We talk a lot on this site about how to take the perfect pic, and by now you’ve probably mastered this very important life skill. You know who hasn’t mastered it, though? Every guy ever, minus the gays. It’s not really their fault. Most guys are so overly comfortable with themselves that they’ve never had a care about photos in their life. It’s just not something they’re taught. Have you ever seen a bro use skinny arm? Fuck no. A guy will flash a full-on dad bod and think he looks like Channing Tatum. They also don’t post photos as much, and when they do, they often rely on us to make them look good, which I meannnn, isn’t a terrible strategy, but still, work with us here. Even the most photogenic betch can’t save a photo when the person next to her is a permanent blur.
So what to do about this predicament when we have boyfriends, guy friends guys who want to be our boyfriends, brothers, etc. that we’d like to incorporate into our flawless social media aesthetic? Here are some suggestions to help the guys in your life not ruin your amazing pics:
1. Help Them Make Smart Wardrobe Choices
We understand that this is sometimes out of your control, and by no means are we endorsing you texting a fuckboy asking him to wear a certain shade of purple because it complements your eyes. But like if you have that power, and you know it’s a day when pics will be taken, then by all means. No Instagram filter can get rid of a basketball jersey.
2. Bring Sunglasses
Especially in the summer, this can make or break a picture. Unlike us, most guys haven’t been trained to stare directly into the sun for optimal lighting purposes, so sunglasses are essential. This also solves the issue of drunk eyes or the plain inability to look normal while sober. When in doubt, sunnies on.
3. If It’s A Group Shot, Don’t Put All The Guys Together
Because first of all, we’re not in eighth grade. And second of all, this is just a recipe for disaster. Depending on the crowd they’ll either be super stiff and awkward, or worse, striking some “hilarious” poses that will make you want to throw your phone off of the rooftop bar you’re on.
4. Physically Pose Them If They’re Struggling
If a guy is angled directly towards the camera with his hands in the pockets ready to be photographed, then you are morally obligated to intervene and stop that travesty from occurring. He won’t take offense and will without a doubt be thanking you later on for the pro tip.
5. Say Something To Make Them Laugh
We all know the power of a good candid and like some other things I can think of, guys are pretty bad at faking them. Even if it elicits only somewhat of a genuine smile, that’s better than the look of genuine pain that’s bound to show up at first.
6. Take A LOT Of Pictures
It’s the only way to ensure you’ll get a decent one. For every 15 photos you’ll probably get one that’s actually useable, so thank your photographer in advance for giving up an hour of their day.
Keeping all these suggestions in mind, you *should* be able to get a solid picture with even the most camera-shy men in your life. And if not, fuck it. We all know you’re still posting it anyway as long as you look skinny, so just throw it up there. At least we can say we tried.
