It's in the pose: How to always look great in photos

by Lauren Greschner (Subscribe to Lauren Greschner's posts)
Jul 25th 2007 4:01PM

Have you ever noticed how celebs like Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton and Sarah Jessica Parker always pose exactly the same in every single red carpet photo? Well it's not an accident. The most often photographed stars have figured out which stance looks best for them and they stick with it, knowing that they'll always look great.

While Longoria's over-the-shoulder look may not be appropriate for most real-life photo moments, there is nothing wrong with figuring out what pose works best for you. Here are a few tips on how to always make sure you look great in every picture:

Don't make your arms look too big by allowing them to squish against your body. Hands on hips or in pockets help your upper arms appear toned.
Good posture elongates your body, making you look as tall and thin as possible. If you slouch your belly will stick out, shoulders hunch in and boobs droop.
If you cross your legs you run the risk of making your calves look heavier and your hips wide. The article recommends turning your body slightly and bending a knee for leaner-looking legs.
Keep your head tilted slightly upward to avoid a double chin. If you've already got one, the piece says that you shouldn't let anyone take your picture from below because this will only accentuate it.
My personal favorite of the tips is to not appear drunk in office party photos. If you have over-indulged, try to minimize the damage by not having a drink (or worse, an entire bottle) in your hand in every photo.

Interested in finding out more? Look here for a couple more ideas on how to find your personal best photo pose. Don't think it'll make a difference? Get a friend to take a picture with a digital camera and ignore all of these rules and then take another but apply them, and see the kind of difference it makes.

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Comments (37)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

ally 7-31-2007 @ 3:44PM

I always knew it was important to stand up straight but what if you're tall and all your friends all shorter than you? It would look weird if you're the only giant with a head popping higher than others. This is usually the reason I slouch subconsiously.

shopdkny73 7-31-2007 @ 3:47PM

The best pose for ANYONE'S shape is turning slightly to your best side and propping/pointing one leg so one knee is bent and the other is straight. This will make your calves look toned if you're wearing a longer skirt and your thighs will look incredible in short shorts/skirts. I promise!!

Pat 7-31-2007 @ 5:50PM

Any advice about what to do about wearing shorts and cellulite on the front of the thighs that looks worse in photos than it does in person?

rapj678181 7-31-2007 @ 5:51PM

Ally
you must be young because otherwise you would KNOW tall women are attractive
I am an old man ( no I wont say how old oh what the heck I am 49) and my girlfriend is over 6 foot ( I am 5'11) EVERYONE looks better standing straight AND TALL. Be proud girl and other people will see it ALSO!
rick

jackee 7-31-2007 @ 5:51PM

I ALWAYS remember not to have my arms at my side staright down. i had one vacation where my arms looked huge in most photos. I then learned to bend my arms. what a difference!

Lia 7-31-2007 @ 5:51PM

The reason that cellulite looks worse in photos may be the angle of the viewer. In which case, the camera is only showing you what others see. Also, most people never realize how much difference light makes. Bright sunlight accents ANY dimple or bump, so what you see inside while dressing and what is seen outside in sun is quite different.

Mark Borg 7-31-2007 @ 5:52PM

How about improving your quality of life (and mine) . Stop stuffing your fat face and get off your grotesque butt and exercise. 75% of American women over 35 (in the Buffalo NY area for sure) are disgusting blobs.

Lia 7-31-2007 @ 5:53PM

If you slouch, it doesn't matter whether you are short or tall, you look bad. Think about how many women would LOVE to be taller and be proud of your distinction. Present yourself in the best possible way because making yourself look slouchy helps NO One in the picture. Least of all, you.

linda 7-31-2007 @ 5:53PM

While all of these things maybe true, there are many people who just dont photograph well.

If you want to meet classy, discreet people whom lead an alternative life style check out www.emarital.com. Log in for free and join the fastest growing alternative dating site around. This site caters to couples and those who would like to be a third party.

Al Rugani 7-31-2007 @ 5:53PM

A MODEL'S TECHNIQUE: ALWAYS LOOK INTO THE LENS OF THE CAMERA, NOT THE PERSON HOLDING THE CAMERA.

Lia 7-31-2007 @ 5:53PM

You will have to pardon my total lack of interest in improving the life of anyone who calls other people grotesque and disgusting blobs. Assuming you are a perfect specimen physically, (who ELSE would be arrogant enough to make statements like yours?) I would like to gently point out that your character and compassion are in dire need of an upgrade.

Lia 7-31-2007 @ 5:28PM

You will pardon my total lack of interest in improving the life of someone who calls other people grotesque and disgusting blobs. Assuming that only a perfect physical specimen would be arrogant enough to say such things, I would like to gently point out that your character and compassion are in dire need of an upgrade.

Linda 7-31-2007 @ 5:54PM

Linda (#8)
It's who, not whom, when used as the subject of a clause. Thought you might want to know so you don't sound pretentious. What does an alternative lifestyle have to do with photography?

joyfl 7-31-2007 @ 6:29PM

Why is it men are so cruelly critical of overweight women? I see some pretty porky men running around with their gut hanging out over their belts. Look in the mirror before you criticize. Besides, most overweight women still bother to bathe, hint hint. Some of you guys look like you haven't seen a razor or a tub for weeks!!

Peggy 7-31-2007 @ 8:35PM

Great tips...always nice to learn new things..and about the mens remarks...well it is normal for men who suffer from "little man syndrome" and you gals know that I am not talking about height ;) to be the ones who make fun of chubby women..I guess they have to cover up their own "shortcomings" as men..poor insecure men...

sonia 7-31-2007 @ 8:36PM

mark borg ~

i am a chick from buffalo, over 35, tall & SKINNY! i agree that there are ALOT of fatties in this city. but let's be real....look at all of the fat, disgusting dudes in this town. these dudes think dressing up is putting on a clean (still wrinkled) t-shirt & ball cap. i think our city needs a complete fashion makeover. here's a question for ya......what is up with the fat guys who think they should be dating a good looking girl who is in shape? makes no sense. the people in buffalo are the nicest folks around but they do need to diet & exercise.

Dee 7-31-2007 @ 8:36PM

Mark, that is funny as hell, so true and right in your face. A former upstate NY-er myself, I never realized what the deal was till I moved to Charlotte and got off my butt!

Katrina 7-31-2007 @ 8:37PM

Ok, first of all, we are talking about photography, not over-weight women. Second, over half the freaken women on the planet are overweight, so get used to it! Big women can be just as beautiful as small ones. Why would anyone want to be so small they look unhealthy and gross, anyway?

Lizzy 7-31-2007 @ 8:37PM

Hahas very true i mean besides that if your fat than your fat its nice to make your self look better in pictures but wait until in person does it matter? but i guess besides so many people are obese due to fast food. Dude think about it

renee 7-31-2007 @ 8:37PM

These are great tips

remember a great smile will draw the focus to your face also and when you smile it will brighten up your eyes.

lighting of a photograph plays a big part in what shows up on the film

think about your posture thru the day when walking, sitting at your desk at work and soon it will become something that comes automatic to sit up straight shoulders back

have fun
http://models-fashion-advice.com