A Digital Camera – Tips to Make it Your Style Friend

Have you ever looked at a photo of yourself and looked away in horror thinking: "That can not be me." Well if this has happened to you I hope you had a good look at the photo and did not just tear it up. A photo can be very useful in analyzing how you look to others. If you still have one of these photos (a recent one!) Then get it out and look at it. Take it somewhere where you will be on your own; make sure you have paper and a pencil or pen with you.

Draw two columns on your paper. As you were feeling negative about the photo, we'll work through these areas first. Put the date on the paper and a title for the left hand column of 'challenges'. First of all note your general impression. Now you need to get down to some details. Work through this list making a note of any of these that you are unhappy about:

Color of items: look at tops, bottom, shoes, how the colors affect 'go' together, how the colors affect your face, how 'balanced' the colors are

Body shape: does your top or your bottom appear bigger; if you have a good waist is it showing; can you tell that your body has a shape; do you look taller or shorter than you are; do you look wider or thinner than you are?

Pattern: if you were wearing a pattern how is it for your body scale; does it appear to be swamping you; is the pattern too small on you; if there are squares are they detected; if there are stripes are they straight or are they distorted?

Texture: is this too bulky on you; does it appear too fine and is not noticeable on you rather than being a feature that is flattering?

Lengths: look at the sleeve length – is it flattering or too long or too short; what about the length of the skirt or the dress- what is this doing to your leg length?

Hairstyle: Is this flattering or is it aging; does it seem to go with the overall look your clothes are portraying?

Happy: Do you look happy- this is usually quite a good indication whether or not you actually like the clothes you are wearing

Where does your eye go first: look away from the photo and then look at it quickly, which does your eye look at first; are you happy with this or is that one of your challenging areas?

Now go to the remaining column on the paper, put a title to this 'What I like.' As an image consultant I know that pointing out to yourself what you like about you is very difficult indeed. However, do not give up on it. As before, think about the general impression and then scan through the points listed above. Be methodical and just as thorough as when you listed what you did not like about the photo. You must try and write at least one thing in this column.

OK so you have used the photo as a learning opportunity. Your aim is to replicate the point (s) you made in the 'what I like' column at all times. Now look at your column of 'challenges'. Go for some easy bits first, eg. If the top was not good next to your face, think why and what you have in your wardrobe that might be better. Try on the outfit again and, if you need to, get the camera out and ask a partner / friend to take another photo. Changing just one or two things at a time might seem laborious but by attaining to detail like this you will get a clearer view of what works and what does not work for you. Return to your notes about the photo and use a different color to note the changes that you made.

There is an even easier way. By visiting an image consultant for professional advice on color and style you can shortcut this process. You can spend time in one one to one consultation, where the experienced image consultant will discuss with you your unique attributes and advise on which colors and styles will flatter you so that you can dress with confidence at all times. You'll wonder why you've been struggling on your own when you could have had professional help years ago. I would still advise beingfriending your digital camera. It is a real asset in checking your overall look as well as details such as hem length. Having a set of photos of yourself that you like is an additional confidence booster too.