You Ought To Be In Pictures!

The holiday season means gatherings with friends and family. And that always means lots and lot of photos. Here are a few tips for getting the best smile out of your photos:

Rule of Thumb: Accentuate the positive and minimize your negatives. There is a science to smiling your best -- celebrities do it all the time!

• Practice smiling in the mirror with your teeth slightly parted (one pinky finger breadth), as if you are really excited about something. You'll show more white teeth, because the lower teeth won't be hiding behind the uppers, and your smile won't look forced. You can practice all of this in the mirror.
• If your upper lip is full, don’t thin it by smiling too broadly. Smile enough to show your teeth, but not so much to thin your lips.
• If your upper lip is thin, smile so that the bottom edges of your upper teeth touch your lower lip. The visual impact of the upper teeth combined with the lower lip will take attention away from the thin upper lip.
• If your upper teeth are irregular at the bottoms, or if some upper teeth are too long, smile so that the lower lip hides the bottom edges.
• If you think you are too gummy or the gum is irregular in contour or color, practice smiling so your upper lip hides the gum.
  

To maximize color:

• Bright red lip color usually shows off white teeth best. Magenta colors can make them look more yellow. Rose or pink or sheer usually does offer enough of a contrast.
• A tan always makes light teeth look whiter! Opt for a UV free glow with a great self-tanner.
  

Just before the photo:

• Wet your teeth so they sparkle.
• Put a spot of gloss in the center of the lower lip for added shine.
• If you have any minor defect in your smile at all, (a stain, crack, etc) wipe some petroleum jelly on it. The aberration will be diffused and lips will be even and supple.

If you want more tips for taking a good picture, click here.