How to Make Yourself Look Skinny in Pictures

Remember to flash a big smile when being photographed.

Many of life's milestones are captured in pictures, from a child's graduation to a wedding celebration. Unfortunately for some who are camera-shy, this often means being in a photo when you are not comfortable with your current body image. Don't worry if you have an upcoming family photo op in your near future because there are several tips and tricks anyone can use to look thinner in pictures.

Instructions

1. Lean your body toward the camera. Stand with your feet apart, one in front of the other, and put your weight onto the front foot. You will look longer and leaner in the photo.

2. Sit down on the edge of the chair with your ankles crossed instead of sitting all the way back on the chair, which will flatten out your thighs and make you look larger.

3. Ask the photographer to shoot you at a downward angle, as opposed to straight on or from below so that the camera is pointed down toward you. You will look taller and thinner.

4. Keep your hands planted on your hips. This will make your upper body look less round and, by pushing in slightly, will give you more of a shape.

5. Place an object, such as a bouquet of flowers, in front of any problem areas that you wish to hide, like your midsection.

6. Wear bold pieces of jewelry, such as a large necklace or statement earrings. They will draw a person's eye toward your face in the photo instead of the rest of your body.

7. Wear solid-colored clothing in the photo. Prints, such as large flowers, stripes or plaid will make you look larger than you actually are in a photograph.

8. Smile widely. This will keep people's attention on your face and smile and make the photo more happy and memorable.

References

• The Nate Berkus Show: Look Thinner in Photographs
• Switched: How to Look Thin in Photos