Don’t cross your arms
Crossing your arms is a big no-no when it comes to taking photos. You might be tempted to do so in an attempt to hide any bumps or bulges, but it actually makes you look heavier than you are. Place a hand on your hip to create a more appealing silhouette.
Position your body
How you position your body can make or break a photo. Move what you want to hide behind you and bring what you want to draw more attention to forward. A good rule of thumb is to move your butt away from the camera, and bring your chest and shoulders closer to the camera ever so slightly.
Stick your chin out
Don’t want the camera to capture that pesky double chin? Simply lift your head up, jutting out your chin. It’ll create a more defined side profile, giving your jawline a sharper look. Heidi Klum even recommends that you put your tongue on the roof of your mouth as you put your chin forward, tightening your facial muscles.
Make sure the angle isn’t too low
If the photo is taken from too low of an angle, it can make you appear top-heavy. Ensure that your photographer takes the snap from a mid-to-high angle, showing off your body’s proportions in a manner that’s true to real life. If you’re taking pics solo, make sure that the ledge you place your phone on is neither too low, nor too high.
Stand at an angle
Facing the camera head-on can make you look frumpy, showing you at your widest. Put one foot in front of the other and stand at an angle so that your entire body isn’t visible. To create even more of a slimming effect, elongate your neck, creating an elegant silhouette.
Ensure photos are straight
Having wonky photos is a nightmare. Not only does it look messy overall, it can actually make you look heavier. The onlooker’s eye gets confused with tilted pics, their brains mixing up your body’s proportions. Don’t forget you can edit photos – even ones on your phone – straightening them up in no time.
Cross your ankles
Make sure that you cross your ankles when you’re being snapped – particularly if you’re sitting down. Not only does it make your legs look a huge deal thinner, it also provides a more elegant, classy look. It may also help you feel less awkward when your picture is being taken, giving you something to do with your limbs.
Avoid baggy clothing
If the goal is to look slim, you should avoid baggy clothing at all costs. Wearing baggy sweaters and cardigans when your picture is being taken can add unnecessary weight to your frame, the swarms of fabric making you look as though you’re carrying extra pounds.
Don’t get too close
Make sure that the camera isn’t too close to your face – particularly if you’re snapping selfies. Having your entire face fill the whole frame can make you look bloated. Ensure that you hold your camera or phone as far back as you can, giving some background to your selfie. If there’s too much space, you can always crop it later.
Watch your posture
Don’t slouch or slump when you’re having your photo taken. Slouching makes your entire frame look shorter and angles your body to your middle, drawing more attention to your midsection. Avoid those stomach rolls and sit up straight – it’ll make for a better pic and will make you look slimmer.