Not feeling so photogenic? These Are 10 Errors You May Be Performing
Do you hate taking group pictures? Is being made to pose for a—gasp—solo photo what hell is all about? Prior to demanding to know “why am I unphotogenic,” Check to see whether you are doing any of the following 14 blunders, which might all be impeding your attempt to appear your best in pictures, while answering questions like “should I avoid cameras for the rest of my life” or similar ones.
You may dramatically improve the way you seem on camera by doing simple poses like squinting (more on that later), breathing deeply, and understanding how to use your hands. These poses may be taken on your wedding day or just a short vacay picture by your lover. And just like everything else, you’ll feel more at ease the more you practice moving in front of the camera. The finished result will most likely reflect that comfort.
I feel unphotogenic, but why?
Let’s be clear about one thing right away: you are not alone. Many, many individuals are not happy with the way they seem in pictures. Fortunately, solving the issue is very simple and just requires experience and knowledge of a few cunning maneuvers to do when the camera bulbs begin to flash. Frequently, the cause of feeling unphotogenic is just not understanding how to best posture your face and body in front of the camera and freezing up once in front of it. Consider this: Celebrities are often photographed because they are generally always photogenic (they are also frequently very attractive, but that’s an other issue). They are aware of their angles, how to use their hands, etc. You may prevent wishing to erase every photo that has been taken of you by avoiding the 14 faults that are mentioned below. Although practice doesn’t always equal perfection, it does foster confidence, which is essential for feeling and looking your best.
1- You’re Not Making the Most of Your Vision
One word describes much of our metamorphosis into gorgeous ladies like Angelina Jolie: squinting. What? Allow us to clarify. Squinting and pinching are combined to create squinching. This is what you do: As if you were about to squint, tighten your eyes. However, loosen up your upper lids a little and allow your lower lids do more of the job (this is where the “pinching” part comes in). This basically brings your expression down to a nice medium that avoids appearing like a deer in headlights or completely squinting. We promise that everyone looks good in it.
2 – What to Do with Your Hands Is Beyond You
It might be difficult to have your hands in pictures straight at your sides or on your hips. Try putting your hands in your pockets, clutching a prop like a coffee cup or pair of sunglasses, or pretending to tuck your hair behind your ear as Keke Palmer did above. Here are some additional tips to maintain the natural appearance of your hands.
3 – You’re uttering “cheese.”
I’m sorry to break your illusions, but the whole “say cheese” thing is a joke. In fact, it gives the impression that your grin is artificial and forced. If you must speak, we recommend using the word “money,” which lets you keep your lips slightly agape and sounds much more sincere—ala Anne Hathaway.
4 – They’re Taking Pictures of You From Below
Marissa Wu, a resident photographer and PureWow Associate SEO Editor, offers the following useful advice: Make sure the person behind the camera is taking pictures from above while they are taking pictures of you. Wu continues, “Aim to hold the phone or camera high enough so the subject must lift their chin slightly to meet its gaze while snapping the shot. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. This lengthens the neck and adds definition to the chin. Whoa, whoa, surprise. Indeed, you have a jawline!
5 – You Are Not Practicing
Granted, at first this may seem really uncomfortable, but the adage “practice makes perfect” also holds true for being attractive. Try experimenting with various stances, angles, and facial expressions by hopping in front of a mirror and seeing what suits you best. Posing in a prearranged posture can make you feel lot more at ease than just putting your body in any old position and hope for the best.
6 – Your Tongue Is Positioned Incorrectly
Hey, did you know that you might seem more attractive when you bite your tongue? It may seem strange, but it’s real. When you smile for a picture, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth, directly behind your teeth. You’ll seem completely at ease and not in the slightest way crazy.
7 – You’re Getting Lost in It
Don’t suck in your stomach in pictures, no matter how much you may want to or feel like you have to. Your shoulders will seem hunched over, and your face will betray your distress. Instead, like the ultra-chic women above, exude confidence in both your position and yourself.
8 – You’re directly facing the camera.
Another celebrity gimmick to imitate? Head angling with a strategic intent. Learn from Gal Gadot and cock your head slightly to the side that flatters you while lowering your chin. All that’s left to do is curl up and revel in the fact that you’re one of those attractive ladies.
9 – You’re not shifting position.
Are you feeling rigid? Turn around. Move your face and body slightly after each shot to get a new shot. With your hands by your sides? Place one on your hip. Look directly at the camera? Rotate it to the slight left. Now a little to the right. Now use the hand that isn’t on your hip to play with your hair. Force yourself to move slightly from your usual position since most individuals have a propensity of doing so while taking pictures. You will eventually begin to recognize which stances are more attractive.
