Also, don’t squash your arms - keep your arms away from your body to avoid flattening and distorting any arm fat (or even muscle) in such a way that it looks broader and heavier than it really is.  It’s the same for legs: if you’re having your picture taken while sitting down, lift your thighs up off your seat to avoid doubling your lap.

Diversion

Rather than present a flat mugshot-style profile to the camera, angle your body a little bit. This will help narrow your hips (at least as far as the camera is concerned), and create a more complex curvature, which can camouflage any unsightly bulges. Plus, if you can turn a little “cheek” to the camera, a twist can add a bit of bump to your derriere, so hide the junk and accentuate the trunk![relatedarticles}

The Finished Portrait

On a more serious aside, when you’re looking at your favorite models in magazines and catalogs, remember that they’re often digitally retouched. Competing with women who fast, exercise, and pose for a living and who are aided by modern computer technology is a surefire way to wind up with a terrible body image.

That’s why the last technique we have for looking good in pictures is simple and easy: relax, have fun, and don’t worry so much. A genuine smile or fun candid can make people forget all about how thick or thin you look in-frame.