Looking cute in a photo can be tough.
Sometimes, the waiter taking a picture of your birthday dinner is standing so close that you know you're about to look like a giantess. Or maybe you're stranded without a drink to hold onto, no pockets and no idea where to put your arms.
When faced with such obstacles, most of us think fast and pull out one of the old standbys. Sure, they're a little cliché. But when properly employed, they can look pretty darn good.
Here's a roundup of the photo poses you're totally guilty of falling back on.
1. The Skinny Arm
Image courtesy of Cat Rivera
We'll start with the basics. Once you get going with this optical illusion trick, it's not an easy habit to break. You have to admit, those arms look pretty phenomenal.
2. The "Candid"
Image courtesy of Facebook, Allison Reiber
Oh, is that a camera? LOOK HOW MUCH FUN WE'RE HAVING! Perfect for Facebook cover photos and framing for your living room.
3. The Mirror Selfie
Image courtesy of Facebook, Katy Haas
Driving iPhone case sales since 2012. Bonus points for a bathroom mirror shot.
4. The Eskimo Kiss
Image courtesy of Facebook, Julie Anson
Simply adorbs. Perfect for big and little sister moments, both biological and sorority.
5. The Awkward Hug
Image courtesy of Facebook, Elysia Botley
Sure, it may look a little forced, but the love is there.
6. The Knee Pop
Image courtesy of Facebook, Nicole Williams
Great for slimming and elongating those stems. And if it works for Angelina Jolie, it's good enough for us.
7. The Sorority Squat
Image courtesy of Facebook, Hannah Paulsen
Adds dimension to a group shot and makes you look like one big happy Brady Bunch press photo.
8. The Ankle Cross
Image courtesy of Taryn Antoniou, Life of a Paper Doll
Elongate your legs and make your governess proud at the same time.
9. The Party Arms
[img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4048/4539672449_993ac6e658_o.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt="Coachella 2010 - Photos"]
Image courtesy of Arielle Jordan, Little Mermaid at Sea
Because drinking from a straw makes the kissy face acceptable.
11. The Front-Facing Camera Selfie
Image courtesy of Facebook, Lena Lobel
Perfect for optimizing your best angles and taking 25 in one sitting so you can be sure you have a winner.
12. The Bro
Image courtesy of Facebook, Emmalaine Leibman
Fellas, you're not off the hook here. Take a deep breath, puff up that chest and make a face like you just shoplifted a chain necklace from Macy's.
13. The Duck Face (Duh)
[img src="http://i.imgur.com/sMAUl.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
Image courtesy of Reddit, watchesyousleep
Quack.