Whatever we might tell others, the vast majority of us care what people think of us. Caring about our reputations is a very natural and human thing to do. So we want to look our best. Both in real-life and in photos. If we look good, we can impress others, and reap those sweet, sweet social rewards!

However, looking good in front of a camera is an art form in itself. Some of us have an instinct for how best to pose; some of us don’t. Fortunately, Chicago-based photography major Bonnie Rodríguez Krzywicki is here to swoop in like a flash and save the day—or rather the snap!

She’s got a wonderful list of Dos and Don’ts for us to follow, so check them out below. As you’re scrolling down, upvote the tips that you found helpful. Need some more photogenic goodness? You’ll find Bored Panda’s earlier article about Bonnie right over here and her newest posts on her Instagram.

More info: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | Store

#1

Image credits: bonnierzm

#2

Image credits: bonnierzm

#3

From lost to diva!

Image credits: bonnierzm

Bonnie has over 811k followers on Instagram and more than 28.6k fans on Facebook. One of the main draws for her followers is that she posts content very often. You’ll find updates and advice on how best to pose and what pitfalls to avoid almost every single day on her social media.

A lot of Bonnie’s tips have to do with being confident in front of the camera, showing off your most flattering aspects, as well as creating artistic and dynamic—rather than mundane or touristy—shots.

#4

Image credits: bonnierzm

#5

Image credits: bonnierzm

#6

Pose to show your outfit. Flamingo pose.

Image credits: bonnierzm

While you can take a lot of great shots by setting up the camera yourself or using a selfie stick, there are still some additional fundamental things that a photographer must know in order to go from merely ‘good’ to ‘great.’

In a couple of previous interviews, Bored Panda spoke with professional photographer Dominic Sberna about composition, timing, different styles of photography, patience, improving our skills as photographers, as well as certain stereotypes about photographers that some people have.

#7

We needed a swimsuit that shows our beauty and makes us feel powerful. With that in mind we designed a piece with large graphics to stylize and highlight.

Image credits: bonnierzm

#8

Steamy photo effect with beauty bar. Cover your shower glass with water and soap.

Image credits: bonnierzm

#9

Photo One: Visually wider waist.

Photo Two: Defined waist.

Image credits: bonnierzm

In Dominic’s professional opinion, timing—knowing when to take the picture—is an essential component in any photographer’s toolbox. However, its importance is determined by the style of photography that you focus on. While composition will always be near the top of the importance hierarchy for any professional.

“Planning out a shot or scene (depending on your style) takes time. Composition is probably the most important in my mind though. One doesn't have to necessarily follow the rules of composition, but how a photo is laid out is going to make or break a photo,” Dominic explained to Bored Panda.

#10

Image credits: bonnierzm

#11

Show your curves.

Image credits: bonnierzm

#12

Image credits: bonnierzm

“Some of the best photos in the world don't necessarily follow the rules of composition because their layout is made that much better by breaking them in a way that challenges the norm," the pro photographer added, pointing out that we have to be open to experimenting, bending (and breaking) the rules, as well as moving outside our comfort zones.

#13

Image credits: bonnierzm

#14

Image credits: bonnierzm

#15

Image credits: bonnierzm

The timing of the shutter is vital in sports photography while the opposite is often true in landscape photography. Meanwhile, nature photography is a mix of both. Dominic added that luck is also a factor that can make or break an image: whether or not we’re quick to react to the opportunities that life presents us is another question entirely.

#16

Image credits: bonnierzm

#17

Image credits: bonnierzm

#18

Photo One: We tend to put our hands foward, losing shape.

Photo two: Show your waist by placing your hands inside the blazer.

Image credits: bonnierzm

"Timing means something different to everyone, but it is of utmost importance. Some will say it's luck, some will say it's skill, but at the end of the day, I truly believe it is a bit of both combined with experience and the ability to learn from your previous work," he said.

#19

Image credits: bonnierzm

#20

Image credits: bonnierzm

#21

Image credits: bonnierzm

For Dominic, repetition and effort are the keys to success. So if you ever find yourself missing out on perfect shots or messing up your photos, keep at it. “Keep trying and it'll pay off eventually. Maybe not as fast as you would like it to, but like anything, if you work at it enough, it will come to you in time."

#22

Image credits: bonnierzm

#23

Image credits: bonnierzm

#24

Image credits: bonnierzm

We also chatted to Dominic about the stereotype floating out there that boyfriends are supposedly ‘bad’ at taking photos. In his opinion, this probably has more to do with social media and how easy it is to pick up a camera than anyone’s actual skill level. “It seems like at a quick glance, there are young females choosing to pick up a camera one day and pursue photography. Whether this is accurate or just my perception of what I've seen, who knows."

Photographer Dominic has been at the receiving end of the stereotype, with someone preferring that a woman take a picture instead of him who was studying to become a pro. Whether or not guys or gals take better pictures depends on each individual’s skill level. As well as their personalities, too! For instance, Dominic takes silly pictures of his wife, even though they can both take good photos of each other.

#25

Image credits: bonnierzm

#26

Image credits: bonnierzm

#27

Image credits: bonnierzm

One thing that Dominic believes is missing in our fast-paced modern world is patience. There’s an unholy amount of pressure on us to do things very quickly which means that patience is in short supply and often overlooked. “Sometimes, it's hard not to feel rushed, whether it's on vacation or photographing a family, it does happen. I'm the kind of person that needs to take my time and work into the setting," the photographer shared.

#28

Image credits: bonnierzm

#29

Image credits: bonnierzm

#30

Image credits: bonnierzm

"My first few shots of any scene, aren't typically my best. I think the biggest thing to remember is to take your time and focus on what you like to take pictures of. We live in such a fast-paced world. But with art, it can't be rushed. We all want to rush (myself included), but it creates lesser work at the end of the day," Dominic said. "Focus on what you want to take pictures of, and if others like it too, that's an added bonus! As long as you're true to yourself, you'll be okay. Not every photo will be great or gather the praise you feel it deserves, but the important thing is to always be true to yourself in your art and in life."