“The camera lens adds 50 pounds to my thighs.”
“When did I get a double chin.”
“My arms look like salami rolls.”
“Whenever a flash goes off, I panic like a deer in headlights.”
If any of these photo complaints sounds familiar, this is because you are not alone. Most people don’t know how to pose for a photograph.
Beautiful celebrities are 10 percent plastic surgery (sometimes more), 10 percent gym membership, 20 percent genetics, 20 percent diet, and 40 percent lighting, Photoshop, and camera training. Being photogenic is not always a privilege. In fact, a lot of talent, photography skill, and technique goes into one great photo. However, even you can appear like a glamorous star just by using a few simple tips and tricks.
Trick to Great Looking Legs
Facing a camera head-on is not always flattering. In fact, it can add several undue slabs of whale lard onto your thighs and butt. To avoid the camera playing this trick, angle your thighs at a 45-degree angle, push them together, swing your shoulders towards the camera, place your closest hand on your hip.
For an added lengthening to the above pose, place one leg in front of the other, bend it slightly, and point the toe at 12 o’clock. Place your weight onto your rear leg, and point that toe at 3 o’clock. Lean your torso back, release your shoulders rearward, stretch your neck, and suck in the belly. Remember to lean, and not arch your back. Arching will accentuate the appearance of a belly.
If your figure tends to look more like an upside-down wine glass in photos (a.k.a. stubby leg syndrome), crossing your ankles will stretch the lower half of your body. Stand, facing the camera at an angle, and cross the legs just above the ankles. Place both hands on the hips for an added slimming effect.
The Digital Hourglass Figure
To add a bit more juice to an otherwise flat caboose, stand up straight, step one toe ahead of the other, and place one hand on the hip facing forward. The remaining hand is laid against the body, allowing your hips to take the spotlight.
You can create an “S” shape out of any body shape. Start by separating your leg’s hip distance apart, shift your weight onto one leg, and place your hands on your hips. You now have curves.
Mastering the “over the shoulder” pose is essential for any woman who likes to flaunt a sexy figure. Place your back to the camera, and angle your body 45 degrees. Turn your head towards the camera, raising the shoulder one inch, and unleash a full, natural smile.
10-Second Weight Reduction
To give yourself a crash, digital diet, place both hands on your waist, and squeeze in gently. If you want spot reduction on your thighs and arms, angle your arms straight out, and lean your upper body forward. This works by placing your most troublesome areas farthest from the camera lens.
Speaking of slimming the arms, even a couple added pounds can make your arms look overbearing when pressed against your side. Hold your arms away from the body anytime they are featured in a photograph.
Pressing your body close to any guy, can have the effect of losing as much as 20 pounds. Just make sure that he knows you, and his wife is outside of hitting range. If there is nobody convenient to snuggle with, use a purse or jacket to hide any unwanted pudge. Pregnant celebrities have been mastering this art for years.
Quick Tips to Becoming Photogenic
- Never look directly into the camera lens. Bring your smile to the eye of the photographer.
- Hold your head forward gently to diminish the appearance of a double chin.
- Tilt chin down slightly, while raising the eyes, to create an allure.
- Give any photo a bit of character and charm, by kicking one foot into the air. This is Kate Perry’s signature move, and worthy of making your own.
- If your smile is starting to feel like plaster, look away from the camera, think of something amusing, and return with a fresh grin.
Common Mistakes of the Camera Shy
- Bad posture is always exaggerated on film. Leaning to one side will give you a drunken monkey look. Stand up straight.
- Avoid all profile head shots. Nobody’s head looks good from the side.
- The word, “Cheese,” only equates to an extra cheesy smile.
- Don’t know what to do with your hands? Give them a job, such as resting on your hip.
- Clenched fists appear deformed in photos. Stretch your fingers along your legs, or over the top of your knees while seated. Fingers make or break an artist’s painting, and the same goes for a photograph.