Posing on the red carpet may seem like second nature to celebs, but the truth is that there's nothing terribly natural about it. Movie stars, models and even politicos learn how to put their best foot (and face and waistline) forward for the flashbulbs. Here, some tricks of the trade.
Mine the magazines
Pay attention and, you'll start to notice that many famous folk have a signature pose. J-Lo juts her leg out, Kim Kardashian looks over her shoulder, George Clooney leans slightly forward with hands clasped. This is not a coincidence: "There's a good chance they have paid someone to determine what their best angles are," says Richard Sibbald, fashion photographer for TV show Look-A-Like. Flip through a favourite fashion magazine to get a feel for the vamping options. For best results, look for a celeb who shares your vibe as well as your physicality.
Book a date with your mirror
As with any skill, some people are naturals while others require practice. Lucky for the latter group, the only tools required for Picture Perfect 101 are a mirror, some free time and preferably a locked door. Play around with facial expressions and angles as well as full body positioning. Some simple tips include twisting your hip slightly ("You don't want the camera to hit you dead on," says Mr. Sibbald), keeping shoulders down (unless you want to look like a football player), avoid puffing out your chest (this applies to both men and women) and placing your hands at the smallest part of your waist, or for guys, dangling the hand in a pocket. For your close-up, stick your chin slightly out and then slightly down, and feel free to serve up a little facial attitude: "I always tell models to give me a sort of 'What are you looking at?' expression," says Mr. Sibbald.
Get it white
One thing most celebrities have in common is an enviable set of pearly whites. A few years back, teeth whitening was for the 1 per cent only, but now all you need is a drugstore kit and a willingness to hold off on the coffee and red wine. Begin at least two weeks before the big day (the various "instant" products are not as effective), and be sure to practice that smile in advance. "Natural is great, but a big toothy grin doesn't work for most people. You want something in between," says Mr. Sibbald.
Lights, colour, angle!
On a real red carpet the lighting is as carefully designed as the dresses, to allow the most flattering shots. To ensure similar success for your own album, pose facing the lights (like a spotlight). "With backlight you'll just get a silhouette, and with side lighting you're going to see all sorts of unflattering shadows," says Mr. Sibbald. Make sure the photographer is shooting from at least your height or from slightly above. "If your camera is pointing up at you, you're going to wind up looking like the Empire State Building," cautions Mr. Sibbald. As for wardrobe, he says there's a reason so many people stick with basic black ("It is just hands down the most flattering"). Brides beware: White is generally the least forgiving. And stripes, big prints and satin are best left to the bold and booty-licious.
And don't do this: Get so stressed about looking great in the photos that you forget about enjoying yourself in the moment.