What are some ways I can pose someone to make her look thinner?

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Question from Chelcy: “I recently had a mother message me regarding their upcoming session. She is concerned due to her short height and weight (curvy) that pictures always make her look larger. What are some ways I can pose her and her son so she feels more comfortable with her pictures?”

Kelsey: Angles angles angles. You never want to have her straight to the side that will only make her look larger. If you angle her at around 45 degree angle it makes them slimmer. Brooke also has a guide in her shop that is all about making people look smaller!

Golden Photography: Never have her face square-onto the camera, keep her turned to the side. Have her “goose-neck” and not press her chin down when she smiles/poses. If she leans against something, make sure there is visible space between the lower back and the object she is leaning against to slim her. If you have them sit, make sure she sits UP and not hunches over or leans over. Keep that back straight!

Angelajoy:  seat her on the edge of the seat, that makes a person sit straighter, and her body somewhat at a slant, make her seem thinner… with the cam pointed down wards from a higher level….. this makes a person’s eyes open 🙂

Kirsty: Always shoot from above

Sadie:  When sitting, have her sit on one “cheek” so to say, leaning toward you. When standing, have her put her weight on her back leg. Make sure arms are a little away from her body so they don’t get the bigger look. Same for legs, when sitting, don’t have her legs pressed together where the bulges come around the knees, etc. or flat on the ground where they will look larger.

Chazzy: I had a photo shoot and I’m quite a curvy person, the photographer didn’t do too badly making me look thinner than I am but there was one from above where it made me look like I’ve got really really really short legs so I look short and fat, that was only photo I didn’t like, I have to agree it’s all angles

Dawn:  angle the camera never take the photo straight take the photos like you were always above her and never below her

Betsy: Ditto to what everyone else said, especially about the posture. Tell her to stay away from sleeveless and wear something she is comfortable in. If She’s not, she will constantly be tugging at it and it will show in her face. Most importantly is for you to remind her how beautiful and gorgeous she is and get her to really smile, not that cheesy stuff. If you can get that to come across, it it will be harder for her to focus on the imperfections.

Kristen: I’m riding in the car but there is a video on youtube that has great tips when I get home I will try and find it

Carolins’ Photography:  I think someone else had mentioned leaving spaces if you are positioning them, I also like to keep the arm at a slight bend…I also have learned to slightly liquefy in Photoshop. I don’t overdo it but have not had anyone complain about how they look.

Chelcy:  Thank you all for the suggestions!! I appreciate it!!

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