With all those Christmas events coming up in the next few weeks, it’s prime time for the camera to capture the moments you want to remember (and probably a few you would like to forget as well).  Whatever the occasion, we all want to be shown in our best light, so here Julia Boggio, photographer and creative director at Innocent and Wild, gives her tips on looking picture perfect in your photos this party season!

Do you ever notice how people on the red carpet generally look fabulous in photographs? It’s not just because they are wearing expensive outfits and have had their hair and make-up done (although that definitely helps).  It’s because they know how to pose in a way that the camera loves.  This Christmas, you can shine like a star by paying attention to these simple tips on how to hold your body in front of the lens.

Chins: My mantra when it comes to chins is “Look up!” especially if you are sitting down. Asking your friend with the camera to take a few pictures of you from above will help to stretch out any extra skin, thus giving the appearance of a slimmer face.

Arms: There are a number of ways to hide arms. The easiest is to wear a wrap or a top with sleeves. When being photographed, don’t hold your arms close to your body, as this will only make them look bigger. When in doubt, put your hands on your hips and push you elbow back. Also, put your hand where you’d like the camera to perceive your waist to be, not necessarily where it is (e.g. you might want to move your hands a little higher up instead of resting it low on your hip).

Waists: If you aren’t happy with your waistline, there are tricks to help make it look slimmer. Look at yourself face on in the mirror. Now turn slowly to the side. Do you see how your waist starts to look smaller, or less wide, as you turn?  Stop at 45 degrees, put your hand on your hip as above and voila!

Legs: The important thing is that you have shape. A good trick to try is to do what we in the industry call “Barbie toe”: put your weight on the hip furthest from the camera, lift your other leg, bend the knee and touch the tip of your toe to the ground. I also call this the “Look like you need the toilet” stance. Trust me, it works. If you are wearing a long dress, this tip is especially important to create shape.

Good luck with your festive photo sessions!