Photographer Melissa Timmer, who has lost 37kg, explains why it’s important to take progress photos

It’s the best way to track your progress because even when the scales might not be moving, which I can promise you at some stage this will happen, your body shape will be changing still, and seeing it in a picture is all the motivation you will need to keep going.

YES, it’s super daunting but try not to focus on the negative side and think how you are on the right path now and you’re going to make a change and smash those goals out, six months down you will be forever grateful that you took those photos.

Photos don’t lie, but angles, lighting and poses are everything!

You must understand how to take the right photo especially if you will be doing it on a regular basis to track your progress.

2. Second thing, look for a spot in your house that is a blank wall, preferably at least 2- 3 metres long with absolutely NOTHING ON THE WALL OR FLOOR.

3. Third thing, if you can do it natural light but if not make sure your taking your pics on the same day at the same time, our hormones can our affect our bodies dramatically, so pics should be done every 4 weeks apart.

4. The Final step is who is taking the pics for you ? Will you be doing them yourself?

I highly recommend getting a tripod and putting your phone on a timer, you want to make sure the phone is at the same place every single time, so if you have a desk, table, chair or something that you can constantly use and will never change height, pop your tripod on that, you will always get the same distance and angle.

FIRST POSE: Once you have read these steps your ready to start, facing straight directly on to the camera with your hands up and straight so your not blocking your sides, you should look similar to a capital ‘T’.

SECOND POSE: turn to the side and keep your hands down by your side.

THIRD POSE: turn to face the back wall so you can get a good back shot, place your hands behind your head and link your fingers together, this is the easiest way to remember the position and get it the same in every shot by seeing your whole body.

FOURTH POSE: turn to the final side and bring your hand up directly in front of you, almost like you’re reaching out to grab something in front of you.