Face: To avoid looking as if you have double chin, straighten you neck, relax your shoulders, then push your chin out and slightly downwards.

Hair: Traditional updos can do severe on film. To soften features, either leave your hair down or do a partial updo, letting hair in front fall forward to frame your face.

Smile: A model’s advice: Place the tip of your tongue behind your top front teeth as you smile to relax facial muscles and (further) avoid the double chin.

Arms: Prevent sausage press: Never rest your arms against your torso; angle them back from your body (or cover up with a lace shawl or sleeves).

Dress: Solid, dark colors are always the most slimming. Dipping necklines are flattering too. To focus attention on your upper body, wear something clingy.

Feet: A red-carpet rip-off: Position one foot in front of the other, swivel your hips, and turn feet slightly away from the camera to narrow and lengthen your image.

Skin: Foundation is a must, as is cover-up, for undereye circles. Natural light in a shady outdoor area is more forgiving than direct sun or a flash.

Head: Try to think of something pleasant and stay focused on the camera. An authentic smile makes for a better photo than an empty one.

Hands: Point then down around the edges of your hips to make that area look smaller. If you are holding a drink, put it down.

Diaphragm: Breathe out just before the shot to relax your face and body, Breathing in can raise you shoulders slightly.