Are you someone who hates getting your picture taken? Do you avoid the camera like the plague? If this sounds like you, I’m going to guess that you’re also supercritical and think you look bad in every photo or maybe you clam up and feel awkward because you don’t know what to do! Thankfully, this post is here to help you with little tips and tricks you can do to take all that pressure away when you’re in front of a camera! I’m using my years of experience as a photographer, professional model, and blogger to give you 12 posing tips to make you look thinner in pictures instantly!
12 Posing Tips to Make You Look Thinner in Pictures INSTANTLY!
Disclaimer: This is not to say you aren’t beautiful the way you are and that we shouldn’t accept the body we see in the mirror – every body type is beautiful! These are intended to be posing tips to flatter your body, bring out your best angles, mask what you’re not so confident about, and reverse the unfortunate things that the camera can do!
1. Watch Your Posture
One of the most important posing tips is to always have good posture. Move those shoulders back! In the first photo, I’m standing how I normally would (which I can now see is not great), and in the second photo, I have my shoulders pulled back. I look taller which makes me look leaner!
Even pulling your shoulders back a little bit will do wonders in elongating your body and lengthening your silhouette, and as a result, looking thinner!
2. Tilt Your Hips Back
Whatever your feelings on whether people should try to have a thigh gap or not, it’s really easy to fake it. All you have to do is tilt your hips back to create space between your legs. This may seem like such a small change, but it will make a big difference in front of the camera.
In fact, more influencers and models are doing it than you may think. It’s one of the best easy tips because it doesn’t take much skill! The important thing to keep in mind is not to tilt your hips back too much, however. It can quickly turn into an unflattering picture if it looks too forced.
3. Show Your Neck
Tyra knows what she’s talking about. Avoid the double chin and try to show and elongate your neck for the appearance of a thinner face! If you don’t, you look squished, and who wants to look squished?
If you want to be done taking bad photos, then just remember to drop your shoulders and let your neck stand tall. Ready? Now flash your best smile!
4. Stand at an Angle, Put One Leg in Front of the Other
This is a posing trick you can spot a lot on the red carpet (hello, Heidi Klum). Whether you’re on the red carpet or not, this is one of the best poses for taking good pictures.
When doing this posing trick, your legs can look uber long when you put one leg in front of the other at a 45-degree (ish) angle. Your front leg creates the perfect leading line for your entire body, and your back leg looks thinner too.
You’ll also see the common theme of creating different angles with your body a lot in this post. Call it an optical illusion, but good poses always have some interest and move your body in a flattering way.
5. Lean Away From the Camera
If you’re getting family pictures taken, your portrait photographer might tell you to lean towards the camera because it creates a connection with the camera. (Which you should totally do. Listen to your photographer.)
But as I study photos, I notice that leaning forward pulls my mommy tummy out, emphasizing my postpartum pooch. And when I’m leaning away it gives more of a slimming effect, making my whole body look leaner. (Yes, I take a lot of pictures!)
6. Don’t Put Your Arms Flat Against Your Body
It truly doesn’t matter how tiny your arms are; if your arms are flat against your body and facing the camera, the camera is just going to make them look bigger than they are! (It’s not on you, blame the camera.)
The best way to avoid this is by turning your arms away from the camera the best you can while bending your camera-facing arm to create a little space. This is one of my favorite tips because it can take flabby arms and make them photoshoot-ready!
7. Bend Your Limbs
Try not to stand totally straight – especially if leaning up against the wall. As you can see from my example, it kinda makes me look “dumpy”, and I want you to avoid dumpy.
So first thing – instead of leaning flat against the wall, use the wall as a prop to create angles and interest in your body! This is an easy way to make your photos more dynamic and natural, especially if you’re using camera phones.
*BONUS* Want to fake curves? Arch that back!
For more rectangle body types (i.e., little definition), arching that back and popping out your behind gives the illusion of curves while also creating a smaller waist!
8. Tuck Your Legs When Sitting Down
Whether it’s a corporate photo or a group pic, looking good while sitting down has always been tricky. It always feels like you’re in the wrong position! It’s true that sitting down and just plopping your legs wherever doesn’t look the greatest, but luckily, there are ways to look elegant while taking a photo sitting down.
Stretch out your legs and tuck your back foot under your front foot. This elongates the side of your body, creates great curves, and overall adds length to your body.
9. Bend Your Arm When Sitting Down
It’s most people’s go-to position to just keep your arm straight when you’re sitting down. This can make your arm look a little unflattering.
Instead, the right way is to slightly bend it (even though it feels awkward!). Even if it doesn’t come naturally, I’ve got photo evidence to prove that when I bend my arm and lean into it, my upper arm looks way more toned than in the first picture!
Want to elevate your picture even more? Do this pose while posing on the side of the face you like best (also called your good side).
10. Stand With One Leg in Front of the Other, Get on Tiptoes
I like to call this the “fashion blogger pose” because after a quick scroll through the ‘gram you’ll see that everyone is doing it! There’s a reason why though – this pose is an easy trick for looking taller and skinnier!
Put the toe of your front foot planted firmly on the ground, while you gently arch to your tiptoes. Easy peasy!
11. Sit at the Edge of Your Seat
Though it’s more comfortable, resist the urge to “just sit” when you sit. It definitely takes more effort, but sitting at the edge, bending your legs, and getting those shoulders back looks a lot better!
12. Have Your Photographer Shoot From Above (Or Way Below)
Shooting eye level is generally not a flattering angle on anyone. (Unless you had a wide-angle lens, good lighting, and your photographer was shooting low while aiming up, that can look editorial.) But for those not shooting a magazine spread, having your photographer shoot higher and aiming down can slim you out.
Want to elevate this pose even more? Wear solid colors that match your skin tone and slightly rock your hips to the right or left side. This hip pose creates a more flattering angle.
Even More Tips to Make You Look Thinner in Pictures
If you want to skyrocket your photos, good news, I’ve still got some more tips for you! As you can see, in this post, I’m wearing minimal clothing so you can get the best look at these posing tips, but that brings me to my next set of tips that aren’t just about posing – there are other things you can do to look thinner in pictures!
- Shoes matter. Shoes with height (heels or wedges) can make your legs look leaner and longer, especially when paired with shorter bottoms.
- Resist the urge to “hide” your body under frumpy clothes; wear fitted clothing!
- There’s a reason everyone says to wear black. It’s slimming and can hide any extra bulges! However, other colors are slimming too.
- Consider using products that give a faux tan before taking pictures. It can make you appear thinner, plus generally, people always feel better being tan! Confidence is key, right?
- Finding the right makeup is a must before taking photos. Make sure your foundation is a perfect match and don’t forget a bit of translucent powder! Depending on the light source, you could end up looking greasy without it.
- When smiling, try to keep your tongue to the roof of your mouth. This “proper tongue posture” can help avoid or minimize a double chin, making both your neck and face look slimmer!
How to Feel More Confident When Taking Pictures
If you clicked on this post, chances are you’re not feeling very confident in your picture-taking ability. As cheesy as it sounds, confidence really can make or break a picture! Follow these tips to improve your confidence, which will, in turn, improve your overall photos.
- Practice posing in front of a mirror. Seeing how you look in different poses can help build your confidence and figure out what angles are most flattering for you. This way, you won’t have a mental blackout when it’s time to take pictures because you practiced poses ahead of time, and now you know your best angles!
- Wear clothes that make you feel good! When you’re dressed in an outfit you love and that makes you feel confident, it will show in your photos. And while you’re at it, why not pick up a new outfit for the occasion?
- Stand up straight and smile. Good posture and a genuine smile can instantly make you look more confident in photos. Remember to relax and have fun while taking pictures. (It’ll show!)
- Get comfortable with your environment. If you’re taking pictures in a new location, take a few moments to get comfortable and familiar with the surroundings. This will help you feel more at ease and confident in front of the camera.
- Focus on the positive. Instead of worrying about how you look or how the photos are going to turn out, focus on the things you love about yourself. Remember that everyone has their own unique beauty and embrace what makes you special. (And remember that even models aren’t perfect!)
- Practice mindfulness. A fancy word for a simple concept. Before taking photos, take a few deep breaths and try to relax your mind. Being present at the moment and letting go of any negative thoughts can help you feel more confident and natural in front of the camera.
Recap
Let’s recap it now, shall we? To look thinner in pictures, follow these tips:
- Stand up straight with your shoulders back to elongate your body and create a slimmer appearance.
- Angle your body slightly to the side rather than facing the camera straight on, as turning your body away slightly can create a more flattering silhouette.
- Place one hand on your hip to create a defined waistline and give the appearance of a smaller waist. (Bend your arm and create angles!)
- Wear dark, solid colors as they tend to be more slimming than light or busy patterns.
- Avoid bulky clothing or oversized pieces that can add unnecessary bulk to your frame.
- Position yourself slightly further away from the camera to reduce the appearance of any extra weight. (Don’t get soo close to the camera)
- Keep your chin up and avoid tilting your head down, as this can create a double chin effect. (Elongate that neck!)
- Cross your legs at the ankles or keep them slightly apart to create a more streamlined look.
- Opt for high-waisted bottoms to elongate your legs and create a more balanced proportion.
Just remember: Even models don’t look like themselves in the pictures we see blown up in stores and magazines, and even then, they can have an unflattering photo from time to time.
It’s all about hacking the camera and putting your best foot forward, sometimes literally! With these 12 different poses and simple tricks, you’re sure to make a huge difference in your photos and snag the perfect picture. If you’re still unsure, try practicing these poses in front of a mirror to prep for the next time you’re in front of the lens.
Now that you’ve got posing tips to look thinner in pictures, dive into these colors that make you look skinny!
these are such clever hacks babe! you really know all the right angles for the best photos! 🙂
It’s a learning experience!
Absolutely beautiful!!! Thanks so much for the tips.
I love this post! You have such great tips, especially the one about creating a waist. That’s something I am always trying to do since I carry most of my weight there.
It’s all about camera hacking! 🙂
I love this illustrative post! It’s kinda hard to follow when there’s no examples. I like that those poses create that “legs for days” effect. Definitely using these tips on my next photoshoot. Thanks for sharing!
Candace Hampton
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Yay, glad you liked them, Candace!
I absolutely love all of these tips. You are adorable and I love your pictures!
Thanks so much, Erin 🙂
I never know how to pose for pictures, so this helped a ton!!
I’m happy to hear that! 🙂
This guide is SO helpful! I’m always looking to try new poses and definitely want to get those best angles. Thanks for sharing this!
I’m happy it was so helpful!
Great tips and super helpful for finding new poses to try out!
Glad you found it helpful!
This article and your examples would be much better visually if your beautiful stick thin modle was actually a heavy lady.
That would be so much more helpful.
Noted!
These are such excellent tips from the absolute PRO at gorgeous, flattering photos and angles. I feel like I’ve grown a lot over the past four years, but I still have tons to learn!
Oh, I’m hardly the pro, but like you are saying, there’s always much to learn!
to be honest the language is a little triggering for me, someone who has suffered from malicious eating disorders. I know this is advice people are looking for and as a former ballerina I always tell people posture is key!
My apologies for any words that didn’t sit the right way. Thank you for being brave and sharing your experience. But yes, posture is a big part of it!
I was totally nodding along to this post because I definitely do all of these! Great tips!
Glad you liked it 🙂
Hello Carolyn. I never knew any of this and rarely have a photo of myself that I like, thank you for teaching this!
Hi, Amy! I’m so glad this was helpful!
Oh my goodness, so many great tips! I loved that you shared the “before and after” type poses. I need to work on my arms away from my body and posture, for sure!
This was soooo helpful! I knew a few of the hacks, but learned so much. Thank you so much for putting this together!!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing! I also often use applications that allow you to edit the shape and face. PerfectMe is my favorite! With it I can reshape my body as I want. My figure looks ideal, I can thin my waist, long legs, abs, and retouch my face to skinny face. Cool!
I’ve also found a great article on this theme: https://apppearl.com/apps-that-make-you-look-skinny/
omgggg this is sooo helpful, thank you so much, now i won’t be so frustrated looking at pictures
So happy this is helpful for you!
Thank you for this! I’ve been looking for some tips for when I do my head shot photos and I wish I had seen this last week. I always tend to squish my arms up against my side and that makes them look bigger. If that is you in the picture, you are gorgeous. If its a model…well, then she is gorgeous too. However I don’t think it’s a possibility that the girl in your pictures could possibly ever look heavy or clunky no matter how she stood. If only you had used a bit bigger girl with maybe 10 or 20 extra pounds I could have seen the real difference posing could make, however, I get the idea! Great tips!
I’m glad this helped, Katie! I’m the person in the photographs so I just used myself as examples, but I appreciate the feedback of using different body shapes. Thanks so much for sharing!
– Excellent article! It looks so beautiful. Thanks for sharing!!
So glad you liked it. Thanks!
Awesome post and nice tips. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome!
First of all you looking very beautiful . I am waiting for a long time to get like of those information. All of your tips are really good . I must be follow them. Thanks a lot for your advice.
These are amazing tips! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
You’re welcome 🙂
Hi, Carolyn!
Very useful article. However, I would like to make some clarifications and corrections to some poses.
1. When you lean away from the camera, your proportions change, and your bottom and thighs will look bigger than your bust, and therefore you will look fatter.
2. When you bend your back leg, you place your weight on the leg closest to the camera, and therefore it will tense your thigh muscles and look fuller and bigger than in reality.
So my advice, as a posing teacher, is to put your weight on your back leg, bend your front knee, move your butt back, and lean with your chest toward the camera. This way you will put your shapes in better value, you will appear thinner and, obviously, sexier.
Thank you for your insight!
Carolyn thank you so much for these amazing tips. Some I knew &&& you’ve critiqued things for me in many ways. One thing though, IF I wear a cute summer dress NOT fitting, how do i make it work. My only problem is a muffin top. .. Cheryl
Hello, Cheryl! I’d recommend finding a dress that flatters your body and one you feel confident in. You may find dresses that aren’t clingy, emphasize the top half and not the lower half, and/or have an empire waist style may suit you best.
It’s hard to get an idea without seeing a plus size model doing these poses
100% sorry girl but you look thin and tone exactly the same in your side by sides. Even tho i am actually complementing you…I’m thick..this…well it just ain’t it
Love this article !
These are amazing tips! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Lovely
That’s an amazing pose — and the photography looks absolutely top-notch.
Don’t use a slim lady (who is stunning btw, no shade to her) for this article. Lets be real, she is never going to look “big” no matter the pose/angle. Use someone who is bigger, so we can see if these tips are realistic, and we can visualise ourselves in these poses.
One of these days, I’ll find a list like this that isn’t done by a very slender person who looks like a model. These would be a lot more credible coming from a mom who is 20 pounds overweight. Then we could actually see if they really work or not. As is, there is very little difference in these photos because the model is so extremely slender and pretty.
Honestly, I doubt these work for regular people. They’re like haircuts where you go from long to short: the novelty is what people notice, but your looks don’t actually change. The haircut doesn’t make your face look thinner/rounder/younger. People just focus on the drastic new short length that is so different from what you had before. Once they get used to it, they notice all the flaws/age/whatever again.