Avoid shudder of amateur photo mishaps

There are simple, easy steps to ensure family pictures come out their best.
By DOUG WORGUL
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- You're just back from your Colorado vacation and you eagerly download your digital photos and, well, you're horrified because you look terrible in every photo. You look like a frightened, bloated mannequin with a wedgie.
It doesn't have to be that way. Here's some advice from experts on how to look happy and snappy in future snapshots.
On the Web site www.miltonkeynes.com, professional photographer Di Fisher says that one trick is to stand or sit a bit sideways. Movie stars have perfected this technique. Rarely do you see Hollywood types facing a camera full-frontal.
Fisher says stand with your feet slightly apart, one foot in front of the other. Then shift your weight to your back foot. This will relax your front leg. It will also prevent you from leaning toward the camera. Because objects closer to the camera look larger, you probably don't want to lean in too close.
Use posture. Keep your back straight and tall. If you're sitting down, sit on the front edge of your chair. This will help keep your posture straight.
Bright colored or white clothing will make you look heavier, and patterned clothes look busy and unflattering. Darker or muted solids are best.
In group shots, try to maneuver your way into the back row. Again, because objects closer to the camera look larger, those in the front row will appear heavier.
The Web site www.beautytipsonline.com suggests that if you know you're going to be part of a casual group photo, try to be the first person in position. That way you can choose the spot that's most flattering to you.
Finally, relax and try not to be too self-conscious. A little planning is good, but once you're in front of the camera, just be yourself and smile naturally. (Additional source: Stephanie Abramson in Real Simple magazine.)
Do's and don'ts
Exaggerated pose: Do something to break up your pose. Put your hand on the shoulder of the person next to you. Put your hands in your pockets. Lean against a wall.
Double chin: Sit or stand up straight and tall. Push your chin out and up a bit. Turn your head slightly to one side. This may feel awkward, but it'll mitigate the double chin effect.
Closed eyes: Try to avoid taking photos at high noon. The glare from the sun makes it almost impossible not to squint. Ask the photographer to count to three before snapping the picture. Keep your eyes closed for counts 1 and 2, and open them on count 3. This is pretty much fool proof.
Fake smile: Geez! Relax a little! It's only a picture. Try laughing. Make a funny face just before the photographer starts counting down. Keep the muscles in your face loose and turn your face slightly away from the camera.
Dazed and confused: Don't look directly into the camera lens. Look just to the left or right of the camera, perhaps at the photographer's hands, or look just slightly above the camera, maybe at the photographer's forehead. These days people taking informal snapshots are just as likely to hold their digital cameras out in front of them, as opposed to holding them up to their eyes to look through a viewfinder. So try looking at the photographer's chest.
Red-eye: This occurs when your irises dilate. The solution is to fix your eyes on a specific light source behind the camera, if possible. This will constrict your pupils and reduce red-eye.