We believe in positive reinforcement. Its possible to take a hideous picture of anyone (think of those drunken celebrity shots which caught them mid-blink). But it makes all of us feel better if we can glimpse a photo and go, 'Actually, not looking so bad..'
This may be a cheat, but in the same way that famous people control official images of themselves, we suggest that you only surround yourself with photos of yourselves that you really like: from the photos on the mantlepiece to the pix you send to friends. And the photos on your 'Facebook wall' and 'Instagram stories', or your online albums.
There's also a great deal more you can do to look your absolute best in photos than just simply say 'cheese'.... We can't look like a supermodel but we can look pretty damn good.
Don't be photographed before lunchtime. Most of the early morning puffiness will have diminished by then - and eyes will appear more awake.
Remember: this is no time to go bare-faced. Make-up artists recommends a yellow-toned foundation and concealer (rather than anything with a hint of pink), as these look better on film. Use a mattifying foundation, rather than a dewy finish; apply with a sponge sparingly, and use concealer to even out any flaws such as broken veins, under-eye circles. Be aware, though that pen-style light reflecting concealers - designed to work on dark circles - can bounce back so much light if used with flash photography, they create a 'reverse-panda' effect. Brush translucent powder over the face and exposed skin on the neckline. Avoid shimmer, as any flash will exaggerate shine.
Use matt eyelashes. Browns & greys look best in photos, with black or brown eyeliner, close to your lashes on top lid. Use black or brown waterproof mascara, as any flash can lead to 'tear-ing', thus smudging your lashes.
Go for an enhanced lip-coloured lipstick. Something mid-rose, or a bit deeper - the color of your lips only a bit more so. These are the shades those are generally recommended anyways, but in pictures bright reds, corals and oranges look super-garish.
Stay out of strong sunlight. This creates major nose shadows and make you squints. . Outdoors, open shade is best - daylight under an awning or a tree.
Try 'the golden hour' instead. This is the first or last hour of sunlight of the day. This is the optimum time for photographs, when you cannot fail to look your absolute best.
Pretend the photographer is your best friend. You'll be more yourself and your face will take on a more normal expression.
Relax your mouth. To give the face a better shape and diminish a double chin, push your tongue against the back of your top teeth. Try not to crinkle your face into a big grin, as this will exaggerate lines around the eyes, but 'twinkle' with them.
Stand slightly sideways. Angling the body slightly will make you look slimmer. Then put one foot in front of other, which miraculously narrows the silhouette of the leg.
Never be photographed from below. This is fastest-track to double chins and awful photographs. Instead, it helps if the photographer is positioned slightly above you; tilting your face up into camera is hugely flattering. Shots taken full-on makes a wide face wider; Try tilting your head slightly if the photographer is directly in front of you.
B-r-e-a-t-h-e. Many of us find it stressful having our photo taken, but if you hold your breath you look 'frozen'. Breathing out relaxes face and body; inhaling raises shoulders and can give you a look of panic. So first take a few long breaths.
And if all else fails, retouch. You think the movie stars REALLY look the way we see them? Online and on the high street you can get photos retouched. Or change the more forgiving hues of black and white. Whatever it takes to get a photo you love is fine.