ODuring a recent lunch with the Houston diva, Lynn Wyatt, the best-dressed international winner who has surely been photographed more than any other woman in Houston, shared her valuable tips for making sure your party photos are a notch above.
A few other women at the table also made a helpful contribution – besides this social scribe who has managed thousands of party photos over my career.
The Wyatt had our table at The Galleria/PaperCity Luxe Spring Luncheon in stitches as she recited her playful mantra for good photographs. She joked to all the photographers in the company, “Stand back, I’m better off three blocks away.”
That said, here are 11 tips to ensure you get the best, most postable photos at your next party.
1). Place at least one hand on your hip
This elongates the upper arm and adds a touch of elegance to the image as you will see in the Lynn Wyatt photo collection included in this story.
2). Make sure the photographer is using a flash
Wyatt still insists, even for those with smart phones, to use flash. It ensures that overhead lighting does not cast aging shadows on the face.
3). Avoid placement on the edge of a queue
If a wide-angle lens is involved, people on the extremities will appear to have gained unattractive weight.
4). Watch the placement of your feet
Think about model poses. Do not stand with your feet apart facing the camera. The look is very awkward. Place the heel of one foot against the arch of the other with the toes pointed at a 45 degree angle to the camera. It’s not as difficult as it seems.
5). Avoid photos with masses of people
These seldom protrude above the cutting room floor. When I was the editor of the company Houston Chronicle, we had a rule that there couldn’t be more than four people in a photo. This is a good rule of thumb today.

6). If you are not the chair, co-chair, or honoree, avoid photos with them
Unless of course you want it for your memory book. Good publications don’t often post photos of the same person over and over again. All three headliners will have guaranteed primo photos, but one post isn’t going to air their photo over and over again with different people.
7) Extend your neck
“This is going to sound weird, but: Extend your neck and turn your head slightly away from the camera,” advises PicMonkey.com. “Bring your forehead just a little bit forward and tilt your chin down. It may seem awkward, but the pose helps define the contours of your face.
8). Convenient, practical
We all share a bit of vanity, so go ahead and practice that smile and pose in the mirror in your party clothes, focusing on looking your best. Example: My eyes tend to crack when I smile, so for photos, I make sure to open them.
9). A little deception
My husband finds it difficult to deliver a sincere smile in the presence of photographers. Candids shows off her best smile. In recent years, as a solution, he suggested that I pinch her pussy when we are photographed. This results in an instant laugh or smile.
10.) Avoid overhead
Never have your photograph taken in direct overhead light.
11). Perfect posture is important
“Chin up, shoulders back, best points forward,” recalls Leigh Smith, who joined us at the lunch table. And as another guest, Phoebe Tudor, said, quoting The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: “Fuck the girls! »