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PICTURE PERFECT
How to master the ‘bend & snap’ bikini pose loved by stars like Kylie Jenner as it ‘makes you look slimmer’ in seconds
Scroll down to see exactly how to perform the pose
IF you feel like you're never happy with your bikini photos, don’t be hard on yourself.
While it's easy to look at celebrity swimsuit pics and think we'll never get out stomach as flat or our arms as toned, it turns out nearly every celeb in Tinseltown uses specific poses to make them look slim and sexy.
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Summer has long been associated with body image issues, with more than two in five women dreading swimsuit season.
And 77 per cent feel more self-conscious during this time when many focus on the so-called bikini body.
But according to experts, many celebs have a little-known secret to perfect their look and it’s called the ‘bend and snap’ pose.
Celebs contort, arch and stretch their torsos in a bid to perform the perfectly curved ‘Swan’s Neck’ body shape.
Judi James
Favoured by A-list celebrities and reality stars including Kylie Jenner, Amanda Holden and Maya Jama, the 'bend and snap' ensures they capture a perfect bikini picture every time.
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The pose involves pushing the breasts upward and outward to create a full but perky look, while the torso is stretched upward and arched backwards to slim the waist and create a flattened stomach.
Finally, the bum is then pushed out to make it as voluptuous a feature as possible.
Body positive influencer Tally Sharp, who has 411K followers on page says: "Bikini pictures are all about feeling your inner sexy, and more importantly showing off that you are enjoying your time relaxing in a warm destination.
"It's all about the sultry eyes, confidence and tension with the camera.
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"Kylie Jenner is a great example of someone who does this pose well.
"She makes sure you can see skin, and the thighs which add shape to the image, then mix that with a little bit of 'bend and snap' and the image is alleviated more.
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"I take photos like this, but equally I make sure I also create images where I’m body is in its natural form because that’s even more beautiful.
"I want other women to embrace themselves in their own way, so if that’s learning poses or by buying themselves something you feel sexy in.
"I always feel powerful when I do the wet look, or in the studio with the fan blowing my hair.
"Not every angle I take for my Instagram is the most flattering but it’s me, it’s my body and I love it."
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And it’s not just about looking great, but the pose also expresses a form of power, according to body language expert Judi James.
She says: “This is a ‘no pain no gain’ pose where celebs contort, arch and stretch their torsos in a bid to perform the perfectly curved, ‘Swan’s Neck’ body shape.
“It creates a fluidity of line, shape and movement that makes the eye scan and appreciate the entire body rather than just featuring one element, like the cleavage.
“Pushing the bum - the most sensual body part - out signals sexual availability or arousal.
Bikini pictures are all about feeling your inner sexy, and more importantly showing off that you are enjoying your time relaxing in a warm destination
Tally Sharp
“This gives a deeper reason as to why arching the back ‘until you snap’ look is so popular.
“For modern celebs, it is also a pose that suggests sexual superiority and specialness. The flattering ‘bend and snap’ suggests gym-honed flexibility and dedication, more sex goddess than girl next door.”
Here, Judi James analyses the celebrities who have perfected the ‘bend and snap’ pose to ensure you present the image you want, whilst Tally explains how to do it yourself.
Maura Higgins
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Maura is making a feature of her cleavage but the 33-year-old actress looks sweet rather than sexual.
Judi says: “Her smile might look coy, with a laugh and eye expression that suggests a desire to be likeable.
"Maura's back-arching efforts weren't wasted due to the camera angle which made the most of her sensual signals are being missed here."
Kylie Jenner
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Kylie, 26, performed her ‘bend and snap’ pose whilst modelling an orange bikini.
Judi says: “Kylie’s pose is a subtle but strong 'bend and snap.'
“Her look is cute but her gritty determination is formidable as she manages to arch that spine and thrust out her bum and pulls down her trousers which adds emphasise.
“Tough meets cute as she makes it all look effortless.”
Arabella Chi
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Arabella, 33, performed the pose perfectly whilst modelling a light brown bikini.
Judi says: “It appears she has her eyes nearly closed, whilst posing the 'bend and snap'.
"This shows she’s thinking about the best sex of her life and savouring the moment.
“She’s wearing swimsuit which covers her assets, but the look says it all here in terms of sensual poses.”
Emily Ratajkowski
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Emily’s pose shows off the 33-year-old’s enviable washboard stomach.
Judi says: "The way she blends leg-curls and the back arch with no strain showing on her face or neck shows she’s the consummate pro.
"She’s using one arm in a barrier gesture here to cover her torso and provide a more discreet angle, suggesting she wants to give the impression that she's not desperate for the attention."
Amanda Holden
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There’s no Holden back for Amanda, 55, whilst she goes on holiday.
Judi says: “Full marks to Amanda for contorting into the ‘Bend and Snap’ while balancing on a deck rail and still trying to make it look like a moment of relaxed sun-worship.
“This is truly heroic dedication to the pose and she even adds extended arms and legs and ‘en point’ toes to pose like the trooper she is.”
Ashley Graham
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In top model form, American model Ashley, 36, got top marks for showing how the curvy girls can do the pose too.
Judi says: “Ashley’s putting the least effort into her Bend and Snap here, extending one knee but avoiding too much in the way of spinal contortions.
“Her gaze to the right seems to suggest she’s saying she’s sexy enough without making any effort and those hands grasping her pants do hint at some inner confidence.”
Nicole Scherzinger
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Don’t Cha wish you be as hot as Nicole, 46, in your bikini pics? Well the ‘bend and snap’ pose will make it doable.
Judi says: “Nicole’s pitch-perfect contortions here create the perfect S-shape, from her extended toes to tilting her head back ever so slightly.
“She even pit-bares with both arms, baring her armpits in a signal of confidence and power.
“Nicole always seems like a perfectionist and it pays off in this memorable pic.”
How to recreate the pose
Body positive influencer has revealed how to perfect the 'bend and snap' pose just like the celebrities have.
"This pose is all about sticking your assets out.
"It's where the breasts are thrusted upwards and outward to create a full but perky look.
"Then the torso is stretched upward and arched backwards to slim the waist and create a flattened stomach.
"Finally, the bum is then pushed out to make it as voluptuous a feature as possible."
My other tips to getting the perfect shot...
Shape
The perfect photo includes SHAPE, and use your body, or or an outfit to enhance it.
Bikinis and lingerie work well for these shots, and it's best to use them as your prop - these will help to define your shape too.
Grab your bikini and pop a hip, or adjust the side of your bikini whilst gently using the other hand to shape your face or grab your hair either side of your head as if it were a natural swipe notion shot.
Then put one leg in front of the other. It’s about diversity in the image.
Angle
Know what angels you like. It’s so funny, whenever I meet someone who follows me on Instagram they always say ‘you’re so much shorter in real life, I thought you were tall!’
This always makes me laugh because the angle I use is hip height slightly facing upwards which elongates the image, making me look taller.
So, learn with a friend what angles you like of yourself, and when you’ve found it, it’ll make it so much easier.
Practise makes perfect
Try sitting, standing, laying and every other level you can think of.
One thing I live by is, if it’s not working and we’re not getting the right shot: either sit down or change background.
Have fun
Content creation is all about having fun! And that’s really where you’ll ‘get the shot’! Splash the water around, dance, be creative and thrive hunny.
Follow Tally Sharp on page for more body positive content
Maya Jama
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Combining sexuality but also ‘best friend’ vibe is why the 29-year-old makes such a good host of Love Island.
Judi says: “Her back arch creates a Kardashian-style hourglass body shape.
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"She has her hands behind her head and looks into the camera with a ever so slightly smirk. She is showing her friendly nature, but proving she's one to not be messed with.
“Sexy but relatable.”
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