Simple changes that make a huge difference. No expensive gear required.
Looking good in photos is a learnable skill. Most people who think they are not photogenic are just making a few fixable mistakes with lighting, angles, or expression. This guide covers everything that actually makes a difference — based on photography principles and the psychology of first impressions.
Natural light is the single biggest upgrade you can make. Move near a window or go outside. Overcast days are actually ideal — the clouds act as a giant diffuser creating soft even light with no harsh shadows.
Pro tip
Face the light source directly. Window light hitting your face from the front is universally flattering.
The hour after sunrise and before sunset produces warm soft light that makes everyone look their best. Outdoor photos taken during golden hour have a natural glow that is impossible to replicate indoors.
Pro tip
Use an app like Golden Hour One to find the exact time in your location.
A genuine smile involves the muscles around your eyes, not just your mouth. When you force a smile only your mouth moves and people sense the inauthenticity immediately. The technical term is a Duchenne smile and research shows it makes you appear significantly more attractive and trustworthy.
Pro tip
Think of something genuinely funny right before the photo. The difference between a real and fake smile is obvious in photos.
Tension shows in photos. Before a photo is taken, take a deep breath, drop your shoulders, and relax your jaw. A tense face reads as uncomfortable and unapproachable.
Pro tip
Blow air through your lips like a horse before the shot. It sounds ridiculous but it relaxes your face muscles instantly.
Camera slightly above eye level is the most flattering angle for almost everyone. It slims the face, makes eyes look larger, and creates better jaw definition. Shooting from below is almost universally unflattering.
Pro tip
For selfies, hold the camera about 6-12 inches above your eye line and angle down slightly.
Straight-on photos can make faces look flat and wide. Turning your body about 30-45 degrees to the side while keeping your face toward the camera creates dimension and is more dynamic.
Pro tip
Most people have a slightly more photogenic side. Take a few shots on each side and compare.
Posture communicates confidence. Slouching makes you look smaller and less confident in photos. Good posture is an instant upgrade that costs nothing.
Pro tip
Imagine a string pulling the crown of your head toward the ceiling. This naturally aligns your spine and opens your chest.
Arms pressed against your body make them look wider and your overall frame look compressed. Creating a small gap between your arms and torso makes your whole silhouette look better.
Pro tip
Rest your hand on your hip or hold something to naturally create this gap.
Portrait mode on modern iPhones and Androids blurs the background slightly which makes you the clear focus of the image. It mimics professional camera depth of field and elevates the quality of any photo instantly.
Pro tip
Keep portrait mode at the default setting. Heavy background blur can look unnatural.
This sounds obvious but most phone lenses have fingerprints and dust on them which creates a soft hazy look. A quick wipe on your shirt before important photos makes a surprising difference.
Pro tip
Use a microfiber cloth for best results — shirt fabric can sometimes leave more smears.
Cluttered messy backgrounds are distracting and reflect poorly on you. A clean simple background keeps all attention on you. Outdoors with soft greenery or a simple wall works best.
Pro tip
Check what is directly behind you before every photo. One second of checking can save a photo.
Photos taken by other people almost always look better than selfies. The camera is further away, the angle is more natural, and you are more likely to have a genuine expression because you are less in control.
Pro tip
Ask someone to take 20-30 shots in a row while you are having a natural conversation. The candid moments in between poses are usually the best.
We have dedicated guides for dating apps and LinkedIn headshots.
Mirrors show a flipped version of your face that you are used to seeing. Photos show how everyone else sees you. Also cameras slightly distort facial features, especially at close range. This is why slightly above eye level shots look most natural.
Lighting. Good natural light can make anyone look significantly better. A well-lit photo with your phone will almost always look better than a poorly lit photo taken with expensive camera gear.
Awkwardness usually comes from tension and self-consciousness. Practice taking photos more often so you get used to it, relax your face before each shot, and have someone take candid photos while you are genuinely engaged in conversation.
Yes, significantly. A camera positioned even slightly below eye level can make your face look completely different compared to one positioned above. Most people look best with the camera just above eye level shooting slightly down.