How to pose in pictures

2. It's good to talk

If there's someone off camera to talk to this can help to calm nerves and create a more natural image.

Looking away from, and then back to the camera helps take the mind off the scary shoot. A good photographer will chat to his/her subject and help them feel at ease, and if that doesn't work, a cheeky half might do the trick!

Pictured: Clothes and accessories from a selection at New Look

3. Strike a natural pose

Photographer Neil Mackenzie Matthews recommends the following:

The red carpet pose
'For a flattering full-length shot, turn the body to one side. Position hips 45 degrees to the camera, point the front foot forwards to 12 o'clock, and keep the back foot at three o'clock.

Put the weight through your back leg, bend the front leg slightly at the knee and bring your shoulders round to the front (keeping everything else in position). This helps accentuate the waist and make hips look slimmer. Place one or both hands on hips, or in pockets, to add shape.'

Neil Mackenzie Matthews' work can be seen at www.neilmac.net

Pictured: Black dress, £75, Principles

4. Strike another natural pose

Neil Mackenzie Matthews recommends:

Sitting comfortably
'Facing straight to camera can make the bum and thighs look big and foreshorten the legs. Much better then to position hips slightly to one side, bring shoulders round to the front and place legs together to one side. This elegant pose makes legs look longer and slimmer, which is the look we all want to achieve.

'Knowing what to do with the hands is a common problem too, so try not to clench your fists - this can make hands look gnarled and unattractive. Place hands on knees, either with fingers flat or gently clasped.

Neil Mackenzie Matthews' work can be seen at www.neilmac.net

Pictured: Purple and mustard leaf print dress, £65, French Connection

5. Lights, camera, action

Generally speaking, bright lights make eyes sparkle, lips look glossy, and will highlight every tiny little imperfection! Which is fine if you're name is Gemma Ward!

For the rest of us mere mortals softer lighting is much more flattering. If the photo-shoot is outdoors, try to avoid the midday sun.

It creates dark shadows under the eyes, nose and chin as well as increasing the possibility of an unattractive squint or frown.

Light is much gentler and more golden when the sun is low in the sky (after sunrise/before sunset). Be sure to stand with your back to the sun for a softer effect.

Pictured: BDL by Ben de Lisi dress, £250, from Debenhams

6. Make like a pro

'Making little adjustments - moving the head up, down or to the side, shifting weight from one leg/hip to the other - will help give a range of different shots,' says photographer Neil Mackenzie Matthews.

And, don't expect a couple of snaps to capture the perfect image. The world's best supermodels spend all day at a photo-shoot for just a handful of pictures, so make like an expert and work it baby!

Pictured: Tea dress, £25, Dorothy Perkins

7. What to wear

Wearing an outfit that looks fabulous will help you feel confident and more at ease.

Stylist Natalie Read has worked with Coleen McCloughlin and singer Sophie Ellis Bexter. 'Coleen looks amazing in a slinky halterneck dress,' says Natalie. 'Curvy figures look good in dark figure-skimming clothes.'

Reaffirming the importance of being relaxed, she adds: 'When Coleen smiles her face lights up, she looks beautiful, and completely natural, like she's enjoying herself.'

Natalie Read's work can be viewed at www.lucidrep.com

Pictured: Brown jersey dress, £55, J by Jasper Conran from Debenhams

8. Shoes matter

'Even if your feet aren't in the shot, throw on a huge pair of heels,' stylist Natalie Read laughs. 'They change the way you stand, give you confidence and make you feel sexy.'

And finally, what not to wear? 'Chances are that baggy, voluminous clothes will look a lot bigger in a picture,' points out Natalie. 'If you want to wear something loose-fitting, add a waist-cinching belt.'

Natalie Read's work can be viewed at www.lucidrep.com

Pictured: Silk embroidered dress, £265, MaxMara and patent belt, £25, Episode, both from House of Fraser