5 Reasons You're More Photogenic Than You Think

As a headshot photographer, I hear the same thing almost every day: "I'm going to be a really difficult subject because I'm not photogenic at all."

And then I'll say, "No, don't worry about that!"

And the response is almost always the same...

"No, but I'm REALLY not photogenic."

Fortunately my team and I have worked with enough people and learned enough about angles, expression, and lighting that we're able to work with almost anyone and help them find a photo of themselves that they'll love. I decided to compile this list of 5 reasons that prove you're actually more photogenic than you think you are in order to help you see yourself in a whole new light (no pun intended).

​​1. Faces change based on lighting and angles

Did you know that depending on the type of light and angle, the shape and look of your face will change? For instance, if you take a photo and think your face looks too round, it might just be because you are used to looking at yourself straight on in a mirror with harsh light coming from above (like in a bathroom).

Did you know that this means you have a warped perspective of your own face? People around you actually see you in more situations, from more angles, and in more lighting conditions than you'll ever see yourself. Plus, you're used to looking at a mirror-image of yourself... everyone else sees you in reverse.

If you're having photos taken, be sure to have the photographer take your pictures from your favorite angle if you have one. The lighting should be customized in the most flattering way to highlight your eyes and create jawline shadows, slimming the face attractively. When shot on the correct angle with the right lighting, it's rare anyone will be unhappy with their photos unless it's due to a blemish or something temporary (that can be Photoshopped out).

2. Everyone has a different view of what's photogenic.

​Just because you think you're unphotogenic doesn't necessarily mean others will. You shouldn't assume that your view is the right one because that's essentially saying everyone who thinks otherwise is wrong. Are all your friends and family wrong?

Most people believe they are the only ones who can correctly criticize their appearance because everyone else is "too nice." In fact, we tend to look at ourselves from a biased perspective that's been colored not only by the physical limitations of a bathroom mirror (as described above), but also by our past, our beliefs, and our values. For instance, if you grew up in a household where your parents constantly disparaged you, you're less likely to feel confident in your appearance (and vice versa). This is true regardless of how photogenic you really are.

"When I was 20, I always worried what other people thought of me. When I was 40, I stopped caring what other people thought of me. When I turned 60, I realized no one was ever thinking about me, and if they were, they were wondering what I was thinking about them."

​3. Expression plays a huge role in how photogenic you look.

Did you know that expressions of anger or sadness can actually make you appear less photogenic to others? If you feel angry or sad because you think you're not photogenic, the expression your face forms will actually cause you to look more unattractive... It's a vicious cycle!

Have you ever noticed how some people have sharp lines between their eyebrows, giving them a permanent frown? That's because they frown often in real life and the lines have etched themselves into their face.

When we shoot headshots, fortunately we're able to fix some of these lines in Photoshop to soften the expression and help people appear more photogenic, but in real life, those lines are permanently etched. Your day to day expression and mood can actually lead to a more or less photogenic appearance over time, so be aware of your emotions and live a happy life! Here are the top 4 life tips I've learned from age 20-30.

4. Most appearance concerns can be changed with diet, skincare, certain exercises, what you wear, (or even Photoshop)

​If you're worried that you have bad skin, chances are it's only temporary. Skin conditions can often be rectified by changing your diet to leafy greens, salads, and fish. Too many bread, sweets, and acidic foods increase your body's need to detoxify to survive, and what happens? Breakouts (detox areas) show up on the skin.

Did you know that having bad posture can cause people to think you're less photogenic? Posture can easily be fixed by doing a few key posture exercises, the best of which is to hang from a pull-up bar and pull your shoulders back and push your chest up to the sky, and hold that position for about 10 to 20 seconds. If you don't have access to a pull-up bar, stand up tall, looking straight ahead, and put your arms straight out at both sides. Slowly rotate your hands backwards as far as you can and hold that position for about 10 to 20 seconds. You'll feel yourself stand extremely tall with perfect posture. After a few weeks of daily exercises, your posture should be significantly better.

What you wear every day (and in photos) also has a big effect on how photogenic you look. If you wear the wrong colors or styles of clothing in a headshot, it can say the wrong thing about you. And if your clothing in daily life doesn't match, people might judge you.

Most of the concerns addressed in this section (except posture), can be adjusted in Photoshop if you're having photos taken, so feel free to mention them to your photographer. For posture, the photographer should point that out during the shoot and help you adjust it as needed.

5. Some things can't be changed, but are not unattractive unless you let them be.

As time goes by, we all get older and our faces change. Some of us are unlucky and suffer accidents or diseases that cause disfigurements.

However, none of these things should cause us to think we're less photogenic because so much of it is based on our personality. At the end of the day, it's not about what we look like; it's about how hard we work, how many people we help, and how much we strive to become better versions of ourselves.

There will always be people who see us negatively, just as there will always be people who see us positively, no matter what we look like. As long as we're friendly and helpful to others, they'll like and admire us.

​The goal whenever you're on camera is to capture a great expression and ensure you look just like yourself on your very best day. We promise to help you with that.