It’s hard to leave the house
these days without ending up in a group selfie. Oh, who are we kidding—it’s
happening at home, too.
We asked Allure’s creative director, Paul Cavaco, who
has worked with every legendary model in the business, how to look our best.
Practice in front of a mirror.
“You know why models look so
great in pictures? It’s not just because they’re beautiful and
photogenic—really. It’s because they practice. Every single person in the world
feels self conscious about posing, but the ones who do it well are the ones who
know their best side, how to stand, where to place their feet, and how to hold
their arms because they did it in front of the bathroom mirror a thousand
times.”
Know your smile.
“Do you look better with a big
smile or sexier with a smirk? A smile can close the face— all your features
migrate a bit closer together at the center. Learn how to make your eyes pop
open so they don’t disappear. If you can open up your eyes without looking
maniacal, that’s always good.”
Follow your nose.
“No one in the world has a
completely symmetrical face, and usually it’s the nose that leans one way or
the other. Find out which way your nose tilts, and pose with the light coming
from that side. If your nose tilts to the right and the light comes from the
left, it will make your nose more prominent.”
Hold yourself high.
“If you’re taking a full-length
picture, position your feet 45 degrees to the side, then twist your shoulders
to the camera—that slims the waist and lengthens the legs. Plant one foot in
front of the other and bend the front knee slightly, pushing against the
ground; the tension in your leg creates definition. If you’re in the middle of
a group shot, stick out your bottom. Your waist will look more defined from the
front.”
—DANIELLE PERGAMENT