“It’s picture time!” Whether they’re professional pictures or someone is pulling out a camera at a party, do those words strike a little bit of fear?
We all want to look our best.
But most of the time we feel that the camera isn’t very flattering. Take control of how you feel when posing for any photo!
I’ve compiled a list of EASY tips to incorporate the next time someone pulls out their camera and wants to capture the moment. Modeling for me is my lovely daughter, during the time of social distancing and quarantine because of the coronavirus. Thank you, Reagan!
1. Don’t stand square to the camera. Standing with your whole body directly facing the camera squares your body. It’s more of a power pose than a flattering pose. Think Superman (larger than life).
INSTEAD – stand slightly angled to the camera. This visually slims the body and creates a flattering figure.
2. Don’t slouch. I know I sound like your mother, but we all know the nonverbal cues of slouching.
INSTEAD – Have straight posture or even an arched back. This does so much! Not only does it pull in the core but it helps elongate the neck and gives you an immediate boost of confidence. If the camera is capturing your backside, an arched back helps give your body nice curves and a slimmer shape.
3. Don’t keep your arms close in to your body. This doesn’t allow any visual space between body parts, and it accentuates those flags that ladies tend to start flying in mid-life.
INSTEAD – Hold your arms away from your body –usually women do this naturally by placing their hands on their hips. If there’s something to hold onto nearby, hold onto that (a fence, a flagpole, a post, etc).
4. Don’t stand with square hips. This keeps the body stiff and is another power pose.
INSTEAD – Stand with one hip cocked. We do this naturally without thinking about it. And since your body is at an angle to the camera, make sure the hip closest to the camera is lower and the one away from the camera is higher. This means your front knee will most likely be bent. And that’s flattering as well!
5. Speaking of standing stiffly – don’t stand with straight limbs. Once again, it keeps your body stiff and can look awkward.
INSTEAD – follow the old adage – “if it bends, bend it”. Use those joints to your advantage and bend them, even slightly. This gives a fluidity to your body and makes you look comfortable.
6. Don’t pose with your head down, and we’re focusing on the chin here. This accentuates double chins and hides your jawline.
INSTEAD – pose with your chin up and out, but don’t over-exaggerate it. This helps to elongate the neck, reduce double chins, and accentuate your jawline.
7. Don’t pose with your hands flat towards the camera. This can make them look larger and brings attention to them.
INSTEAD – place them on a plane that won’t be directly facing the camera. And remember the “if it bends, bend it” adage. But don’t go crazy there either – we don’t want claws. Hold fingers naturally bent and you’ll look relaxed and confident.
8. Last, but not least, if you’re resting any part of your body on anything, don’t completely rest it on there. The majority of the time this means placing your chin in your hand or your arm on a fence post (etc); or even being cheek to cheek with someone. When you actually rest your chin on your hand or your arm on a fence railing you’re smashing that skin up and distorting your features.
INSTEAD – just fake it. Only rest lightly so that you have the look you’re going for, but your skin and features stay natural.
So there you go! Practice these in front of a mirror until you get the hang of it. The next time the cameras come out you’ll feel more confident and will feel great about the way you look!
And when is the last time you’ve had your pictures taken where you’ve felt confident?
It’s time!
Click below to schedule a 15 minute chat with me where we can discuss what updated pictures can do for your confidence, your business, or your social media presence.
