Erase the Double Chin: Simple Poses for Flattering Headshots

Set the Camera Height to Reduce Chin Shadow

Your photographer's lens height is the single biggest factor. Most people instinctively shoot from their own eye level, which is a disaster for you. That angle points the camera directly at the underside of your jaw, creating a hard shadow that carves a second chin into the photo. I've seen it ruin a hundred otherwise great shots.

Raise the camera. I tell my clients to aim for the camera lens to be at least six inches above their eye line. Sometimes a full foot. This simple shift changes everything. The camera now looks slightly down on you, eliminating that shadowy hollow under the chin. Your jawline becomes a clean, defined edge. If you're taking selfies, prop your phone on a stack of books. For a photographer, just say, "Could you shoot from a bit higher than me?" It's the fastest fix in the book.

Tilt Your Head Slightly Forward and Up

This is the magic move. It feels unnatural, which is why people don't do it. Stand normally. Now, push the crown of your head forward, like a turtle peeking out of its shell. Your chin will drop slightly. Then, lift your chin just a touch from that lowered position. You're not jutting your neck out; you're creating elegant tension in the muscles under your jaw.

Imagine you're trying to see over a fence without showing your neck. That's the feeling. This stretch instantly tightens everything. Do it right now and feel the difference with your fingers. A client of mine, Sarah, called this the "princess posture" because it made her feel regal. In her before shot, her neck was relaxed and soft. In the after, she had a sharp, graceful line. The pose took five seconds to learn.

Use Chin‑Lifting Jaw Position and Mouth Shape

Your jaw is a hinge, not a statue. Don't just clench your teeth. Push your lower jaw forward a millimeter or two. It's a tiny movement, but it separates your chin from your neck visually. Combine this with a relaxed mouth. Say the word "cool" silently and stop on the "oo" shape. Your tongue should be on the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth. This supports the muscles under your chin.

Avoid a closed-mouth smile that pulls your lips tight and pushes flesh upward. Instead, part your lips naturally, with a sliver of space between your teeth. Think of a faint, knowing smile, not a grin. This elongates the lower face. I once had a CEO who insisted on a stern, pressed-lip expression. His headshot gave him a bulldog jaw. We softened his mouth, and he looked ten years younger and far more approachable.

Avoid the Common Mistake of Looking Straight On

Facing the camera dead-on is the worst thing you can do. It flattens your features and maximizes any roundness. You must create an angle. Turn your shoulders about 30 degrees away from the camera. Then, turn your head back to face the lens. This twist creates a natural shadow along the side of your face, which sculpts and slims.

Now, here's the critical part: your eyes. Don't just turn your head; lead with your eyes. Look at the lens with a bit more intensity than you think you need. This engages the muscles around your eyes and lifts your entire face. A straight-on portrait shows the full width of your face. A turned, engaged portrait shows its best structure. It's the difference between a mugshot and a portrait.

Result: A Slimmer Profile That Works

Combine these steps. Camera high. Head tilted forward and up. Jaw slightly extended. Mouth parted on "oo." Shoulders turned, eyes connected. Practice in a mirror for three minutes before your session. It will feel awkward, but it looks phenomenal on camera. The goal isn't to hide who you are, but to present the most defined, confident version of yourself.

The final image will have a clean, strong jawline that photographs well in any light. You'll look attentive and engaged, not like you're straining. Remember, good posture isn't vanity; it's communication. It tells people you're present and assured. Grab your phone, prop it up, and try the "turtle peek" right now. That's your new starting point for every photo.