Sun-kissed limbs, salty strands, spritz in hand? All that’s left to do is get the perfect snap for your socials. While anyone can take a selfie, mastering the art of the ultimate swimsuit photo requires a little more finesse. Ahead, all the model-approved tips and tricks you’ll need for fire swimsuit poses for Instagram.

How to take beach selfies: an IT-Girl guide

Choose the perfect background

Taking good beach pictures for Instagram is all about knowing how to make the most of your beautiful surroundings. It might sound obvious, but finding the perfect spot to snap your beach selfie is key.

If you’re outside, palms, neutral walls and clear horizons with crystal waters can all provide the perfect backdrop for your swimsuit shot.

Find yourself inside? Look for unique architectural elements, an effortlessly-styled interior or a corner that’s drenched in natural light to maximise your double-tap potential.

Frame up your shot so there’s enough background to create some visual interest, but not so much that you’re ending up lost. After all, the perfect swimsuit selfie is all about YOU.

Find. Your. Light.

Repeat after us: find. your. light. No matter how comfortable you are in front of the camera, less-than-stellar lighting can seriously mess with the vibe of your shot.

Natural light is best, with golden hour just before sunset (or after sunrise, if you’re game!) guaranteed to give you a seriously gorgeous warm glow.

Try to avoid snapping beach selfies with the sun directly above you, as you’ll end up with harsher shadows and a look that’s more squint than sexy. However, if you do your best selfie work in the middle of the day, lean back or lay down to minimise uneven shadows across your face.

Discover your best pose

The most flattering swimsuit photo is a streamlined one, and knowing your angles ensures your bod will always look bangin’ on the grid.

While the perfect swimsuit pose will depend on your personal style and the aesthetic you’re after, it’s always a good idea to create the illusion of length for the most flattering pic.

Tilt your head and neck slightly away from the body to create a slimming effect from the shoulder up, and keep your toes softly pointed for instantly longer legs, no matter the pose.

How to pose in a bikini

There’s no better confidence boost than looking and feeling your sultry best in your fave bikini. But knowing how to max out your poses in one? That takes your beach selfie game to the next level.

If you’re taking a full-body shot, avoiding facing the camera front-on. Instead, angle one side of your bod slightly away from the camera, to create depth and definition. Place one leg slightly forward, with a soft knee bend and pointed toe, to create the illusion of longer, leaner legs (no Spin class necessary).

The same logic applies for looking lithe while laying down. Prop up on your side, with your top knee bent while touching the sand, and the bottom leg outstretched to keep your body in one continuous line.

The golden rule for super flattering bikini poses? Always bring the sides of your bikini bottoms to sit a little higher on your hips. This Insta-approved posing hack ensures your legs, booty and waist are beautifully contoured from every angle.

How to pose in a one piece swimsuit

For maximum Instagram impact, you’ll want to turn up the heat when posing in a one-piece swimsuit. There’s nothing sexier than splashing around in the shallows, however nailing the perfect kneeling shot requires a little practise.

To keep your legs looking lean, kneel at a 45-degree angle, stopping just before your thighs and butt touch the back of your calves. While there’s a bit of ab work involved, this pose channels relaxed, sexy chic and keeps your figure looking flawless.

Highlight a plunging neckline, and your best assets at the same time, by posing with an arm above your head. Whether it’s an effortless lean against your surroundings or a flirty hair flip and tuck, extending an arm above your head draws the eye in one continuous line and streamlines your torso. Instant bust lift? That’s just an added bonus.

Show off the back of this season’s coveted cheeky swimsuits by making your booty seriously pop. When shooting from behind, shift one leg slightly back and your body weight to one side. This instantly brings your butt higher, rounder and closer to the camera, for that coveted peachy look we love.

The best swimsuit poses for Instagram are the ones that have you looking and feeling amazing in your own skin. Armed with the above tips and your fave ALT Swim pieces, you’ll ooze confidence in front of the camera every single time.