Flash: The pale skin's enemy.
Often in social settings, when someone takes a picture of you, they will use their flash. This can make pale-skinned people looked washed out. It can look even worse if the flash is used because the room is dark, like while at a club.

You don't have to double up on foundation or use something darker than your natural skin tone. The answer is: liquid bronzer. This little beauty is cheap, and when you mix a drop or two into into your usual base or face lotion, you'll get an even application and a hint of extra color to you skin. You'll beat the flash's harsh glare, and you'll look radiant.

Natural lighting is always a great choice for pictures, but sometimes there's no avoiding the flash. Don't use a powder bronzer. You won't be able to achieve results as even as when you use a liquid. Just a dab will do ya! Also, avoid a rosy colored blush, you'll look a little too "synthetic."

No matter how light your skin is, or how pale your eye color is, you can still take a great picture without a professional, and no need for a serious makeover. Take a look at Figure B.

FIGURE B

This photo of Meg has been un-retouched. Click picture for a larger image.

Meg is my lovely model. With no professional training or equipment, we've taken a picture of her, accenting her best feature: her beautiful blue eyes. With nothing more than some mascara and a light base, her beauty is natural (and so was the lighting) and her best features shine through.

If you've ever heard the "less is more" theory of makeup, it's sound advice. Everyone has natural beauty, and by the help of some inexpensive cosmetics, we can channel it. Just follow the tips listed above, and in no time, you'll may notice you're considerably happier with the way your pictures turn out.

Theodore Durst is an Instructional Technology Specialist at the Center for Innovative Instruction at Rider University. He has had articles published in DominoPower Magazine, Connected Photographer Magazine, PalmPower Magazine, PalmPower's Enterprise Edition and Out in Jersey Magazine.