I suggest hunt thru some photogalleries for good poses- stand in a mirror and see how they look on you.
You can check out my photography photo gallery:
http://www.shakemyday.com/gallery/index.php
tamrahennatx, I agree overall- in that your photo should look like you. --
but secretly-- I do cheat more than just smoothing skin tone- shhhhhhhh- dont tell. I smooth out that bulge underneath the back bra strap- an extra skin role here and there, whiten teeth, hide the fact that a bra didnt quite get filled out. shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
but you are absolutely correct that it still needs to look like the person. If you stand in a flattering way- you can always show that the photo is really you. If you stand flat on- and then make yourself a tooth pick in photoshop- no one will believe it and then... ya just come off silly.