Stop hating how you look in photos. Here are 15 tricks that actually work.
Test Your Photos Free →You are used to seeing yourself in a mirror (reversed). Photos show what everyone else sees.
Your brain thinks you look "wrong" in photos because it is not the reversed version you see daily in mirrors. This is called the "mere-exposure effect" - you prefer what you are familiar with.
Good news: Everyone else thinks you look normal in photos. It is just you who thinks you look weird. Here's how to look even better.
Do not face the camera straight on. Turn your shoulders 45 degrees to the side while your face looks at the camera. This creates depth and is more flattering for everyone.
Push your chin slightly forward (like a turtle) then tilt down slightly. This defines your jawline and prevents double chin. Feels weird, looks great.
Real smiles engage your whole face - especially eyes. Fake smiles only move mouth. Think of something that makes you genuinely happy when smiling.
Face a window. Natural light is the most flattering light source. Avoid harsh overhead lights and flash. Golden hour (hour before sunset) is even better.
Camera slightly above eye level is more flattering for most people. Makes eyes look bigger, defines jawline, and is generally more attractive angle.
Roll shoulders back, stand up straight, elongate neck. Good posture makes you look confident and thinner instantly.
Solid colors photograph better than busy patterns. Avoid logos, graphics, stripes. Colors that pop: jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby), black, white, navy.
Do not let arms hang straight down (makes you look stiff). Put hand in pocket, on hip, hold something, or gesture naturally. Relaxed hands = relaxed photo.
Put weight on back foot, pop hip slightly. Creates flattering S-curve in body. Works for everyone.
Tense face = unflattering photo. Before taking photo, scrunch face tight, hold 3 seconds, release. Then smile naturally.
First 5 photos always look stiff. By photo 20-30 you relax and look natural. Professional photographers take 100+ for this reason.
Everyone has a side that photographs better. Take photos from left side, right side, and straight on. Find which you prefer.
Clean, simple background. Avoid clutter, random people, or busy patterns behind you. Focus should be on you, not your background.
Harsh overhead sun creates unflattering shadows on face. Shoot in shade, during golden hour, or with window light.
Your mood shows in photos. Do not take photos when stressed or tired. Schedule photo sessions after fun activities when you are in good mood.
Test all your photos. See which ones score highest. Use those.
Test My Photos Free →Before taking photos, run through this checklist:
You are used to seeing yourself reversed in mirrors. Photos show what everyone else sees (non-reversed). Your brain thinks this looks "wrong" because it is unfamiliar. Everyone else thinks you look normal. This is the mere-exposure effect - you prefer familiar versions of yourself.
Body turned 45 degrees to side, face toward camera, camera slightly above eye level, chin forward and down. This works for 90% of people. Test it and see the difference.
Take lots of photos (20+), use natural lighting, genuinely smile, relax your face, and find your good side. Photogenic people are not better looking - they just know their angles and practice.
Light editing (brightness, contrast) is fine. Heavy filters that change your appearance are not recommended - especially for dating or professional photos. You want to look like yourself, just well-lit and well-angled.
Use these 15 tips. Take new photos. Test them. Use your best ones.
Test Your Photos Free →