Tonya Bolton’s 10 Practical Tips for Looking Better for the Camera
Photographer Tonya Bolton talked about our fear of photos and how to once and for all stop hating how we look in them on the Amy’s Table Podcast and at Amy’s Table: LIVE, where she was asked to post the panelists. This photo is the result. I love it!
1. Stop posing like a mannequin
If it feels stiff, it looks stiff. Real people move—shift your weight, sway a little, pretend you’re not being watched (even though you totally are).
2. Posture… but make it chill
Stand up straight—but not like you’re in middle school choir. Think confident, not “yes ma’am.”
3. Slight turn = instant upgrade
Facing the camera straight on can feel like a mugshot. Turn your body just a bit—it’s the easiest glow-up you’ll ever do.
4. Give your hands something to do
Your hands are usually the ones snitching on your nerves. Fix your hair, touch your necklace, lightly rest them—just don’t let them hang there wondering why they exist.
5. Breathe. Seriously.
People forget how to breathe in photos and suddenly look… stressed. Exhale, unclench your jaw, you’re not defusing a bomb.
6. Don’t fake a smile—think something funny
If you force a smile, we can tell. Think of your dog, your favorite person, or something mildly inappropriate—that usually does the trick.
7. There is no “bad side,” just a more confident side
Yes, you probably have an angle you like better. Great. Use it. This isn’t a science experiment—it’s a photo.
8. Find the light like it’s your job
Good light fixes about 80% of everything. If you see a window—go to it. Chase the light. Be the light. (Okay that got deep, but still true.)
9. Perfection is boring anyway
The best photos are the ones that feel real. A little laugh, a little movement, a little personality—that’s what people connect with.
10. Decide you’re not deleting every photo of yourself
This is the big one. If you go into it already planning to hate every picture… you will. Give yourself a break. You’re allowed to exist in photos and actually like what you see.
