Today we’re going to talk about something everybody hopes for in their images: to look thin! It’s our natural desire to want to look our very best in photographs. I believe true beauty comes from the inside and people are beautiful just the way they are. But, there are ways to help slim ourselves down when being photographed and I’m going to teach those techniques to you!

Posture, Posture, Posture

One of the easiest and quickest ways to appear thinner in photos, is to work on your posture! By standing tall and pulling your shoulders back, you elongate your spine which makes you look more confident. It also lengthens your body for an awesome slimming effect! You may hear me say prompts like “chin up just a little bit” or “go ahead and pull those shoulders back a little”, those are directed at creating that perfect posture!

Finding your best side

I don’t know about you, but I certainly have a side that I prefer to be photographed on and that’s my “swoop” side! Which means having the biggest swoop part of my hairstyle turned toward the camera. Now, you may not realize you have a preferred side, so I would recommend trying out some selfie’s at different angles and see which ones you like the best! Once you know, you’ll feel more confident in front of the camera which enhances your overall appearance.

Body Positioning

Here’s where my job as a professional photographer comes in! I will always do my best to position your body in a way that is flattering to your figure. Here are a few of my tricks to help you look as thin as possible just by your body position: 

1. Instead of facing the camera straight on, turn your feet/body to a 45 degree angle away from the camera, then twist your shoulders back towards the camera.

2. Don’t leave your arms hanging at your side. Instead give your hands something to do like pinch your dress or place a hand on your hip or in a pocket. The goal is to have your arm slightly pulled away from your body and your elbow bent!

3. The Hip Dip! As I call it…This is where I have you put all your weight on the leg farthest from the camera and you relax the knee CLOSEST to the camera. It makes you push your hips away which instantly slims your figure! I have a short video that demonstrates this, you can see it HERE.

4. Crossing your legs at the ankles is also another little trick to give the illusion of longer and leaner legs. When I have my clients do walking shots, I always ask them to criss-cross their legs slowly as they walk and it’s so beautiful! 

And there you have it! Some helpful tips and tricks to look thinner when in front of a camera. Even if the camera is an iPhone, these tips will help you look confident and love the way you look. But don’t forget…you are beautiful as you are and true beauty doesn’t come from outward physical appearances, but from who you are as a person. 

XOXO, Jen

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