Several people always complain that they do not photograph well. A lot of factors could be responsible for this. But the presence of social media has significantly influenced our daily lives. Almost everything now takes place through social platforms. Therefore, you must be active and engaging to promote your business or career on any social media platform. Thus, you will need to become photogenic to thrive on these platforms as a model or a career person.
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But we know that taking pictures of your face when you are not used to it can feel awkward. We see our faces every morning in mirrors and usually check for ourselves first when viewing a group photograph. The self-face is one of the numerous reasons many people shy away from taking pictures. Regardless of your reasons, we would teach you how to become photogenic in every photo click.
In this article, you will learn professional tricks to build up your confidence when posing for photos. You will also learn how to beat others in group shots. After reading this informative essay, you will definitely become photogenic in every click.
What Does It Mean To Be Photogenic?
The simplest definition of “photogenic” is looking good, attractive, or flattering in photographs. Several people think the trait of being photogenic is something you are either born with or without. Whereas being photogenic is a skill you can learn and master.
The meaning of “photogenic” can also differ depending on one’s perspectives and preferences. Some people define it as a frequent tendency to pose for pictures. That is, they consider not being photogenic an act of dislike for photographs. Nevertheless, it means looking attractive in photos. Thus, anyone can become photogenic (look flattering in every click).
Portrait photography aims at capturing the personality, character, and emotions. It can either be candid or artistic. Portrait photography requires more than just the ability to understand your camera settings, lighting, and composition.
You must also possess the ability to connect with your subjects and capture their unique qualities. So, it is a difficult but rewarding genre of photography.
Click Below to read a comprehensive guide to learning and mastering the art of portrait photography.
3 Solid Reasons Why Some People Are Not Photogenic
There are many reasons why you feel you are not photogenic. Some of these include
1. Self-face
The self-face is one of the vital visual representations of oneself. Many people, including adults, check their faces every morning in mirrors. In addition, people usually check for their faces first in photographs. However, many people always complain that their faces look different in photos, so they shy away from posing and thus think of themselves as not being photogenic.
2. Lack Of Confidence
Some people are not photogenic because they feel unattractive about themselves. They do not have confidence in their appearance. To become photogenic, you must accept and be proud of your look.
3. Inexperience And Lack Of Photography Fundamentals
Most of the time, unattractive or unflattering photos are because of one’s inexperience and a lack of photography fundamentals. Many people, especially new models, do not know how to pose, set up camera equipment and lighting, and the best shooting angles to compliment their natural features. While the photogenic trait comes naturally to some people, it is something you can learn and master.
You might be interested in learning How To Take Full-body Pictures Of Yourself With Phone?
6 Simple And Effective Ways Of Becoming Photogenic
You do not have to be the prettiest person in the world to appear flattering in photographs. Becoming photogenic has nothing to do with the figure or shape of your body or face. It is simply a skill. Thus, here are simple ways to move from taking unattractive pictures to capturing alluring images of yourself.
1. Find Your Angles
Posing and shooting pictures of yourself from random or uncalculated angles can make your face appear unattractive in photographs. To combat this, you must consider finding the most suitable shooting position based on your face’s figure.
A vast population of humans worldwide does not have perfect facial symmetry, and asymmetrical faces look unattractive in photographs. Thus, you have to look for the angles that suit you. For instance, I like to be shot when the camera is at eye level. You can find your best angle by taking portrait selfies of your face from the right and left sides. You can set the camera at eye level, mid-range, high-range, or even low-range.
After discovering this, you have to learn and be comfortable seeing yourself from different angles. You might find this difficult at first, but you will eventually get used to it.
2. Make Use Of Adequate Lighting
Lighting is another factor to consider when seeking to become photogenic. Lighting can completely change the way that you will appear in your photographs. It can cast and add a shadow on your face.
When it involves clicking photogenic images, shadows are your face’s worse enemy. You must try to ensure an evenly lighting condition before taking any picture. We recommend that you take advantage of natural lighting (sunlight). However, avoid outdoor shots at noon when the sun is directly above your head because it can cast shadows on your face and spoil the picture. Thus, ensure to note the setting and intensity of the sun.
Perhaps you want to make use of artificial lights (camera flashlights or ring lights). In that case, provide a balanced set-up before you begin to click.
3. Compose Yourself
Composing yourself before the camera also matters when posing for photogenic photos. The way you feel (comfortable or intense) before the camera can make or break your picture.
You are not alone if you always feel awkward standing before a camera for pictures. As a photographer, I have crossed several people who felt too tensed and shy to pose for the shots. I have also come across people who were comfortable standing before the camera. I found out that the latter set of people often engages in regular photoshoots.
So, it is fair if you do not feel comfortable posing for photos. It just requires learning and practicing. It is about leaving your comfort zone and trying something new.
4. Practice! Practice! Practice!
Regular practice is the best and most effective way to develop and master new skills or traits. Photogenic people are those who take a lot of shots daily.
There are no exemptions. You must engage in regular practices if you want your images to appear photogenic. You can do this in your closet by posing before your mirror.
You might be interested in our article about Creative Mirror Reflection Photography Ideas To Try As A Beginner
5. Smile
Remember, photogenic means capturing alluring images of yourself. Thus, always try to wear a genuine and sweet smile on your face, especially when posing for group pictures.
6. Have Confidence In Yourself
To be photogenic, you must have confidence in yourself. You must accept and be proud of your facial look and overall appearance. Be proud of your shape or figure. If you lack confidence in yourself, build it by accepting who and what you are.
5 Effective Ways To Build Confidence In Yourself And Become Photogenic
Many people don’t feel confident in their bodies and faces due to the pressures of society and media. If you are one of such people, below are some ways you can become confident in yourself and thereby photogenic.
1. Believe In Yourself
Confidence comes from believing in yourself and the skills you have. You must see value in the things you do, whether those are your hobbies or daily activities. You should see your self-worth reflected by how much you love and appreciate your body and face.
2. Remove Negativity From Your Life
Think about the positive aspects of your life and seek ways to improve on each of them. By so doing, you will become confident and photogenic.
3. Do Not Believe The Magazines And Media
The media can have a significant impact on how someone perceives themselves. From the idealistic representations of beauty in magazines and commercials to altered images of people that are posted online, it can be difficult to feel confident about your body and face. The falsifications can also shy you away from becoming photogenic.
4. Build A Healthy Lifestyle
You can eat healthy food and exercise to feel energized, which will help you perform and pose better than your peers.
When you’re at work, try not to compare yourself with others and focus on your strengths and styles. Another way is through mindfulness practices that help you focus on the present moment and understand what you’ve already accomplished. This will make you feel relaxed when posing before a camera.
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5. Talk To The Photographer
Photographers are some of the most understanding people you can talk to about your unphotogenic nature. They can guide and teach you how to become photogenic within a few minutes.
Open communication with your photographer can also make you feel comfortable throughout the shootout. Thus, ensure to always talk to your photographer and make him know that you want photogenic pictures.
Why Do People Always Look Better In Mirrors Than In Pictures?
Several people complain that their faces look different, often even worse, in photographs than in mirrors. A simple explanation is that a mirror reveals the opposite of an individual, while an image will show how others see you.
So when you look at yourself in a photograph, you see a flipped version of yourself which is different from how you see yourself every day through the mirrors. Thus, you have to learn to accept your pictures psychologically.
Another reason is that a camera lens distorts certain features of your faces by making them larger or smaller than they are in reality. Hence, always capture different photos of yourself from different angles and levels.
Other factors include light and composure. People often feel more relaxed when looking at mirrors than when posing for pictures.