Photo Ready? The Secret is in the Pose.

Having styled for our fair share of photo shoots and spending a lifetime trying to look a few pounds lighter, we’ve come to realize that the secret is in the pose.  There are always a few handy helpers (tanning and gut-sucking Spanx) in the quest to look thinner.

Here are five secrets to appearing slim, confident and well rested for your big day.  You can practice these tips in front of a mirror, but we suggest locking your door first so as not to be caught.

Secret No. 1: Turn partially sideways to the camera, planting one foot in front of the other. Point your toe to the camera and place your weight on your back foot.

Secret No. 2: Pull head forward slightly to minimize any appearance of a double chin.

Secret No. 3: Hold arms slightly away from your body. This keeps upper arm flab from flattening out and therefore appearing flabbier (much like thighs do when one sits on a couch).

Secret No. 4: Pull shoulders back, chest forward and gently suck stomach in. Be careful not to suck stomach so far in that your ribs show, thereby causing those who later see the photo to cluck to themselves in a bemused, sing-song voice, “She’s sucking i-in.”

Secret No. 5: If you can get away with it without looking like a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Girl wannabe, try the look away trick. To do this, look away from the camera, then turn towards it, breaking into a smile just before the camera clicks. Your smile will appear fresh, not frozen. This trick takes practice behind closed, locked doors.

When taking a photo it’s also important the photographer does not snap the picture from below. This adds another 20-50 pounds to the 10 pounds automatically and annoying added by the camera.

Most importantly.  Revel in it.