Picture-Perfect: Expert Tips for Women to Look Thinner and More Confident in Photos | Los Angeles Family Photographer

Updated: September 5, 2022

Tips to Look Thinner and Confident in Pictures

Having your portrait taken can be overwhelming.  After considering what to wear this spring for your family portrait, the next thought is how will I look?  I’ve have had many clients express to tell me “I look fat” in pictures. 

Before, we get started, I must confess, I’m not always a huge fan of my pictures.  In addition, I’m always looking for ways to look best and hide the flaws I don’t like.  As a woman and professional photographer, I know many of us women are self-conscious about the way we look and want to look thinner and beautiful in our pictures especially the pictures with our family.  I thought it would be helpful for you ladies to share a few helpful tips for your next portrait.  
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1. THE RIGHT CLOTHES.
This isn’t a posing tip, but it’s so necessary to include in this post! The clothing you choose makes a huge difference. Avoid bulky or sheer fabrics and choose fitted items (not too tight or loose). Ladies please avoid strapless and sleeveless tops — although they might look great in real life, they probably won’t translate well to the camera.  
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2. TURN YOUR BODY SLIGHTLY SIDEWAYS.
Yes, turn your body sideways.  You may have heard this helpful tip previously, but having your body photographed from an angle gives your body a slimmer appearance.  However, if you shift your weight onto one foot or the other, it will give your body a more relax and unposed posture.  Always shift your weight away from the camera.  This elongates your body and makes you look thinner.
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3. BEND YOUR ELBOWS.
Did you know bending your elbows and keeping them slightly away from your body gives the illusion of a tiny waist?  Even if you don’t have a waist, this tip will make it seems as though you’ve had a waist; it’s just been hiding.  This also keeps any unwanted upper arm “extras” from showing.    
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4. CHIN OUT AND DOWN.
Pull your head forward slightly to minimize any the appearance of a double chin.  If you’re afraid to give yourself a double chin, this tip may surprise you!  This tip accentuates your jawline and makes your eyes look bigger yet removing/reducing the double chin. 

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5. PLACE SOMETHING IN FRONT OF YOUR WAIST.
If you hate your middle section, just strategically hide it! I recommend clients use their blessings (their children).  Placing your children in front of you is a great way to hide the area of your body you don’t like.
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6. SHOULDERS DOWN.
Drop your shoulders down and back to make your neck look longer and this will accentuate your collarbone.  This trick will also make your arms look skinnier.  The number one giveaway that you’re tense or uncomfortable is that your shoulders will hike up to your ears.  Especially if it’s cold outside. 

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7. PLACE YOURSELF LOWER THAN THE CAMERA (WOMEN ONLY).
For women, slightly below the camera is another way to give the illusion that your thinner.  Please note:  Men should never place themselves lower than the camera.
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8. LEAN IN.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re sitting or standing, lean your head and upper body toward the camera. This will give you an appearance of being engaging and inviting.
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9. WHEN SEATED, FOLD YOUR LEGS TO THE SIDE.
Folding your legs to the side appears graceful and will help bring the attention to your face. It will also keep you from pressing your calves back against the chair!
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10. DON’T CRANE.
Most of us have “computer neck”.  What’s computer neck you say; it is where we crane our heads forward like a turtle. Instead of leaning forward from your head, lean from your lower back instead.

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More tips:
Do you own a pair of Spanx Hosiery?  If you don’t, check them out.  The very modern version of the corset, Spanx are famous for making women all over the world appear 10 pounds thinner.
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Did you know clothing color can help as well?  We’ve all heard the color black makes you look thinner.  However, wearing an entire outfit of just one color will do the trick as well.  It doesn’t matter whether the color is white, beige, brown, blue, or red. One color tends to lengthen your figure.   However, we ladies should avoid entire outfits in pink; think Pepto-Bismol.  
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If you're in the Northern Virginia or Los Angeles area and you need a beautiful family portrait you'll love, I would be honored to speak with you about capturing your family's legacy.  I invite you to call me at (571) 250-5073 or email me at [email protected].
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