How to make your body look its best in a photo.

Recently I've been hearing a lot about this "body-shaming" malarky, where people talk about themselves and others in a way that is simply discouraging. I wanted to put to shame all of the "shaming" as everybody has a body that can embody beauty and look darn right gorgeous in front of a camera.

As a portrait photographer I have had the pleasure of working with a huge variety of gorgeous shapes and forms and it's my job to bring out the best in each individual. Even though there is something unique about everyone, there are some tips that I would like to share that you can put to work in a way that flatters you perfectly.

1) POSTURE

First and foremost posture is so important in posing for a photo. A simple boost in your posture can make the world of difference. Imagine that there is a piece of string coming out of the top of your head, now imaging that you are being pulled up by that string and just see your body transform before your very eyes. So simple yet so affective.

2) THE LEAN

Whatever is closest to the camera will appear the largest.

If you keep this in mind, no matter whether you are standing with a group of friends or sat at a table, remembering this simple tip will aid you on your quest to looking and feeling great in the skin that you are in. If you're smaller up top and bigger lower down then, whilst standing, have a slight bend in the knee closest to the camera, shift your weight onto your back leg, and lean towards the camera whilst popping your hip away from the lens. Perspective can work wonders when you know how to use it to your advantage. This can work with other body types also, whatever you want to accentuate, bring towards the camera and whatever you want to hide, pull away and let it diminish in size right before your eyes.

3) THE ANGLE

If you are unable to gain much movement yourself, then changing the angle of the camera can give a similar effect. If you raise the camera above eye level and look up towards it, your eyes will appear larger whilst making your body appear smaller.

4) THE CINCH

Using your hands to give yourself a more pronounced waistline is a great trick. Bring both or one hand gently to your waist and there you have it, it's that simple.

5) THE CHIN

Avoid more than one chin by bringing it forward and down. You may feel really strange and slightly like a tortoise in doing so but you will notice a huge difference. Mix this with a little lean towards camera and it will work wonders.

6) THE SQUISH

Avoid making your arms appear wider by keeping a slight gap between them and your body. Hugging them tightly to your body can spread out the flesh that is there and make them look bigger than they are.

7) THE CURVE

Add curve wherever possible if your body isn't naturally curvy by bending one knee, pushing out your hip and arching your back slightly.

8) THE SPACE

Negative space is always slimming, and when I say negative space I mean the empty space around your body. By putting a hand on your hip or just bringing your hand up your leg slightly when standing will show the gap where your body ends and where your arms begin, therefore making your body appear less wide as you wont look like one solid unit. You can also do this by crossing your arm across your body. Your waist is often the narrowest part of your body and so you want to make sure that its visible when posing for a photo.

9) THE CLOTHES

Often people try and hide the parts of them that they are most ashamed of with baggy clothes. And although you may feel more comfortable in clothes like these they often don't do any favours to your shape. Be proud of those curves if you have them and wear something not too tight, but just tight enough to show your shape, you'll be surprised how much better you look and eventually feel.

Most importantly, just relax and feel confident knowing that you are gorgeous and it will shine through. There is nothing more beautiful than loving yourself just the way you are in the body your were given.

Try out some of these tips in front of a mirror and just see the difference and don't feel afraid to bust out some of these moves the next time someone wants to take a photo of you! You can even share them with your friends if you don't mind them knowing your secrets!

You only have one body so you might as well love it so lets turn that "body-shaming" into "body-confidence!"

Amy xx

hello@amymphotos.com

www.amymphotos.com

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