How to look taller in photographs

For whatever reason, whether fate or genetics, I am short. Unlike those blessed women who seem to have legs that go on for days, I will forever be stuck with my petite 5'2" stature.

While that means I can throw on my highest heels and never have to worry about towering over anyone, should I decide to trade off my she-devil stilettos for some nice comfy flats, I am right back to being the shortie again.

That does not mean, however, that I have to look short when I take outfit photos.

The camera is wonderful, unlike the naked eye, it can be tricked. After years of practice, here is what I've learned:

Tip 1: Position your camera at hip level, or a little above, just don't ever shoot at a severe downward angle.

Tip 2: Angle your body.

Tip 3: Bend your knee and point your toe, this little trick makes your leg look sooo much longer.

Tip 4: Stand up straight! (Obvious, I know, but sometimes we need the reminder.)

Now, see what I mean?
Stud Muffin
Short
Stud Muffin
Taller
Stud Muffin
Tallest

And if all else fails, you can always use a set of disjointed photos, and no one will ever be the wiser.
stud head 2 Stud Muffin Stud Muffin
The Rundown
Sweater The Limited - Velvet Blazer Urban Outfitters - Pants TJMaxx - Studded Oxfords G by Guess - Fedora Market in Italy - Scarf Avon - Clutch TJMaxx - Ring Gift

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46 comments

  1. Hehe loving these tips! I need to use them since, as you know, I'm a shorty too :D
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  2. as a member of the short club, this is brilliant. thank you!
    http://www.mike-jess.com

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  3. Love. I am 5'3 and struggle with this too! Thank you for your tips!

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  4. great tips!! i'll definitely have to try the pointed toe trick!

    cute & little

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  5. You have a great point about the disjointed pictures. The 3rd photo is the most flattering!

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  6. great tips, thanks for sharing Lyddie, I don't have that problem, what I do have a problem with is my face is round so from a certain angle I can look very heavy on the face, it down;t help that I have a slight double chin, =P hehehe any tips for that?
    You look great, very city chic outfit, I love those flat oxfords!

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  7. Great tips for takin pics
    http://fashberries.blogspot.com/

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  8. This is such fantastic advice! I happen to be 5'7, but there are so many poses that I notice make even me look shorter. It's such good advice for shorter women to avoid those poses at all costs! I certainly try to!

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  9. great tips and I love those shoes

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  10. Thanks for the tips! I stand at a whopping five feet eight inches tall, but I can definitely stand to have some better posture when taking pics! I love that awesome autumn background. ;)

    Chandra
    More Modern Modesty
    Http://www.MoMoMod.com

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  11. thanks for the tips! I am even shorter than you :(
    http://glamorousbarbie7.blogspot.com/

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  12. Hey I'm 5'3'' and I'm all about the angle. I hear ya girl!

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  13. Um, hello, USEFUL. I'm 5'3" and am ALWAYS trying to look taller!
    xo Josie
    www.winksmilestyle.com

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  14. I am even shorter than you, so I shall use your wise advise.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  15. I do this quite a lot too, I just arived at it through trial and error, because those photos look better. I didn't even realise it was because I look taller.

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  16. I know you've been working these tips because I always thought you were taller until you mentioned your height in a comment or post a while back.

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  17. These are great tips, even though I am not as short as you. Just learning the best angles and positions when taking photos is a hard thing to do. I adore your shoes too! Heather

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  18. What great tips!!! I can totally see the difference in each photo. And btw, I think you look gorgeous just the way you are :)

    www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com

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  19. Good to know ... thanks for the lesson!

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  20. I like so much your sense of style! Cool tips!Really nice post!!

    Take a look and if you like follow me, I’ll be waiting for you: Cosa mi metto???
    Last day to enter the Shopkempt giveaway on my blog!

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  21. Great tips! I'm 5' 6" and I totally do the pointy toe move!
    (Love those studded oxfords, too!)

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  22. Awesome tips! I've honestly always thought you were much taller! But hey, shorties rock. This coming from a fellow 5'2 er.

    xx
    thistimeisacharm.blogspot.com

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  23. Great tips - and I love those shoes you're wearing!

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  24. cute shoes! I need all the help I can get in the height department.

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  25. Thanks for the tip - at 5ft 1in I could do with that help.

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  26. Great tips. My husband actually uses tricks when taking me photos to make me taller than I am. :)

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  27. Haha, love this! I look terrible from the side though. Do people ever walk past you and stare when you're taking photos in town? I feel very odd doing that outside of New York, but I should probably try for some new locations while I'm here in the suburbs.

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  28. I always tell me hubs to take my pic that way! "I wish I was a little bit taller." Gotta love the trick for the shortys! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  29. Hehe. I'm 5'2" also and, although I never think of what I'm doing when I take pictures, I think I do make myself look rather tall!

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  30. Great tips...and we are the exact same height :)

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  31. These are FANTASTIC tips!! I will have to start using them right away because I definitely thought you were way taller than me... so clearly this works!

    Also, those shoes are incredibly awesome. They're such a fun twist on an oxford.

    xx Melina

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  32. i love this outfit, so cool and casual! those are probably the most interesting and unique oxfords i've ever seen and i love them <3shelby

    www.makemesparkly.com

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  33. Thank you for sharing some of your photography genius with us! You're right--you do look taller in the 2nd and 3rd photos. I'm going to have to try these tricks!

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  34. Great tip & thank you so much for sharing it! At 5'4" I'm not much taller than you, and I am currently planning to start a style blog soon.

    Love the hat, by the way!

    Chrysta

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  35. Great camera trick! I'm 6 feet, therefore I need to do the opposite! LOL Love those shoes girl! :D
    http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/

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  36. I love you, Lydie. I've been using your tips on my photos! Thanks thanks thanks for sharing!

    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights

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  37. Ha, I totally do these things, too, unless I'm trying to look cutesy. My favorite is the slightly-from-above angle, especially in a seated position. So elongating.

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  38. i will do whatever it takes to look taller!
    brett

    elegantees giveaway

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  39. OK...This is why I need you to live next door to me. YOu were the first one I asked about fashion blogging awhile back because I think your photos are outstanding and you are honest in your opinions.

    I bought a Toshiba laptop and have started blogging but have no clue what kind of classes I need to take to learn the ins and outs. I did learn to insert images and have been practicing with that and now I need to learn to use a camera and a tripod and insert pictures. In the mean time I do not want anyone to visit my blog because I want to know what I am doing first. I looked for some classes but other than what is online I cannot find any. I can send you a link and would like to hear your honest opinion on what I need to do When I start posting my own pictures do I need to learn to use photoshop? I notice you do not use Disqus? How do you know what you want and dont want on your blog? Yikes....too many questions. Thanks for your input.

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  40. Great tips!! That little knee thing do is like your signature pose!

    Living-thesuite-life.blogspot.com

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