Why does my reflection in the mirror look good, but I look ugly in pictures?

Question

I can barely recognize myself in photos, I look so different. I look nothing like that when I look into a mirror. To other people would I look like I do in pictures or do I look like my reflection?

Answer 1

You sound like myself. I look completely different in front of a mirror one time and then another time it's a whole nother person, especially in photographs. I'm always wondering which image people see. Hopefully, the one in the mirror, cause I look good in front of my mirror. That's why I hate pictures. It's all how you see yourself anyways. Sometimes it's about the lighting or the environment or how you're feeling that day. Hey, if you want to look good then go ahead and look good. Mirrors and pictures aren't always true anyways.

Answer 2

The same thing happens to me. Technically, what you see in pictures is what you really look like (since the mirror is a reflection of yourself). But pictures are 2D and can distort some features. And you're probably over-thinking it as well. You're used to your mirror image, so that's why you feel so weird about pictures.

Answer 3

Well a camera doesn't always do everyone justice. A camera afterall is a fake eye, and can never see you as you see yourself. And if anyone stares at themselves long enough, you will start to see yourself as looking funny. Just like when you're trying to spell word and when you finally get it right, it doesnt look right! You're worrying too much. :P

And it all depends on the lighting, ect. Flash on cameras NEVER helps. To me, it makes everyone look ugly :P

What you see is what is there. However, cameras do have the ability to either enhance or screw up anything. If you're taking pictures with a disposable or digital camera, 9 out of 10 times it wont be very flattering. To really capture you at your best, go get a picture taken by a professional and then maybe you can get the real picture of yourself. :P

Answer 4

To other people. you look like you do in pictures.

Of course, unless you've been photographed by a good photographer (as any actor/actress knows) you can look like ANYTHING in photo depending on the instant it was taken/ lighting conditions / shutter speed / camera quality etc.

Also, to be technical, everyone's face is at least slight a-symmetrical. (i.e. if you drew a line down the middle of your face - the two halfs wouldn't be identical). Try reversing the pictures of movie stars (or, better, your friends) in an image manipulation progam. You'd be surprised!

What a human considers beautiful, is a strange and complex thing. Certainly familiarity is one of those factors. You prefer your reflection because you have seen it more.

Solution? Stop looking at yourself so much. Both sexes agree that confidence is MUCH more appealing than exactly how you look!

Answer 5

You get to see yourself from a different angle from the picture than you do from the mirror.

Or maybe the lighting is different. Or perhaps the camera gives you a full body shot, but the mirror is only a head shot.

Answer 6

Lighting makes a big difference. Especially flourescent, or even the camera flash in darkness. Try taking a professional photo, the way you would look normally (no excessive makeup and such). You should be able to do a nice comparison then.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Same here!
Just like hearing your voice on the answering machine, it is so different!
It doesn't matter, because those who love you, know you inside and out, so a photograph is nothing... only a piece of paper!
Pictures are weird, the red eyes, reflections, blemishes,etc---- that is why people shouldn't take things for granted--- movie stars...

Answer 9

I think pictures are more accurate. I just recently got one taken and i saw my arms and then realized how fat they actually were! I mean i knew they were fat but wow! but it depends. the mirrors at clothing stores definitely lie. I would show someone how you look in a mirror and a picture and have them tell you which one you look more like.

Answer 10

well theres ppl that look better on pictures than in person believe me ... otherwise those "YOU LOOK BETTER ON MYSPACE" T-shirts would not be so popular... I ve seen guys look ugly on pictures.. but when it comes to real life they are so hot :) .. that i cant believe the pictures either... its more of an "Angle thing" than anything else. Some ppl are just born with that they can take pictures anyhow they come out "alright" but some ppl .. well i think its more of the artist that takes the picture... photography is an art and it is suppose to reflect BEAUTY and thats why models never ever look bad on pic because the artist shoots from the "right angle".. lets try this.. thry changing your pose :) and if u still dunt like it .. well maybe its not your problem.. maybe you are one of those hot guys that pictures are just not their thing... but either way i think there s gonna be atleast one pic that you will like of yourself dunt worry :)