Ann was delightful to chat with and before we knew it she was snapping away and giving us great tips on how to pose to look our very best.   And to prove her point, she took a quick series of photos of the head tomato which amazingly demonstrated how to get rid of that dreaded extra chin without losing a pound, or getting a neck lift.  We've bravely posted the series of photos, along with Ann's instructions.   Judge for yourself.  We were so impressed that we followed up with Ann to get more of her terrific tips on how to look great for a photo, but also how to get your mug into the society pages, like we did.  (You can view some of Ann's photos of the "Doodle" event including the head tomato with our friend Rhea, and with event host Ernie Ernastos and honoree Rosanne Scotto at the New York Social Diary.) 
 
Ann's Tips

• Be aware of what looks good for a photo.  Celebrities and socialites know what to wear that photographs well, and how to pose. 
• Don't wear satin or high gloss dresses. 
• Wear color.  Photogs will always gravitate to the person who stands out in the sea of black.
• Pick colors that flatter your skin tone -  peaches, corals, pinks and purples with red tones. 
• Don't wear white (unless you're the bride of course.) And yellow and beige are not usually flattering.
• When you're buying a dress for an event, ask your sales person what will photograph well.
• Form fitting clothes always make you look slimmer.  Always go with less fabric.
• Practice posing.  Get photographed in a variety of poses to see what works.  Do you have a good side?
•  Show a sexy neckline.  (You'll note the turtle neck this tomato wore in our posted test photos, is a no, no.)   

Ann loves shooting celebrity and social events, which is where you'll find her nearly every Monday thru Thursday evenings.   Some of her favorite celebrities?   She loves Bette Midler and Patti LaBelle who know how to pose for a great shot and are gracious about it too.  And she remembers a time that Barbara Walters thoughtfully pulled Oscar de la Renta into a photo.  And just this week she marveled at the amazing stamina of Lauren Bacall, whom she photographed at the Christopher and Dana Reeves benefit.  If you're looking for a great event photographer, email Ann. Here's looking at you kid.   
 
You Say Tomato and I say Tomato 
One of the things that always cheers up The Three Tomatoes is music.   So we went in search of "happy music" this week and came up with a few gems that we've posted at 3T.TV this week.   The first, is a classic featuring Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers singing, "You Say Tomato and I Say Tomato" and they dance on roller skates.   Amazing clip.   And we found a clip of Sammy David, Jr., singing "I Want to be Happy" that will have you buying his old CDs.  And then there's Eric Clapton singing and strumming "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".   And last, but not least, just remember there's only so much we can do, as Doris Day reminds us when she sings "Que Sera, Sera.  We promise these will perk you up. 
 
A new twist on The Three Tomatoes Book Club 
We started our virtual book club this past January, and have read some terrific books over the past several months, like Water for Elephants, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Bel Canto, and The Lace Reader.  If you've been reading along with us, vote for your favorite 3T Book Club book.  And here's the best part. You don't have to read in the order we're reading.  You can go into any of the monthly archives and find one of the books and join the 4 week discussion whenever you like.   Now we have to confess.   We started our current book selection, "Read My Heart", and honestly, just couldn't get past the first few pages.   Now there was a time we would have felt really guilt about not finishing a book, but we've adopted the 'life's way too short" attitude and instead read George Hamilton's memoir, Don't Mind if I Do, which was just a delightful, guilty pleasure read.   So from now through the end of the year, we will post reviews of any books we've read and liked, and ask you to do the same.  For example, in addition to George's book, we have a synopsis of a new book called Embracing Your Big Fat Ass which is all about weight obsessions, written by two very funny ladies.   So, tell us what you're reading these days.  And if any of you get through Read My Heart, please post a review. 
 
Here's to all the great charities that do so much for New York City. They need our support more than ever this year!