The lies of before & after photos

The female brain is very easy to manipulate (men are not allowed to read along today by the way). Give us a pair of shoes for 1000 euros, then tell us that there is a special one-time discount and that we can buy them for 500 euros. Ding ding ding all the bells and whistles go off because “WOW that’s a good discount I MUST have this. They are only 500 euros! And originally 1000! So that’s 500 euros pure profit!”That’s how it goes roughly. We totally forget that we spent 500 euros on shoes, the only thing we remember is that we bought them for half the price.

And this works with more things. Show me a picture of a plump body, next to a super slim example and say that there are two weeks in between due to this or that mega exciting diet or exercise and I think, give me THAT diet NOW. Especially on Instagram you see this a lot, fitness gurus selling their techniques (or actually usually to women) through impressive before and after photos, “and that in just 12 weeks!” But the thing is, those photos are very easy to fake.

Just check Instagram at #melvfitness and see all those motivating before and after pictures. They are fake. All of them. I tried it in front of the mirror and damn, I can also look like I’ve been working out day and night for 5 months in just 5 minutes (approximately). One should take the following steps:

Underwear

Before photo: Put on underwear or a bikini that is 4 sizes too small, so you have the biggest muffin top ever and above that a too small poorly fitting bra.

After photo: Choose a nice lace panty that is just 1 size too big, and a bra that fits perfectly without cutting into your sides and has a subtle push-up effect.

Posture

Before photo: Make sure you are standing right in front of the lens, squeeze your buttocks together and tilt your hips and pelvis slightly forward. Let your shoulders hang as much as possible and stick your belly out completely. Look as unhappy as possible.

After photo: Take the photo slightly from the side, push your butt back, create a curve in your hips, hold your belly in, place one hand on your hip, spread your legs a little wider and clench your teeth together and your belly against your palate (you’ll get a tighter jawline from that). Look as sexy as possible.

Hair

Before photo: Your hair is in a messy bun with as many loose strands as possible.
After photo: If you really have the time, blow-dry your hair, but at least make sure you wear it loose and preferably draped over one shoulder. Don’t forget the shiny products and creams for an extra polished look.

Light and filters

Before photo: Light coming straight from above is the best for an ugly result. But nothing beats fluorescent tubes. And filters? What are filters? Ugh no of course you don’t use filters. For this photo, zoom in extra on yourself.

After photo: Use a light source with a warm color, preferably from the side. Avoid direct light. Use 80 filters on top of each other because filters make everything awesome. Zoom out, so you don’t take up the whole photo.

Timing

Before photo: Preferably after an 8-course dinner with lots of carbohydrates and drinks. This photo works best with a very full stomach.

After photo: The morning after your balance day is ideal. In the morning you always look slimmer, especially when you ate moderately the day before.

So, easy does it. To hell with dieting and exercising, I’m going to order croquettes and wine. Bye!