It’s a trial that no man will ever understand – the seemingly impossible task of figuring out how to take the perfect bikini shot. It was nerve wracking enough when we were simply trying to MMS a picture of our blissful beach day to our friends or a significant other, but the ante has now been seriously upped with the rise of Instagram bikini selfies, dating app profile pictures, and other media that will be seen by hundreds if not thousands of judging eyes. As any of us who have taken a few selfies have come to realise, however – there is indeed a ‘method to the madness’.
After carefully studying some of social media’s biggest stars, we’ve gathered some of the top tips and tricks to help you get the perfect bikini shot every time!
Lightning
This is the most important consideration of any type of photography – but it becomes all the more crucial when taking that outdoor photo with minimal coverage. Here’s the scoop – the middle of the day may be the optimal tanning time, but it’s the worst for taking bikini selfies! Midday light is simply so bright and harsh that it’s tough to get a flattering shot. Early in the morning or at sunset is going to give you the gentle, smoothing light you’re looking for.
Elongate Your Body
Ever notice that in solo shots, Insta-celebs often look much taller than they actually are? This isn’t a coincidence – they are consciously elongating their body and exaggerating their posture in order to nail those sexy bikini pics. This gives the illusion of a slimmer, longer body – which tends to make that bikini look all the more flattering.
Trust Your Tippie-Toes
This is an extension of the ‘elongate your body’ tip, but one that is a must-know for any bikini shot aficionado. Go take a look at any Insta-celeb’s account and see how many influencers use this little trick (go on, we’ll wait). Whether actually getting up on their tip toes while leaning on a boardwalk railing, placing one leg in front the other with their weight on the toes of their front front, or reclining in the sand with leg bent and foot pointed like a ballerina, these selfie and bikini-shot pros know that this trick makes your legs look longer and more toned – and accentuates the bum as well!
Avoid Sitting Unless You’re Reclining
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got an honest to God six pack – if you’re sitting with even the hint of a slouch, the dreaded ‘rolls’ will immediately invite themselves to the picture party. Add a bit of beach day barbeque, and ‘taking a load off’ can result in a rather unflattering bikini pic on the beach.
If you must get that ‘I’m here in the sand’ pic, there are two ways to make sure it’s not an immediate ‘DELETE’. For seated bikini poses, your go to should be the aforementioned ‘reclining’ pic. Lean back, ensure your core muscles (abs) are engaged, and bend one knee more than the other while (you guessed it) pointing your toes.
An easier way to ensure a sexy seated situation is simply to kneel. A slight arch of your back, and not only is your midsection given a more flattering look, your bum gets a slight boost as well!
With the right swimsuit and great company, any beach or pool day should be a fantastic one in which you feel beautiful from beginning to end. We know the camera can be unforgiving, however, and we want you to feel beautiful when looking back at memories of the day as well. We hope our little tips help!
