How to Look Better in Any Picture

Take more than one photo. Do several at a time. Wolfe suggests “the click-click-click method, almost like a slow-motion movie, to prevent an overly posed result and find a worthy shot.” Many women make two big mistakes when staying in one pose: They do a face front “mug shot” with shoulders, hips and feet in a straight line or the red carpet “chicken wing pose” with one hand on hip, elbow extended straight out. One makes you look broader and more static; the other can look awkward and wooden. Try several takes of these instead. Turn your body to the side, your head toward the camera, shift your weight from one leg to the other and pop your hip out and/or create angles by bending or crossing your arms or legs. (FYI: crossing your legs seated or standing makes them look slimmer, and you appear taller!) You can even modify the “wing” to look more flattering by pushing that elbow back and down instead of out to the side or put your hands on either hip to emphasize a still-trim waist. The secret is to keep varying that pose while being photographed, not to hold it.