The Christmas Party Photo Hack: How to Pose Like an A-Lister and Look Flawless Every Time
Christmas is almost here – the season of joy, giving, and… unflattering photos. In this age of constant smartphone snapshots, the inevitable New Year rolls around, bringing with it a gallery of awkward, cringe-worthy pictures. From triple chins captured mid-laugh, to tree-trunk legs squashed beneath dinner tables, to the pesky pot belly no pair of Spanx can tame… it’s enough to make anyone cringe.
But somehow, female celebrities seem to dodge such humiliations. No matter where they’re photographed, they always manage to look effortlessly flawless. So how do they do it?
To find out, Femail enlisted ANNA PURSGLOVE to get the inside scoop from top models and photographers on how to pose like a pro. The verdict? With a few key tricks, any woman can appear taller, slimmer, and yes – even younger.
So, when the camera clicks at this year’s holiday gatherings, follow these tips to turn every Christmas party pic into a star-studded shot. Heads up, tummies in, and strike a pose…
BEFORE YOU START
The foundation of any great pose is starting with the right posture, according to portrait photographer Natasha Pszenicki. “Imagine there’s a thread running through your center, pulling you upwards through the top of your head,” she says. “Think tall, think long.”
Former model and celebrity hair and makeup artist Julia Bolino agrees: “I always tell the women I work with to channel their inner Darcey Bussell.”
“Standing tall and poised like a professional ballerina might sound simple, but you’d be amazed at how many women slouch,” she explains. “It’s almost like they’re trying to shrink themselves by hunching over, but from a photographic perspective, that only makes them appear more blocky and less flattering.”
KEEP YOUR CHIN UP
When it comes to smiling, the advice from our panel of experts is simple: don’t do anything that makes your eyes close.
“I always tell people to look at the camera for half a second longer than they think they should,” says fashion and celebrity photographer Juliette Neel. “People often underestimate how long it actually takes for a photo to be snapped. That’s when those dreadful, cock-eyed, drunk-looking shots sneak in.”
So, next time you’re posed for a holiday pic, give that extra second of eye contact with the camera – it’ll help you look more engaged and polished.
Natasha has another important tip: “Bring your chin away from your neck, or you’ll end up with a double chin, no matter how thin you are.”
For the perfect smile, she suggests slightly turning your head away from the camera while pulling your eyes back to the lens. This subtle shift helps elongate your neck and adds definition to your jawline.
And here’s a secret pro trick: Push your tongue into the roof of your mouth. “This helps lift the saggy bits underneath and around the sides of your chin, giving you a more sculpted look.”
With these simple adjustments, you’ll look camera-ready in no time!
WHITTLE YOUR WAIST
When caught off guard by a camera, many of us instinctively fold our arms over our belly or let them hang by our sides, but both moves only add width to areas we’d prefer to slim down. The key is to own it – the more confident you appear, the better the camera will capture you.
“Place one hand on your hip,” advises Natasha. “This creates a gap and helps define your waist. Then, push your elbows back slightly, keeping that triangular gap as long and narrow as possible.”
This pose is a favorite among celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Amanda Holden, as it not only highlights your waist but also pushes the shoulders forward to create that coveted hollow under the collarbone – giving you that “boniness” that’s so flattering.
But a word of caution from Natasha: “Be careful not to exaggerate the shoulder rotation too much. Subtlety is key.”
GET THE RIGHT ANGLE
“If you photograph people straight on, they look like bricks. But turn them too far sideways, and you get an unflattering tummy view,” says photographer Rhian Ap Gruffydd, who’s snapped countless TV stars.
Her solution? Turn one hip away from the camera, then bring your shoulders back towards it. This not only slims the bottom half but also naturally engages your core, making you draw in your tummy without even thinking about it.
It’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference in creating a flattering, slimming pose.
TRIM YOUR HIPS
If you’re feeling a little wider around the hips than you’d like, avoid standing square on to the camera.
“What you’re aiming for is to create an S-bend in your body that makes your hips look curvy but still in proportion,” says Juliette.
To achieve this, cross one thigh in front of the other, then shift your weight to your back foot. Once you’re balanced, kick the front heel out slightly. This pose accentuates your curves while keeping the silhouette flattering.
Julia also recommends keeping your hands asymmetrical to enhance the look: “Two hands in identical poses on opposite sides of the body will make you look wider.” Instead, place your hands in different positions to create a longer, leaner line.
And a key tip: Don’t press your hands directly into your hips. Doing so can create a bulge, so try to keep your hands relaxed and gently placed.
SIT UP STRAIGHT
To get your best shot when seated, Julia recommends turning your body three-quarters away from the camera. “This way, you show the sides of your legs, which is more flattering than a front view that highlights any fat around the hips and thighs, or makes your knees appear less attractive.”
Next, crossing your ankles is a must for an elegant pose. “It creates a much more graceful look in photos.”
Keep your knees together, suck in your tummy, and place your hands either on your hips or on the armrest of the chair. “Avoid putting your hands in your lap,” Julia advises, “because it can cut off your legs, making them appear shorter and wider.”
The most crucial piece of advice for looking elegant in a chair? “You shouldn’t be able to see the seat pad under your knees.” If that’s visible, it won’t be flattering.
Even if it means sitting a foot away from the back of the chair, always sit up straight and as far forward on the seat as you can without slipping off. This positioning will give you a longer, leaner appearance and make you look poised and confident.
conclusion
With these expert tips in mind, you’ll be ready to strike the perfect pose for every Christmas party photo – no more awkward, unflattering snaps! Whether you’re standing, sitting, or smiling, a few small adjustments can make a world of difference in how you look on camera. From the right posture and strategic hand placement to subtle shifts in angle and body position, you can instantly enhance your natural beauty and radiate confidence. So, this holiday season, remember: the camera loves confidence, and with these posing secrets, you’ll love the way it captures you.
