Is It You—or Is It the Camera?
The set-up is perfect: the perfect background, the perfect outfit, the perfect photographer. But then the photo is snapped and when you're given a peek at the shot, you hate it. Your smile is all wrong, your hair is weird, and you just look... awkward. What is the secret behind why others are so naturally photogenic—and how can that be you?
1. Unnatural Expressions
More often than not, you're probably not looking so great in photos because your expressions are off. Maybe you're smiling a little too widely; maybe you're trying too hard to make it look candid. Whichever is the case, unnatural facial expressions are not the way to go.
2. Unflattering Angles
Whether you're taking a selfie or someone else is taking the photo for you, some angles look better than others. For example, taking a picture when the camera is too close to your face might not be the most flattering (unless, of course, you're aiming for a funny shot).
3. Odd Poses
You don't want to just throw the classic peace sign, so you've decided to make up your own pose, which is jumping in the air like you're in High School Musical but while doing the splits. We're not going to question your choices, but just know that doing odd, experimental poses is probably... not going to make you more photogenic.
4. Bad Lighting
Are you taking photos where half your face is covered in shadow and the other half is overexposed? Bad lighting is also a recipe for bad pictures, so if you're not picking your photo spots wisely, prepare to be disappointed with the outcome.
5. Clashing Colors or Patterns
Sometimes it's not the bad angles, lighting, or weird poses. Sometimes, it's because you're wearing bright green and red like you're one of Santa's elves, or you're wearing plaid on plaid without balancing the patterns correctly. If you pick a bad outfit and palette, you're going to have a bad time.
6. Not Understanding Your Fashion Style
But it extends beyond just knowing what colors and patterns you should wear—you also need to understand your fashion style and pick outfits that flatter you and your figure. If you often just throw hand-me-down pieces together without taking your personality into account, you're probably not going to end up with a unique or flattering result.
7. Bad Photographer
Okay, sometimes, it's not you—it's your photographer. We hate to place the blame on someone else, but it has to be said. If your photographer just clicks your pictures without trying different angles, lightings, or backgrounds, you might want to get someone else.
8. Bad Posture
If you're hunching, slouching, or just contorting your body into weird postures, that could be another reason why your photos don't come out looking great. You don't want to stand or sit straight as a stick, either, as both extremes will seem unnatural.
9. You're Not Confident
But other times, it's not so much that you're not photogenic, you're just not radiating that confidence and energy you should have. Whether it's because you're unsure about your outfit choice or you're self-conscious about clicking a photo in the middle of a crowd, if you don't rock it, your photos aren't going to look so hot.
10. You're Not Used to How You Look in Photos
It might feel like whiplash when looking at photos of yourself if you're used to how you look in the mirror. But trust us—you're beautiful. And just because you're not used to the way you look on camera doesn't make you any less beautiful.
But if you're sick of being non-photogenic and you're ready for some tips, we've got you covered.
Chúng tớ Thích chụp ảnh on Pexels
1. Take Truly Candid Shots
Instead of just posing like you're taking a candid shot, tell someone to click photos of you when you're not paying attention. When you're genuinely happy and laughing, that expression is something you can't replicate.
2. Smile as You Naturally Would
Smiles shouldn't be forced, or they might end up looking too tense or off. So, instead of overthinking your expression or how it might look once the shot comes out, just smile as you naturally would.
3. Understand Your Angles
Unless you're one of the few people who look good from all angles, you'll want to know which are your best sides before clicking the shutter. Once you understand your angles, you'll be able to take more flattering shots effortlessly.
4. Find Good Lighting
You also don't want to be taking photos in just any lighting. Plus, even if the sun hits your skin in all the right ways, certain cameras can distort this and make pictures come out far too overexposed or with odd, murky shadows. Try taking a few test shots first before committing to a photo spot.
5. Wear Something Comfortable & Flattering
You don't just want to wear an outfit that reflects your unique style and personality, you also want to choose pieces that are comfortable and flattering. If you opt for a style that you don't feel the best in, it could affect your confidence and how your photos turn out.
6. Find a Good Background
Sure, you're the focal point of the photo, but you still want to take a shot standing next to something equally eye-catching. Unless, of course, you're taking a candid shot—then your natural expressions and poses will make up for it!
7. Find a Good Photographer
Again, we're sorry, but it needs to be said. Sometimes, it's not you but your photographer. You might want to click some shots for them to show them what sorts of angles you want and what lighting, so that they can follow your examples. Otherwise, you might want to ask someone else to take your pictures.
Shubh karman Singh on Unsplash
8. Think Back to a Happy Memory
If you're finding it difficult to smile naturally, think back to a happy memory. Maybe it's a travel trip you had a few months ago, or something funny that happened an hour ago. Whatever makes you laugh and beam, direct your mind to it and your face will light up and do the rest.
9. Take Multiple Shots
This might be obvious, but don't just take one and done. Your expressions can change slightly in the few seconds it takes to click multiple shots, so you'll be more likely to find a version that's more radiant and candid than if you only clicked the shutter once.
10. Be Yourself
Honestly, just ignore that the camera is even there. Have fun! Don't think too much about "getting the best picture" or "looking photogenic." Remember, you're beautiful, and as long as you just be yourself, your photos will reflect your beauty as well.
