Hate How You Look in Photos? Try These Simple Fixes!
When I first started blogging, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing when it came to taking photos. I spent years trial-and-erroring my way through awkward poses and terrible lighting to figure out why I didn’t like what I saw.
Now that I have spent a decade in front of the lens, I have finally cracked the code. I am sharing the exact advice I wish someone had given me back then so you can stop hiding from the camera and start loving your photos, too!
Why We Hate Photos of Ourselves (It Is Science!)
Before we get into the “how-to,” I want to give you a little peace of mind. There is a reason we often hate photos of ourselves, and it is actually scientific. Every morning, you look at yourself in the mirror. That is the version of you that you are used to seeing.
The camera doesn’t see a mirror image. It sees the “real” you. Because our faces aren’t perfectly symmetrical, seeing ourselves “unflipped” in a photo feels jarring to our brains. It looks “wrong” to us, even though it looks perfectly normal to everyone else! The first step is to stop being so hard on yourself. Your brain is literally biased against your own photos.
Master the “Model” Stance
If you stand with your shoulders square to the camera and your feet side by side, you are going to look wider than you are. It is the most common mistake I see! Here is how we fix it.
The 45 Degree Turn
Instead of facing the lens head-on, turn your body about 45 degrees away from the camera. This immediately slims your silhouette and creates depth.
Shift Your Weight
Always keep your weight on your back leg. When you shift your weight back, it naturally tilts your hips and elongates your front leg. If you put your weight on the leg closest to the camera, it can make you look a bit bulky. Just remember: Back leg, best leg!
Create Triangles
Photographers always talk about “triangles.” This just means you don’t want your limbs to look like logs. Put a hand on your hip to create a triangle with your arm. Cross your ankles to create a triangle with your legs. These little gaps of “white space” between your limbs and your body make you look leaner and more athletic.
The Secret to a Great Face (No Botox Required!)
We all have those “photo faces” we make when we are nervous. Some of us do the “deer in headlights” stare, while others do the “forced grin.” Try these simple fixes instead!
The “Slightly Above” Rule
Never let the camera look up your nose! If someone is taking your photo, ask them to hold the camera at your eye level or slightly above. This forces you to look up just a tiny bit, which stretches the neck and helps eliminate any signs of a double chin.
The Tongue Press
This is my favorite “secret” trick. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth while you smile. It sounds silly, but it tightens the muscles under your jawline and makes your neck look much firmer.
Smile With Your Eyes
A “cheese” smile usually stops at the mouth. A real, beautiful smile reaches the eyes. Think of someone you love or a funny memory right before the shutter clicks. Relax your jaw, let your lips part just a tiny bit, and let that joy show in your eyes.
Lighting: Find Your Glow
Bad lighting can add ten years to a photo by highlighting every fine line and shadow. Good lighting, on the other hand, is like a natural filter.
Seek the Shade
If you are outside in the bright sun, you are going to squint, and you are going to have harsh shadows under your eyes. Find some “open shade” like the edge of a building or under a big tree. You want the light to be even and soft.
Face the Window
If you are indoors, always face the window. Let that natural light hit your face directly. Never have the window behind you, or you will just be a dark silhouette. We want to see your pretty face!
Background Check: Don’t Grow a Tree Out of Your Head
I have seen so many cute outfits ruined by a distracting background. Before you snap the shot, take a quick look at what is behind you. Is there a trash can? Is there a pole that looks like it is coming out of your shoulder? I try to find a clean, simple background that lets my outfit be the star of the show. A brick wall, a pretty doorway, or a simple garden hedge works wonders.
Watch Your Props and Accessories
Sometimes it is the little things that trip us up in photos. If you are holding a big, bulky handbag right in front of your stomach, it is going to add visual weight. I like to either set my bag down or hold it to the side. Also, be careful with your sunglasses! If you leave them on your head, they can cast a shadow over your forehead. If you wear them, make sure they aren’t crooked. These tiny details are what make a photo look polished versus messy.
The Power of the Edit (Keep It Natural!)
Gurls, even the best photos can use a little help. I am not talking about changing your face or looking like a different person. I am talking about adjusting the brightness or the “warmth” of a photo. Sometimes a picture looks a little blue or dark, and just hitting the “auto” enhance button on your iPhone can make your skin look so much healthier. Don’t be afraid to use a little “digital magic” to make the photo match how you felt in person!
Group Photo Survival Guide
We all dread the “everyone get together” shot because we feel like we have no control. My best advice for group photos is to find the end of the line and do your 45-degree turn. If you are stuck in the middle, stand tall and keep those shoulders back. Don’t let yourself get hunched over by the people next to you. Lean in slightly toward the center, but keep your chin up!
What to Wear for the Camera
You know I couldn’t write this without talking about clothes! Certain things just look better on a 2D screen than they do in person.
- Color Is Your Friend: Black is slimming, yes, but it can also look flat in photos. A pop of color, like a bright cobalt blue or a cheerful pink, reflects light back onto your face and makes you look more vibrant.
- Mind the Neckline: V necks and scoop necks are generally more flattering in photos than crew necks because they show a bit of skin and elongate the torso.
- Structure Over Volume: While I love a flowy maxi dress as much as the next gurl, too much fabric can swallow you up on camera. If you wear something loose, make sure to define your waist with a belt or a structured jacket.
Practice Makes Perfect
I know it feels narcissistic to stand in front of a mirror and practice your “poses,” but I promise it helps! Find your “good side.” Figure out which hand on hip placement feels natural.
The more you practice, the more these movements become muscle memory. Next time someone pulls out a phone for a group shot, you won’t have to panic.
You Are More Than a Megapixel
At the end of the day, gurls, remember this: a photo is just a frozen second in time. Don’t let the fear of a “bad” photo keep you from making memories. Your kids and grandkids won’t care if your arm looked a certain way or if the lighting was a bit off. They just want to see you in the frame with them.
Each time you share my posts on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE, AND FACEBOOK, it not only helps other ladies who might be style-challenged find my blog, but it also strengthens our community. Furthermore, I appreciate every one of you and consider you a friend.
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To GOD Goes The Glory!
Verse Of The Day
1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NIV)
15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
