Nobody likes to look at unflattering pictures of themselves. But sometimes, the angle of the photo can add some extra weight, causing you to want to tear up your images after printing your photos. Whether you have a big event coming up, you’ve booked a professional photo session, or you just seem to end up in a lot of photos, there are ways for you to look slimmer that don’t involve a new exercise regime or a deprivation diet.
These nine tips will help you look your best whether you’re in front of photographers or jumping in a casual photo with your friends.
1. Angles Are Your Friend
One tip those well-versed in photography learn quickly is that angles can be flattering. Instead of facing the camera head-on, stand at a 45-degree angle with one leg toward the camera. This pose instantly lengthens your body and makes you look slimmer. If you’re not certain how to pull off this pose, ask the trained professional shooting your pictures.
2. Don’t Squash Your Arms Against Your Body
By keeping your arms at your side, they’ll appear wider in photos – and you likely don’t want that to happen! Instead, place your hand on your hip or create a small gap between your body and your arms to give them a slimmer appearance. It’s a small trick, but it does wonders.
3. Avoid a Double Chin
Of all the things that can go wrong with a photo, the dreaded double chin is probably the most feared. You can feel great about yourself, but if you take a photo and see a double chin, suddenly you begin questioning everything you put into your mouth the rest of the day.
Nobody wants a double chin in their photos, so it’s good to know it can be avoided by tilting your head slightly forward and pushing your chin out. When pushing your chin out, the motion should feel as if you are leading with your forehead. Another tactic that may help is to push your tongue against the roof of your mouth when you have professional photographs taken.
4. Watch Your Posture
Posture matters – good posture can make you look more confident instantly, and it can seemingly melt away the pounds in professional photos. Standing up straight with your shoulders back will instantly make you look slimmer in your photos.
5. Cross Your Ankles
If you are seated during a photo, don’t cross your legs since this could emphasize lumps and bumps. Instead, cross your legs at your ankles and lean your knees in slightly for a slimming and smooth effect. If you hire a photographer and try to cross your legs for a photo, they’ll likely ask you to cross your ankles instead since they’re well-acquainted with this tip.
6. Choose Your Outfit Carefully
Your outfit can transform an ordinary picture into a memorable art print worthy of hanging on your walls. Not only can the right outfit give your picture an enduring, classic look, but it can also make you look trimmer. If you want to appear thinner in photos, opt for solid or darker colors since bold prints can make you look bigger. As a bonus, solid colors will stand the test of time better if your photograph will be a family heirloom.
7. Watch Where You Sit
This is another good tip if you will be sitting in a photo. Instead of sitting against the back of the chair, stick to the edge of your seat since this will lengthen your body. You may not be as comfortable, but you’ll be able to tough it out for your short photo session. You’ll be glad you did when you see the results!
8. Your Clothing Should Fit You Well
Ill-fitting clothing and even underwear can make a difference to your appearance in photos, so make sure that your clothing fits your body well. Anything too tight will create unsightly lumps and bumps. But you also don’t want your clothing to be so baggy that it gives the illusion of extra weight. Instead, you should find clothing that is shapely without being form-fitting or tight.
9. Camera Angles Matter Too
When you’ve booked a session with a professional photographer, they’ll know which angles to shoot and which to avoid. If you’re taking a photo of yourself, though, you may not know where to place the camera for the best results. Keep the camera at eye-level or slightly elevated to create a slimmer result when photographing yourself.
Don’t Sweat It
If you are working with a professional photographer, make them aware that you’re worried about looking big in your photos. They’ll be able to give you additional guidance so you can love your new photos as much as your friends and family will.
