How to perfect your Instagram pose: Woman shows how subtle changes can make ANY picture more flattering – from pointing your toes in a dress to arching your back in a swimsuit
- Bonnie Rodríguez Krzywicki is an Instagram star from Miami, Florida
- She has built a following with her tips showing people how to nail photo poses
- Bonnie explains the most flattering way to stand, sit and smile on camera
A photogenic Instagram user has become a social media sensation thanks to her expert tips on how the most flattering ways to pose.
Bonnie Rodríguez Krzywicki, from Miami, has built up a 623,000-strong Instagram following thanks to her handy ‘how-to’ photos that illustrate the dos and don’ts on everything from how to stand in a swimsuit to the best way to sit on a sofa.
The side-by-side shots illustrate a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ way to achieve each pose and reveal how just the smallest tweaks to your body’s position can make a big difference to the outcome of a snap.
Bonnie, who studied photography at university, also shares her advice on YouTube, where she offers more in-depth video guides.
Sitting down in a swimsuit: Bonnie explained how the ‘Bambi pose’ (right), which involves sitting up in a kneeling position, is her ‘favorite’ for swimsuits because of the way it flatters the body. It helps accentuate the natural curves and avoids a feeling of awkwardness that can come when sitting front-on to the camera (left). However Bonnie noted it is ‘not comfortable’
Putting your best fashion foot forward: Bonnie noted that proportions are key when it comes to a fashion shot on social media. She swapped the longer sweater (left) for a t-shirt that she tucked into the skirt to create a waist, which is highlighted by a leather jacket that cuts her off at the same part of the body. She added heels (right) and turns half away from the camera
Flat… to fab! Bonnie encouraged followers to avoid looking ‘flat’ on camera (left). This is done by facing square to the camera with little shape to the body. Instead she suggests elongating the limbs by reaching out to touch something nearby (in this case the balcony railing). She adds extra shape to the body and accentuates her curves by arching her back slightly (right)
It’s all in the angles: Bonnie explained how to make the most of your setting to create the most flattering photo possible. In this instance she used the lines and angle of the balcony to frame where she stood in the photo (right) she also showcased the arms and legs by creating angles with an elbow resting on the railing behind and a knee kicking out in front
The candid sofa snap: Looking ‘bored on the sofa’ while at home during lockdown has been a popular pose with influencers around the world, however it can look unflattering (left). To make the most of the photo, lower the camera so you appear larger and ‘more powerful’ in the frame, according to Bonnie. She also said to create ‘triangles’ with to give your body shape
Be careful what you wear! Bonnie said it is key to adapt your pose based on what you’re wearing. A jacket ‘shrobed’ over the shoulders, for example, only looks elegant with the correct pose. On the left, Bonnie’s hands-on-hips position makes her look too square and the lack of elbows means she loses the ‘triangle’ of the arms. The pose on the right is flattering due to the placement of the buttons ‘cutting’ the body and matches the feel of the outfit
Long and lean: Bonnie shows how posing makes all the difference in a swimsuit photo. Left, Bonnie sits hunched over her body with her hands on her legs, covering her torso. On the right she demonstrates a far more flattering pose, with the back leg extended and the toe pointed to add shape. She also brings down the front leg to create a feeling of ‘openness’ and moves her arms into the more flattering pointed triangle. A look over the shoulder completes the pose
Bare-foot beauty: Going without shoes is appropriate for photos taken on the beach or at home, Bonnie explained. If you are going to dare to go bare remember to stand with one foot in front of the other and stand on tiptoes to elongate your figure (right)
Cute couple shots: Perfect your pose with your plus one by standing closer together (right). A well-placed hand on the waist (right) helps highlight the waist and ‘cuts’ the body in a flattering place. An arm in a bent ‘triangle’ with the hand on the shoulder creates a flattering shape