10 Tips for Picture-Perfect Poses

The holiday season can mean an overwhelming amount of photo ops. And even though you eat right and workout to look your best, the camera can sometimes be unkind. And if you're struggling with your weight, a shutter-happy family member can seem downright cruel. Many of the men and women we've profiled in our Success Stories have told us that they hid from the camera when they were at their heaviest.

This year, you're going to shine! Whether you've reached your goal weight or are still a work-in-progress, we have 10 tips to help you feel confident when Uncle Larry takes aim to capture the moment.

1. Watch the angle. The most flattering angle for a photo is from straight-ahead or slightly above the subject. Don't let a photographer squat in front of you or stand below you to take your photo. Up the nostrils and under the chin makes everyone look wider than they are.

2. Stand tall. To look as long and lean as possible, stand up straight -- but think relaxed and confident, rather than a soldier at attention. Rotate your body about three-quarters to the camera, with one foot slightly behind the other. Point the toe of your front foot toward the camera and rest your weight on the rear foot. Now pull your shoulder blades together to elongate your neck and gently contract your abs. Don't do a major "suck in," you'll look stiff and unnatural. Instead, imagine a nice long, tall yoga posture.

It's tough to look svelte while seated, so avoid having your photo snapped while lounging on the couch. If it's unavoidable, sit up tall, cross your legs at the knee, and lean slightly toward the camera.

3. Show some attitude. Even the leanest of arms can look larger when lax against the body. Position your arms slightly away from your torso while squeezing your shoulder blades together. Strike a celebrity pose and place one hand on a slightly-cocked hip. Channel Renee Zellweger and Kim Kardashian for inspiration.

4. Smile like you mean it. A genuine smile makes everyone look their best, but waiting for the flash can make your grin freeze. To keep your smile looking natural, try this modeling trick. Look away from the camera -- either down or to the side -- then just before the shutter clicks, turn back toward the camera and break into a smile. The accompanying hair toss is optional.

5. Stay focused. To make your eyes appear bright and engaged, focus your gaze just above the camera lens, rather than staring directly into it.

6. Put down the props. It might seem festive to pose with a cocktail glass, but props can take the focus off you and cheapen the moment. Beer bottles, champagne flutes and giant turkey legs are all a delicious part of the holidays, but enjoy them off-camera.

7. Dress for success. That standard advice to dress all in black is so passe! But don't cloak your "problem areas" in light colors or shiny fabrics, either, that will just draw attention to them. Instead, accent your best features with bright touches.

8. Practice. Practice. Practice. Red carpet pros don't naturally know how to pose -- they practice. And once they find their ideal stance, they stick to it. Rehearse your diva posture in front of the mirror, or enlist a discrete friend to help you with a digital photo shoot so you can refine your own signature pose.

9. Think happy thoughts. When singers want to emote, they imagine they're singing their song to a particular person. Steal that idea and imagine a loved one behind the camera. Your thoughts will help your face exude warm feelings that make your eyes sparkle.

10. Enjoy yourself. The holiday season is the time to surround yourself with the people you care about most. Who needs the perfect dress or the ideal pose? Special moments and fun times with your near and dear are the best way to ensure you'll have photos to cherish forever.

Avoiding the holiday weight gain will also keep you smiling -- and looking great -- in your photos.