Recently I attended a workshop called "Ten Ways to Look Good in Photos: How to put your best face forward and pose like a model," presented by Jean LeFebvre of Panache Color and Image Consulting. I don't know about you, but I rarely think I look good in pictures. The few simple things that I learned definitely made a difference, as we took "before and after" photos during the evening.

The most important thing I learned: The camera flattens your image, so make yourself three-dimensional. If you face the camera straight-on, your features will look flat and dull. If you lean back slightly, and turn at an angle to the camera, the photograph will "come alive" and you will look ever so much better.

Here are ten tips for more flattering photos.

1. Focus your eyes just slightly above the camera lens, move your face forward a bit, and tip down your chin. This was a little awkward at first, but with some practice I've been getting better.

2. Put your tongue behind your teeth and smile, which will relax your face. Start your smile with your eyes, then move it down to your mouth. At another workshop, I was told to "crack myself up" just before a video camera starts, producing a wonderfully relaxed and happy appearance, even if I am nervous.

3. Keep your arms by your side, but not glued there. To look natural, they should be slightly bent, a little away from your body. Cup your hands slightly and place them along the sides of your thighs.

4. Test-drive clothing against a white wall with an indirect, natural light source (under a tree, indoors near a window). The reflection you get on your skin will show you if the color you are wearing is really your best one. I had on a white jacket that evening, and was told that it was totally wrong for me-way too overpowering for a photo. Oh well.

5. As a general rule, avoid patterns.

6. Photos exaggerate everything, so go easy on makeup. Use concealer, power your shiny spots, and check your teeth!

7. Practice that classic model pose: When you face forward, your body tends to look wider, so turn your body three-quarters of the way toward the camera, with one foot in front of the other and one shoulder closer to the photographer.

8. For standing photos: belly in, buttocks tight, shoulders back, spine straight, weight slightly nore on one foot than the other.

9. Study photogenic people as well as photos in which you think you looked your best. Look at your best angle. You'll probably see that you were laughing or having a good time. Capturing someone when they're relaxed or most animated usually makes for the best results.

10. To feel at ease, try closing your eyes, then opening them slowly just before the photo is taken.

Remember, the best energy comes from the heart. Think of things that make you happiest, and you're sure to have a twinkle in your eye for that photo, no matter how you are standing or what you have on!

This article was written by Susan Tolles. To get more great advice from Diva Toolbox Media Diva Susan Tolles, visit her website at: http://www.flourishover50.com/