If you’d prefer, you can cross one leg in front of the other, instead. Shots where it looks like you’re walking can be very flattering, as well. [2] X Research source Lift slightly onto your toes to look taller.
If you have a “good side,” make sure you angle yourself so that is the side facing the camera.
This approach works for close-up photos as well as shots that include your whole body.
For instance, if you’re indoors, you might face the center of the room, or you might stand near a window facing outward.
Keeping your shoulders rolled back will also make your neck look longer, which will create more definition around your chin and jawline. [8] X Research source Good posture helps you like slimmer in front of the camera. [9] X Expert Source Traci HalvorsonModeling Agent Expert Interview. 17 June 2021.
For instance, make sure there aren’t any objects behind you that will look like they’re coming out of your head, like a stop sign or a tree branch. You might also check for people, trash, or even just an unmade bed. For a cool, artistic feel, try standing in front of a brightly-colored wall. However, avoid backdrops with busy patterns, as they can be distracting.
For a more mischievous look, try only smiling with one corner of your mouth.
If you want your arms to appear more muscular, keep them tight against your body. However, if you’d prefer your arms to look more slender, hold them slightly away from your body. [13] X Research source If you cross your arms, keep them crossed loosely to avoid looking tense.
For instance, if you’re taking a photo with a group of your friends, you might drape your arm over the person next to you. In a couple’s photo, you might embrace your significant other and look into the camera. If you’re in doubt about what to do, just try to pose in a way that looks relaxed and natural for you.
For instance, if you’re a doctor, if you choose to shoot a professional picture in your examination room, make sure to clear the counters of promotional materials and samples so the shot will be uncluttered.
For instance, try breathing in for 4 counts, holding your breath for 4 counts, and exhaling for 4 counts. Repeat that 2 or 3 times, or until you start to feel calm.
If you’re working with a professional photographer, they may provide their own light source, or they may use reflectors to bounce light back onto your face.
For an even more natural smile, think of someone or something you really love while you’re posing.
To feel comfortable in front of the camera, spend about 10 minutes standing in front of a mirror practicing poses and facial expressions so you know what angles are best for you.
If you don’t have anything nearby that you can use as a prop, try lightly holding one of your wrists with the other hand. You can also touch your cuff or your collar, or you can tuck your hair behind your ears. If you put your hands in your pockets, try to keep your elbows angled slightly back.
It can sometimes help to picture a string running all the way from the bottom of your spine through the top of your head. Imagine that someone is pulling on the top of that string to help lift your posture.
If you’d prefer more of a straight-on shot but you’d still like this slimming effect, stand at an angle, then turn your shoulders back toward the camera. This will make your waist and hips look more narrow. If you have a broad chest and muscular arms and you want to show them off to give your picture more of an authoritative feel, cross your arms over your chest and stand facing the camera straight on. Try not to lean toward the camera when you pose for the shot. [23] X Expert Source Traci HalvorsonModeling Agent Expert Interview. 17 June 2021.
Hold your arms away from your body slightly if you want them to look more slender, or press them into your sides if you want them to look more muscular. [25] X Research source If you need help deciding what to do with your hands, try holding a prop that’s related to your profession. For instance, if you’re a teacher, you might hold a pen, and if you’re a cook, you might use a spatula.
Typically, it’s best if you stand a little further away from the camera for this shot. This angle can emphasize the area under your chin, so keep your head tilted upward. This will produce a stylish shot, but it’s not the most flattering for everyone. Try shooting a few frames like this, then check the camera roll to see if you like the way it looks!
Your followers might get bored if you only post pictures of yourself from the exact same angle every time.
If you’re in direct sunlight, find a shaded spot nearby where you can take your selfie. If you don’t have good lighting, try using your camera’s flash. You can also invest in a portable ring light if you want great selfie lighting wherever you go!
This will create a long line that will emphasize the curve of your neck and shoulders.
Don’t let your cheeks fill up with air as you do this, or your face will appear rounder than it is! Try squinting your eyes slightly to mimic the way your eyes crinkle when you smile naturally.
Everyone’s perfect angle is different, and finding what works for you can take some experimentation. For instance, you might shoot from above if you have a big chin, but you might shoot from the side or below if you have a big forehead.
For instance, you might take a selfie standing in front of your favorite food truck one day, then post a shot of yourself and your best friend waiting in line at the movies the next day. Try using a selfie stick for full-body or action shots, or shots where you want to capture a lot of the background.
If you can’t avoid being in the bright sun, you can recreate indirect lighting by facing away from the sun. If you or your photographer has one, have someone hold up a reflector (or even a piece of white posterboard) to bounce the light back onto you, which will help you avoid shadows on your face. [33] X Research source Sunrise and sunset are the best times of day to take pictures because the light creates a soft warmth in photos.
Make sure there’s nothing in the background that will spoil the natural beauty of your picture, like litter or power lines.
Remember to always prioritize safety! Never climb over guardrails or other safety barriers for the sake of getting a photo, and always keep an eye on your surroundings, including other people, animals, and traffic.
Take a few shots first in safe poses. That way, you’ll know you’ll have something to fall back on, and you can be more creative with your posing as the shoot progresses.
