have something in your teeth or if your hair is messed up. It doesn't have to be in a mirror either. It could be checking your reflection in something nearby such as a window or even a toaster.

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