How to Take Better PoCuts
Five tips, from lighting to backdrop, to get the most out of a browser photo booth
1. Face the light
The most common reason faces come out dark is backlight. Do not stand with your back to the window — face it. Soft natural light by a window on an overcast day looks best. At night, turn on the light toggle on the PoCut shooting screen and the whole screen lights your face like a ring light.
2. Camera slightly above eye level
A camera placed low emphasizes your chin and nostrils. On a laptop, raise it with a few books; on a phone, angle it down from slightly above eye level. Tucking your chin in a little makes your jawline look much cleaner.
3. Four steady frames start with a steady device
PoCut takes four frames in a row on a countdown, so if the device shakes, all four shake. Prop your phone or laptop against a wall or a cup, and keep your hands off it while shooting. The countdown gives you plenty of time to change poses.
4. One prop carries all four frames
The secret to that photo-booth-store feel is actually props. A single headband, pair of sunglasses or plush toy changes the mood of every frame. Swapping props between frames is the easiest way to keep four cuts from looking the same.
5. A clean backdrop makes you stand out
A messy room steals attention. A plain wall or curtain works well, and if you have nowhere suitable, a single backdrop cloth turns any spot into a photo zone. Choose a backdrop that contrasts with your frame color and the result looks much sharper.