how to avoid "fat face" in photos

e+jfamily08 · May 2011

In person my face looks slightly fuller but not puffy or fat. However, in about every picture I take my face looks super fat which ultimately makes me look fat and feel worse about how I look right now. I'm getting maternity pics done next weekend and I want to actually like them. Are there any tips to help reduce puffiness or at least the appearance of puffiness in pictures?

scorpiomom2005 · May 2011

Try getting photos where you aren't looking down, or if you are looking down make sure the camera is always above your head. I did some home maternity pics and had to photoshop the shadow under my chin cause it looked like a double chin, and everyone keeps saying how I haven't gained in my face. Also bring it up to the photographer, I'm sure if they've done maternity pics before they have their own special tricks

Annabelle81 · May 2011

Try posting this on the photography board. I think some of those ladies take maternity pics, I bet they have some advice.

e+jfamily08 · May 2011

Thanks! I didn't even know there was a photography board. Unfortunately the photographer is my dad and I am his first preggo client :-/

kimbo1216 · May 2011

Stick your chin/neck outward. It should feel pretty exagerated, but won't photograph that way. We have a saying for photos: "gain 10 pounds <pull chin/neck backwards>, lose 10 pounds <stick chin out>". It really does make a huge difference.

Also, go for a down angle--NEVER up. If the camera is pointed slightly down at you, it will be way more flattering.

Tellyb0228 · May 2011

If you have makeup available to you I would try contouring. Basically you want to take a color a little darker than your skin tone and use it in the places where shadows would fall on your face. You could try searching on Youtube for contouring tutorials or look up Makeupgeek.com. She has some really awesome how-to videos on just about everything. If you aren't a makeup junkie you could go to a makeup store like MAC, Sephora or even a makeup counter and see if they can do a quick make over on you. Usually they don't charge anything either. Good luck to you

pinkpigeon · May 2011

as a photographer i reiterrate the pulling your chin out and not letting the photographer take any photos from below the horizon.

Karen1998 · May 2011

Another tip (at least for helping your chin look more defined) is to touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth when you smile. It brings your chin muscles up slightly and helps to slim it down a bit. You can also suck in your cheeks a bit when you smile and basically tuck part of your inner cheek in between your teeth. Just don't bite down too hard, as that'll hurt. That move gives you a bit stronger cheek definition. I also agree with having the camera slightly above you and not below you. That makes a huge difference.

PhotoCat82 · May 2011

Also, make sure that the lighting on your face isn't flat. You want what is called "short lighting" on your face to decrease fullness. Basically, make sure that your face is not straight on to the camera (it should have an angle) and then the side of your face that is closest to the camera should have a little bit of a shadow. The part of your face that is furthest away from the camera should have more light.

Here is a quick google search image to help explain.