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In our current social media-obsessed world, not knowing how to pose for photos simply isn’t an option. Even if we’re completely satisfied with the way we look in the mirror, one unflattering photo can hit our self-esteems hard. That’s why we’ve got tips on how to help you figuring out all of our best poses and angles.
1. Use your tongue
It might feel strange, but by pressing your tongue on the roof of your mouth while smiling is an effective way to help avoid the dreaded double chin, as it elongates your neck and your jawline.
2. Angle your face
Avoid direct head-on shots. Why? Because there’ll be an absence of shadows, which could make your face look wider, larger, or slightly discolored. Instead, stand slightly sideways and tilt your chin a little bit upward
3. Twist your body and position your arms
Ever wonder why every celebrity poses with her camera-facing arm on her hip? It’s because that particular move ensures that her upper arm isn’t smooshed against her body making it look larger.
4. Cross your ankles
If you’re being shot head-on cross your legs, starting at the calf. This stance will make your hips look narrower and your legs look longer, plus it looks a bit more casual. This works when you’re sitting too!
5. Don’t follow the group
The key to a stellar group shot? Not all doing the same pose. Everyone is shaped differently, so the viewer’s eye will naturally gravitate to who looks best in the pose, not the picture.
6. Learn to smile for the camera
Smiling is a tricky thing when it comes to photos. Too big, and you look silly, but none at all can make you look broody or angry. The solution? The ‘natural’ smile you so often do when the camera’s not on you.
7. Practice good posture
Standing up straight really does make a difference. Not only will it elongate you in photos, but it gives you an aura of strength and confidence, which is naturally alluring.
8. Loosen up
As much you think “posing” for these types of pictures will make you look better, the fact remains that loosing up and having a little fun will almost always make for a more flattering snap.
The original version of this story was published in Women’s Weekly on May 5, 2017.