Tips to Avoid Awkward Prom Photos

Don’t let your keepsake prom photographs become pictures best forgotten. Follow these five tips from prom photography experts.

1. Prepare for the Pose

You can start practicing your perfect pose even before you buy the dress. As you practice, take photographs to compare your poses. Look at professional prom dress photos at respected online sites like PromHeadquarters.com for ideas.

2. Stand at an Angle

Practice standing at an angle from the photographer, since straight-on photos can make people look (egad!) wider. Practice posing 90 degrees away from the camera and then turning your upper body about 45 degrees back toward the camera. Turn just your face directly toward the camera. Also hold your neck high to avoid looking like you have a double chin.

3. Smile, Smile, Smile

Smiling photos are more attractive than stiff or pouty pictures. If you feel tense, go to the restroom and subtly shake your face and stretch your neck for a few seconds. Take a cue from fashion models by applying a tiny, tiny dab of Vaseline between your upper teeth and gums to avoid your lips getting stuck together when you smile.

4. Make It, or Fake It

Even if you suddenly sour on your prom date, fake it for the photographer. Go for the affectionate pix of you two standing close and smiling at each other. Or, grab your BFF and hit the photo booth!

5. Remember Touch-Ups

Even if your makeup won’t fit into a tiny handbag, bring an extra handbag with all your essentials, and stash it somewhere safe. Visit the restroom often for touch-ups to be ready for candid and posed photos.