Waxing helps.

Try taking photos outdoors, during the light of day, but in the shade. You'll get nice well lit photos with very little to no shadows.

Also, if you need a head and shoulders shot. Stand at a 45 degree angle to the camera and then slightly turn your upper body and head towards the camera. Try it from both sides.

For larger photos, don't get cut off in the wrong spot. Some people will take people off at the knees which just looks silly.

Don't underestimate your makeup. It can change colors depending on the light source making foundation not match at well as you thought.

And remember - photoshop is your friend! Get rid of blemishes, under eye darkness, red eye, stray hairs, stupid people making faces in the background! :)

(nothing to see here, move along)

I always make sure I am pointing to something unseen in my photos. That way it draws attention away from my face and over to my finger.

It adds a air of mystery to the photo, as well, because, Hey, what the hell was George looking at anyway? Whatever it was it must have been interesting.