3. Lighting is everything
We, like most of you, don't own professional softbox lights. (Who does?) To get a similar effect, google "DIY Softbox," and you'll find a plethora of tutorials, but in our experience, two desk lamps, each with tracing paper taped over their openings to diffuse the light, work just fine. Don't stand too close to them, though, or you'll look blown out - not a good look. If you don't have a lamp, your best bet is to face an open window when it's daylight outside. Hello, flawless face!