Tired of asking to see a photo of yourself, only to realize you don’t like how you look? We asked a professional photographer for her tips on taking a flattering photo every time.

1. How should I pose?

If you’ve ever frozen in front of the camera or been unsure of what to do with your hands, you aren’t alone. “I always say to people to separate their limbs,” says Toronto lifestyle and portrait photographer Erin Leydon. “It’s about creating triangles and spaces between your arms and legs and your torso.” Try putting a bend in your knee and a hand on your hip or in your pocket. You can also shift your weight to your back leg and pop your hip to create a more interesting silhouette.

2. How do I avoid a fake-looking smile?

“I usually ask people to start fake laughing,” says Leydon. Yes, she says, that means saying Ha ha ha. “It can feel awkward at first, but it usually turns into a real laugh, and you get a genuine smile.” Take a few photos that way—the moment in between starting to laugh and ending is usually when you get a genuine smile. If you’re wondering whether you should show teeth or not, Leydon says that’s a personal preference. “We tell people to pose with a face that represents them the most,” she says. “Some people want to be perceived as a little more serious...just be you!”

3. How do I get rid of a double chin?

If you’re concerned about your jawline, Leydon says it’s best to stick your chin out and down rather than lift it, which can throw off your eye level and ability to connect with the camera. “You can also put your tongue to the roof of your mouth, and that really helps with any double-chin worries,” says Leydon. She also suggests sitting, if possible, leaning forward and using the same ‘chin out and down' advice.

4. What angle is best?

There’s no one-size-fits-all for how to angle your face toward the camera—it’s all about learning what you like best for yourself. “Knowing yourself and knowing how to pose is 80 percent of looking good in a photo,” says Leydon. If you’re wondering what angle works best, or what ‘best’ even means, Leydon suggests playing around in front of the mirror or going online and watching how-to videos ahead of a photoshoot or event where you’ll be in lots of pictures. “Once you get used to it, you’ll become much more comfortable with yourself and more confident, too,” she says.

5. How can I feel more comfortable in front of the camera?

When we look at ourselves in the mirror, we usually hold our head a certain way, maybe purse our lips or even bring a shoulder forward— we’re constantly working to see ourselves how we want to be seen. “Taking a photo is all about how other people see you—the real you, which is an even better version anyway,” says Leydon. Start to get used to the way you naturally move and how you look when a mirror isn’t in front of you. “The more comfortable you are with yourself, the better you'll feel in photos."

6. How can I stress less about taking pictures?

“A lot of people get really in their heads about having a photo taken,” says Leydon. Whether it’s for work or for posting on social media, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to look our best in an unnatural situation. The comparison game we play doesn’t help. “We’re all inclined to think so negatively about ourselves, but having your picture taken should be a fun experience,” she says. If you need to get in a positive headspace before an event where you know the flash will be going off nonstop, Leydon suggests quick meditation. It’s about being in a happy mood and letting that shine through. “Remember to see the process as a learning experience,” she says. And if the photo doesn’t turn out exactly how you want it to? “Try, try again.”

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