One Simple Tip to Look Thinner in Headshots nbsp
One Simple Trick to Look Slimmer in Headshots (No Photoshop Required)
Let’s be honest—everyone wants to look their best in a headshot. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your company bio, or finally investing in personal branding photos, the pressure to appear polished, confident, and yes, a little slimmer, is real.
The good news? Looking slimmer in your headshot doesn’t require a crash diet, a fancy filter, or Photoshop wizardry.
The Secret: It’s All About the Jawline
The number one trick I use with clients who want to look slimmer in photos is simple: push your forehead slightly toward the camera.
That’s it.
No joke—this subtle movement, often called the turtle trick in photography circles, instantly defines your jawline, elongates your neck, and reduces the appearance of any double chin. It’s the kind of small adjustment that makes a huge difference.
Let’s break it down and explain why it works.
Why the Jawline Is a Big Deal
When we think about looking “slimmer,” most of us think waistlines, hips, or arms—but in headshots, it’s all about the face, and more specifically, the jaw and neck area.
In a flat, two-dimensional image, roundness or softness under the chin can be exaggerated by posture or lighting. That’s why posture is so key—bad posture can add weight where it doesn’t exist. Good posture can slim the face, lift the features, and help you radiate confidence.
By extending your head forward just a little (imagine your nose reaching toward the camera by an inch or two), you:
Tighten the skin under the chin
Add definition to the jaw
Create separation between the chin and neck
And voilà—instant slimming effect.
“Wait, won’t that look weird?”
Nope. Not if it’s done right.
From the side, it feels like you're pushing your head forward like a curious turtle. But from the front (aka the camera’s perspective), it simply creates a clean, sculpted jawline.
And don’t worry—if you're working with a professional photographer, they’ll guide you into this position naturally. Most of my clients are surprised at how not awkward it feels once they see the results on screen.
A Few More Tips to Maximize the Effect
While this one trick does a lot of heavy lifting, there are a few extra pointers you can combine with it to take your headshots to the next level:
1. Posture is Everything
Stand or sit tall with your shoulders rolled back and down. Good posture opens up the chest and lengthens your neck—making the head-forward trick even more effective.
2. Angle Your Body Slightly
Instead of facing the camera straight on, turn your body about 30 degrees to one side. Then, turn your face back toward the lens. This creates a flattering shape and gives more dimension to your photo.
3. Tilt Your Chin Down (Slightly!)
A slight chin tilt helps accentuate the eyes and adds even more definition to the jawline. Be careful not to overdo it—your photographer will help find the right balance.
4. Use Light to Your Advantage
In professional photography, lighting can either create definition or flatten features. A well-placed light can highlight cheekbones and jawlines in all the right ways. Natural light also works wonders—especially diffused outdoor light or soft studio setups.
Real Client Example
One of my clients—let’s call her Sarah—was a bit nervous before her headshot session. Like many people, she confessed that she was self-conscious about her chin and wasn’t thrilled about having her photo taken.
During the shoot, I guided her into that subtle forward-head pose, helped her relax her shoulders, and added just a slight chin tilt.
When I showed her the first photo, her eyes lit up. “Wait—that’s me?!” she said, with a big grin.
It wasn’t about changing how she looked. It was about capturing her at her best, with good posture, flattering angles, and a little trick of the trade. She walked out of that session beaming with confidence.
The Psychology of Looking Good
Here’s the thing: when you feel good in your photos, it shows.
A flattering pose isn’t just about aesthetics—it helps you feel more confident, more like yourself. And that’s what a great headshot should do. It should make you feel seen, heard, and understood.
Clients often say, “I don’t need to look 10 years younger—I just want to look like the best version of myself.” That’s exactly what this trick helps achieve.
It’s not about faking it. It’s about using body awareness and smart angles to highlight your natural features.
What Not to Do
Let’s also touch on a few common mistakes people make when trying to look slimmer in headshots:
Pulling your chin back – This creates the opposite effect (hello, double chin!).
Tilting the head too much – It can look unnatural or stiff.
Stiff shoulders – Tension travels up into the neck and face. Shake it out!
Overly high angles – Taking a photo from above can slim the face but often feels gimmicky or unnatural for corporate and professional shots.
Stick with the clean, subtle forward-head motion—it works across all lighting setups and poses.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a celebrity glam squad or extreme retouching to look your best in a headshot.
The secret is in the pose.
That simple head-forward motion—paired with relaxed shoulders, good posture, and a confident mindset—will help you look slimmer, sharper, and more photogenic instantly.
And the best part? You can practice this trick at home. Try standing in front of a mirror or using your phone’s front-facing camera. Gently push your head forward and notice the instant change in your jawline.
Ready to Try It?
If you’re thinking about updating your headshots (or finally getting some taken!), I’d love to help you put this and other simple, effective techniques into action.
At Simon Rochfort Photography, I specialize in helping people feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera—whether it’s your first professional photo or your fiftieth.
Let’s capture you at your best—no awkward poses, no forced smiles, and no gimmicks. Just real, natural headshots that reflect your personality and style.
👉 Book your headshot session now and discover how a simple shift can make a world of difference.
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