I’m a fashion influencer – how to take the best poolside snaps this summer and why you should NEVER pose at midday

FASHION influencer Georgie Clarke, 30, from South West London, has more than 670,000 followers on Instagram.

She tells Yasmin Harisha how to perfect your poolside pose.

DO STRETCH YOUR BODY OUT

Whether that’s arms high up, leaning back or to the side, stretching out your torso and leaving space around your waist will flatter you.

And face your legs towards the camera to make your pins seem longer.

DO TEST THE LIGHTING FIRST

Try different angles to see which lighting is most flattering.

If you can, find where the lighting hits your face and body in a way that highlights your favourite features and shadows the things you are most insecure about.

The “golden hour” just before the sun sets or rises is the perfect lighting for those flattering shots.

DO BECOME A COPYCAT

I have a few photos of other influencers and celebs stored in a folder so I can test which pose works best for my body in a way I wouldn’t have thought of.

DO ACCESSORISE TO DISTRACT

If you don’t want to wear make-up for the shot, just chuck on some huge sunglasses and if you haven’t done your hair then wear a hat.

DO STRIKE A POSE

After you have tested out your poses, try laughing and smiling candid shots.

Take a few then check to see which you like and dislike.

Go back and take more of what worked best. I do this four to five times as it helps me see what is being captured in the image.

DO SLICK BACK

Get in the water and get your hair wet for a slick hair shot and try a few more poses.

You will relax knowing you’ve already got a shot you like.

I find that when hair isn’t down covering the face, it accentuates your features.

DON’T FEEL EMBARRASSED

Everyone is taking sexy pool pics these days.

You’ll never see these people again so who cares.

DON’T POSE AT MIDDAY

The sun is high and it creates loads of unflattering shadows.

The midday sun is also at its hottest and will cause you to sweat and squint.

DON’T FORGET TO FIX YOUR BIKINI

Don’t shoot with your bikini how you would normally wear it.

Before you take pictures, give yourself a huge wedgie and pull the sides up so they are high-waisted – this will elongate your legs and accentuate your body’s slimmest point.

DON’T IGNORE YOUR HANDS

Having your hands down by your sides will just look awkward.

Holding sunglasses, a drink, playing with your hair are all good distractions.

Bend your arms and hold them around belly button height for a natural shot.

DON’T BE IMPATIENT

Don’t get annoyed at the person taking your pictures.

You need them on board with your vision.

Even if I’m not loving the shots I’ll always say: “Oh that looks great, but lets try this”.

Being positive helps them to see my vision.