The past four years on Sweet, Short & Stylish, I’ve posed for A LOT of photos. It’s actually come to a point where I’m sick of seeing myself in photos! haha. I remember when I first started blogging, I didn’t know what I was actually doing and 99% of photos turned out to be awkward. Yet as time went on, I became more comfortable in front of the camera and learned some techniques that helped me to look more flattering. I thought I’d share some of my tricks in today’s post and even include some examples for anyone that’s just starting out in fashion blogging or just wants to pose better for photos!
Always Angle Your Face & Twist Your Body
Unless you’re a model, the chances of a direct head-on shot turning out good is rare. They always seem to make the person look wider and larger and especially if you’re shooting outside, casts strange shadows on the face. Instead, slightly tilt your head and stand slightly sideways for a more flattering photo. If you don’t know what to do with your hands, you can always put one hand on your hip (gives the illusion of toned arms) or even pretend your tucking your hair behind your ear (seen here) which can look relaxed and carefree.
Want to Look Taller?
I’m 5’1 and could defiantly use some height so a trick that I’ve learned is to cross my ankles in photos. I actually see celebrities doing this all the time on the red carpet and in photoshoots and it always gives the illusion of length and makes you look slimmer! Just look at the photo that I used above. Remember to always point your toes forward since pointing them sideways can make the pose look awkward.
Relax Your Hands
If you’re holding a handbag or another item in your hand, make sure to always relax your hands or else you can come across as looking stiff. I know some people tend to unconsciously point their pinky finger up or even make a fist and it becomes clear to the viewer that you’re uncomfortable, even if you have a smile on your face which can ruin the photo easily.
Double Chin Probs
I naturally have a round face and also have a double chin which can come across as looking unflattering in photos. There’s many ways to hide this such as pushing your forehead upwards slightly (this sounds weird but try it in the mirror and you’ll see what I mean!), keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth, or wear your hair down and try the over the shoulder pose. These techniques always help to relax your muscles and elongates your neck so your double chin disappears.
Trouble Spots
We all have the one part of our body that we don’t like. For me, it’s always been my hips and thighs yet there’s many tricks to hide it such as leaning slightly forward so my hips look slightly smaller or even carrying a large bag on my elbow and covering my hips with it (seen here). The key rule to remember is that whatever is closest to the camera will end up looking the largest so make sure to pose at an angle that hides your “trouble spot” and accentuates your other assets.
I hope these tips helped! Do you have any techniques that you use to look better in photos? Share them below!
