Summary: In this post, we’ll clarify the reasons why we look good in mirror but ugly in pictures in detail. And later we’ll give you some tips for looking better in pictures.
Have you ever wondered why you look attractive in the mirror yet less so in photographs? This question has actually puzzled me for quite some time. Factors like unflattering angles, forced smiles, or poor lighting can certainly play a role.
Realistically though, unless you naturally photograph well or have a skilled photographer friend, your pictures might not do you justice. But what exactly turns you into an ‘ugly duckling’ in photos? More importantly, how can you enhance your picture-taking experience and outcomes? Let’s delve in and find out!
Factors Affecting Our Pictures
Several factors can contribute to why some may feel they look less attractive in pictures:
1. Unflattering Angles
An angle is the main aspect that greatly influences the outcome of an image. It’s about where the camera is placed around the subject. Moving the camera up, down, or to the side can make the picture look very different and evoke diverse emotions within your audience.
Generally, the eye-level angle, also called face-to-face, is friendly to the outcome pictures. But a low angle often easily shows the unflattering double chin of the subject.
2. Camera Lens Distorts Human Face
Camera lens can warp the dimensions of your facial features, causing certain areas to seem disproportionately smaller or larger than they actually are. This distortion can result in an unfamiliar or unflattering representation of yourself.
3. Camera Captures Our Embarrassed Moments
When we stand in front of a camera, we tend to feel nervous and find it hard to relax. We pose by following the photographer’s suggestions, but this often makes us look less natural. With a sequence of flashes, the camera takes pictures of our changing expressions. And most of the pictures show us looking awkward, which disappoints us later.
4. Camera Lens Is Different From Human Eyes
The human eye includes small muscles that contract and relax, enabling the eyes to change shape and focusing on the moving objects. These muscles can also change the thickness of crystalline lens to adapt the image being viewed.
5. Forced Smile
The way you smile and pose in the front of camera will affect the look in pictures. If you feel uncomfortable or forced to smile, it may appear to be unnatural.
6. It’s Flash that Breaks Your Photos
When you see things in real life, your eyes and brain work together to fix brightness and make everything clear and nicely balanced. In photos, though, without your brain’s fixing, the light and shadows may seem unnatural and unappealing.
Things get even worse when you in the dark and need to turn on the flash. The flash makes your skin look shiny and greasy, and sharpens the edges of your face.
7. Poor Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in photography. Dazzling and unflattering lighting can cast shadows, highlight imperfections, and change your appearance in a way you may not notice.
Tips for Looking Good in Pictures
While there is no one-of-a-kind principle for looking good in pictures that fits everyone, there are some practical tips that can help you adjust and improve yourself during the photographing.
1. Find the Proper Lighting
As we mentioned before, lighting plays an indispensable role in how we look in pictures. Experiment with different types of lighting and angles, to find the one that fits your skin color and features best. When we take pictures or selfies, it’s pretty important to find proper lighting to flatter our features. Find natural light, or use soft, discussed lighting for a flattering look.
2. Pose in a Way That Highlights Your Features
Try slightly angling your head or body to add depth and enhance the appearance of your facial features. Additionally, stand or sit up straightly can convey a sense of confidence and composure.
3. Use makeup to enhance your appearance
Experiment with makeup products to enhance your appearance and improve your complexion. Like highlighting your eyes with eyeliner and eye shadow, or adding bright color to your lips. Make sure to use makeup that matches your skin and will not create fine lines and smudges.
4. Dress in Clothing That Showcase Your Confidence
Dress in clothes that fits well and flatter your figure can make you feel confident and comfortable in the front of camera. Avoid clothing that is too tight or loose, for this will create an unflattering look.
5. Background
Choose a clean and tidy background that won’t distract the camera’s focus away from you. For example, for a business photograph, you can choose a solid background like white and grey. For daily portraits, you can choose unobstructed landscape as your backdrop.
6. Don’t Be Nervous, Relax Yourself
Capturing great photos becomes challenging when you’re feeling tense. Relax and be at ease to avoid looking stiff and tense. Taking deep breaths, smiling genuinely, or engaging in light stretching before a shoot can help release the tension from your body, allowing for more authentic and comfortable poses.
7. Find the Best Angle
Discovering your most flattering angle is a playful trick for looking your best in photographs. Start by experimenting in front of a mirror, turning your head slightly to the left or right, and notice how the angles of your face change. Typically, people find that tilting their chin down a little and angling it slightly away from the camera can reduce double chin and emphasize their facial contours.
8. Smile From Your Heart
A genuine smile can truly transform a photograph, making it warm and inviting. To smile from your heart, start by thinking of something that genuinely brings you joy—a happy memory, a loved one, or a funny joke. This inner happiness reflects in your eyes, creating a sparkle that the camera captures beautifully.