Why does people look better in pictures if the picture is a side shot?

Question

10 points to the best answer :)

So if someone look better on side shot it because his nose ?

Answer 1

I think it's psychological. If you are staring at a frontal portrait, you are being also being looked back at, by the subject. We get uncomfortable when people notice us. (In real life, we turn away and pretend we weren't looking, right?)

Also, a side shot reminds us of the "classic" poses. Think Audrey Hepburn, etc.

Finally, most amateur full-frontal portaits use direct flash, giving the subject an unflattering dull look, with harsh detailing.

A side shot often uses window light or other indirect lighting. It's much more pleasing, and drapes well across a face.

Just my two bits.

Answer 2

That's not always the case that profile shots are better looking. I have a huge nose that looks more weird in a side shot than shots that are straight on. It depends on the face and the picture, but people can hide things in a profile shot that you'd see in a straight shot and vice versa.

Answer 3

It depends on the person. The average person looks good with what is known as side-light or it used to be called "Rembrandt lighting." Look at old master paintings - not just the position of the light but the quality of the light too. Last, most beauty shots are photographed using flat diffused lighting. Diffused light hides flaws -- like outdoors on an overcast day or inside next to a window.

Answer 4

First thing is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So what you think may be better looking may not be from another person's perspective.

Now... what I believe you are looking for:
Peoples faces aren't exactly symmetrical, so when viewed from straight on you are able to see the unequal features that don't show in profile.

Answer 5

"people can hide things in a profile shot that you'd see in a straight shot"

Yes, most particularly, they can hide their width!