If you’re anything like me, you sometimes feel self-conscious about the way you look in your images. It’s so easy for us to be super critical of ourselves, so I’m going to make it a little easier for you to love your images instead of loath them. Here are a few of my easy tips for looking slimmer and more confident.

1. Low angles are a no-no. I bet you already knew this one! It’s not particularly flattering being photographed from below (I’m talking super low angle, not a photographer who is shorter than you low angle. My own photographer only reaches my chest and she took amazing pics of me ;-) )

Anyway, photos taken at this angle make you look heavier, shorter and will more than likely give you a bit of a double chin. Instead, take photos from a side angle or from above (which is why we see so many selfies taken from a bird’s eye view).

2. It’s all in the jaw. If you’ve ever done a shoot with me before, you’ll have heard me go on and on about the turtle. It looks and feels super awkward, but if you bring your neck forward and your chin up ever so slightly, it’ll accentuate that jaw and reduce any double chin.

3. Pay attention to what you’re wearing. What you wear plays a big role in how you look in photos. Avoid bulky or baggy clothing that doesn’t fit you well. While darker clothes do make you look slimmer, if you want to go for brighter colors, stay away from any patterns that draw attention to your problem areas and always avoid horizontal stripes. Also, my tip is unless you love your arms, don’t wear sleeveless tops.

4. Angles & posture are instant wins. You will always look slimmer in photos if you twist your body slightly to create an angle. Place one leg in front of the other and keep your weight on your back leg. Put one hand on your hip and keep your other arm relaxed at your side, not pushed up against your body. To accentuate your collarbones, stand up straight and push your shoulders back.

5. Sit correctly. If you’re sitting in a photo, try and cross your ankles instead of your legs. It makes you look leaner and shows less of your thighs.

6. Stick to the middle. Taking a group shot? Try and stay away from the end of the group if possible as people standing on the edges of the group always look a little bigger (Thank you wide angle lens distortion)

Remember that confidence makes a big difference to your photos too so don’t forget to smile naturally and let your beauty shine through.

See you at our next Personal Branding Photography Shoot together :-)

My Easy Tricks for Looking Thinner In Your Headshots or Personal Brand Photos

Below you can see a before and after of ME not doing the turtle and then doing the turtle. No Photoshopping at all. Can you see the difference?