Mosman Daily and Daily Telegraph

An article about my book that was published in the Mosman Daily and the online daily telegraph, and Sydney Today a Mandarin blog about whats happening in Sydney.

Photographer Kate Branch offers tips on how to look good in photos in her new book.

YOUR online dating photo was shot at a cousin’s wedding when you were lookin’ good but is it the real you?

According to North Sydney photographer Kate Branch, it may not be the right image for social media.

“There is no point in just posting an attractive photo with no insight into who your are,’’ she says

Branch has written a book called How to Look Good In Photos in response to the huge demand for self images for social media.

AFTER: Daena places her weight on her front foot and bends her back leg slightly. Photogenic success!

BEFORE: A forward-facing stance is not engaging.

Selfies, professional networks and dating sites mean people need to say a lot in about themselves in one image.

“I don’t necessarily agree with it, but social media has reduced everything to visuals and it’s unfair if you don’t have a good photograph of yourself,’’ she said.

“You don’t have to be good looking to look good in a photograph, and the image should reflect the essence of who you are.’’

In the book, Branch gives examples of before and after shots.

Emma has added an interesting vintage hat to make her look unique.

Emma shows how to position the camera to get the result on the right.

She also gives advice on taking a selfie with a mobile phone, posing for a photograph for online dating or professional networking sites, plus how to take a good group photograph.

“A photograph of yourself looking glamorous at a cousin’s wedding or night out doesn’t necessarily say anything about who you are,’’ she says, adding that men snapped at weddings can suspiciously look like the groom.

“Looking glamorous won’t be the right image if you love jogging and your idea of a great weekend is running a marathon. It would be a better to take a shot of yourself in running gear.

“Alternatively, don’t taking a picture of yourself snowboarding when your idea of a great date is a nice restaurant and a jazz band.’’

AFTER: Giles appears more sophisticated. By placing him in an elegant setting he looks more relaxed and a lover of the finer things in life.

BEFORE: Giles has just captured a photo under fluorscent lighting. This does not enhance his features.

As a professional photographer, Branch is increasingly commissioned to take photographs of people, both young and old, for dating and professional websites.

She says a big no-no is standing square to the camera with your arms squashed at your sides.

“If you put your weight on one foot and turn slightly, you will drop a couple of dress sizes immediately,’’ she says.

Other common mistakes are a false smile or tilting your head so that the camera is looking up your nostrils. Another trap is “making goofy faces to hide a flaw’’.

She says when posing for social media photographs, dress for you dream date or dream job but still reflecting who you are.

How to Look Good in Photos is available through amazon.com.au and is also at the Stanton Library and Mosman Library.

For a digital copy of the physical magazine click here

To see the daily telegraph article click here or read below

For the Mandarin article click here