Once you've figured out the right attire for your professional photoshoot, it's essential to know how to pose effectively. Contrary to popular belief, looking fantastic in front of the camera is simpler than most people think. The key is to listen to the photographer and follow their guidance. Here are some common tips :

1. Lean forward: Many individuals tend to lean away from the camera due to discomfort. However, this can result in unflattering angles. Surprisingly, leaning towards the camera creates a slimming effect, making you appear thinner. Additionally, it helps reduce the appearance of a "double chin" by elongating your neck.

2. Tilt your chin forward and down: To eliminate a double chin, avoid the instinct to tilt your head upward. This only leads to unappealing shots of the inside of your nostrils, and no one wants to see that lol. Instead, try pushing your chin forward and then tilt it slightly downward. This technique smoothes out your neck and jawline, effectively reducing a double chin and preventing unflattering angles.

3. Angle your body: Many people's least flattering angle is facing straight on to the camera (although there are tricks to make it work so don’t totally count this one out yet). By slightly turning your body away from the camera while sitting or standing, you can create a slimmer appearance. I should note that often what you’re wearing dictates the pose. So for instance I love to shoot blazers mostly straight on, with just the slightest of angles or maybe even just angling the face a little.

4. Avoid holding your smile for too many shots: Obviously smiling looks great in portraits , but remember not to hold it for too long or you start to look all “Valley of the Doll"s” dead inside. Even though the camera is pointed at you, you don't have to maintain a constant smile. In fact, it's best to relax your face between shots and allow your smile to naturally subside for a moment. I will always wait for you, so take a second and find a real smile deep down in there. To achieve a natural look, relax your face momentarily and then gradually build up to a fresh, genuine smile. To keep it fresh, I often suggest people just cycle through some different expressions so as not stay on one for too long, which can make things feel stale. Also, I do my best to be totally hilarious. so hopefully that will elicit a few genuine smiles too :)