Never underestimate the power of a bad picture. Today's world is huge on Instagram and Snapchat, and unfortunately, how one looks in the frame is how one is perceived by both friends and strangers. The good news is there are plenty of tips and tricks that can help you look instantly thinner in snaps.

The chin and tongue trick

Those with double chins can use this trick to make their faces appear thinner. Stick your chin out to smoothen the throat area or stick your tongue to the roof of your mouth. The trick works wonders to hide the folds in the neck and gives the appearance of a longer, thinner face.

Pictures from below

Never have people photograph you from below under any circumstances. It is known as the most unflattering angle and rightly so, as you have to look down for it. Level pictures are alright but it is better if the angle is slightly above the head level so that you have to look up for it. This elongates the neck and makes the torso look thinner.

Dress appropriately

If you know you are going to go to a place where pictures will be snapped, it is best to wear clothes that flatter your shape. This includes wearing darker colours, one coloured clothes, shapewear underneath clothes, and opting for vertical stripes if you need to go for prints — never horizontal.

Angle your body

Instead of facing the all-important device head-on, angle the body a little bit towards the side and then look at the camera. Plant one foot in front of the other, point your toe to the camera and place your weight on your back foot. This trick is something people inadvertently use without thinking but it's good to know what you are doing anyway.

The arm game

Make sure your arms are angled away from your hips. Joining the arms against the hips can give the illusion of a fuller body. If you are uncomfortable with the hand-on-hip pose, make sure you pose as gracefully as possible with your arms a little away from your body or around someone's neck.