How to take Your Best Swimsuit Photos

A few years ago I would have never posted a photo of myself in a swimsuit on any form of social media. And especially here on my blog where it can live forever! (It was hard for me to post the first photo in this travel guide.) I also probably would have avoided taking any as well. But I have slowly learned a few swimsuit photo tips to take the best ones. I wish there was some magical formula that made everyone feel wonderful about their body. For me, it’s a day-by-day thing I have to work on. While I am not in the best shape I’ve been in, I do know the more that I take care of myself the more I am proud of how I look. But all of this is a different discussion than today’s post.

Today, I want to talk about taking great pics! While it is not all about the pictures, having some great photos from a vacation or happy moments are great mementos for later. And obviously, as a blogger, I will admit I love getting a great pic for social media too. One of the hardest photos for me to love is a swimsuit pic. Many times I feel exposed and just focus on my flaws. So today I am sharing a few tips on how to take the best pic!

How to take Your Best Swimsuit Photos

First of all grab a friend you trust and have fun! The more fun you are having the better the pic will look. You’ll be relaxed and more comfortable. Ask your friend to direct you if you need some help in what you should do. Since she is taking the photos, she can help you to look your best!

Angles, angles, angles

Creating angles with your body creates curves. Standing straight at the camera isn’t typically the best angle for most people. A great tip is to start by standing at a 45-degree angle from the camera. Then you can turn your torso back to the camera or completely away from the camera. Not only does this put your body in a flattering position but it also just makes the pictures more interesting. Do this in a mirror a few times and you’ll find what ways are flattering to you and what you like.

If you are sitting, you can stick one or both legs out at 45 degrees and point your toes. Again, creating interest and will make your legs look longer. Looking away from the camera too can make the pic seem more candid.

Use your cover up as a prop

One of my top swimsuit photo tips is to utilize your cover up. Cover ups are a great way to feel less exposed in a swimsuit. Whether it is a kimono, pants or top, they can help you to feel more comfortable and cover you up a bit.

You can also use it as a prop in the photo. Create movement in the pic by playing with your dress or wrap. Hold your hat or dress so you have something to do with your hands. Lots of options!

Focus on your favorite asset

We all have an asset or two that we love about ourselves. Showcase that in the photo! This is the time to not be shy about what you love. If you are proud of your legs, pose to focus on them. Point your toes to make them look even longer! Put your best foot (or arms or abs or boobs or whatever) forward. You will feel way more confident

Love your backside? Turn around and look away from the camera. This is also a great option if you feel shy looking at the camera. Not only does it look cute but it can help you to feel less self-conscious.

Focus on the location

Many times we are in beautiful locations when taking photos in swimsuits! Pretty beaches, amazing pools or tropical locations all can be the star of the photo. Beautiful scenery can not only frame you in the photo but also take up some of the spotlight. I like knowing that I’m not the only thing someone will look at in the photo. That helps me when I post or share the photo.

Edits are OK!

I want to state now that I don’t ever use filter to change my body shape. As a blogger, I feel a responsibility to be authentic and not add to the unrealistic “perfection” expectations that are already out there. I don’t want anyone to feel that they need to change anything about them for a photo to be “good”.

What I do love about filters and editing apps is how you can change the lighting, color etc. in the photo. Even with all these swimsuit photo tips, many photos could use a little hep. With the right edits a photo can pop and look amazing! For almost all of my iPhone and social media photos, I use lightroom to edit. I typically like to brighten photos and make them a little cooler-toned. I also have some basic presets I have purchased. Again, these are all for the photo and not to change me!

Disclosure: I may earn an affiliate commission on any purchases or clicks thru the links in this post. This is no cost to you and I only share things I love.

This post was originally written in September of 2021 but has been updated.