Self Image help?

Question

Is it "normal" to see yourself drastically different in photographs than how you see yourself in the mirror? Not only do I see myself as a different person in photos but every single time I look in the mirror, I see myself differently. Is this a sign of poor self-image or a psychological problem that I need help with?

Most of the times I think I look fine in the mirror, but when I see pictures of myself they are so different and don't look like the same person to me. I do not think any pictures of me are very good so I am afraid to get my picture taken.

So with this in mind, which would be a more accurate portrayal of one's actual image, their pictures (because people might even see themselves differently in pictures than other people view them just like if they were to look in the mirror) or how they see themselves in the mirror, or maybe even neither?

Answer 1

it's fairly normal. You probably sound different to yourself when you hear yourself on tape also. It's no big deal so long as you don't have a negative image of yourself.. and even then so long as that isn't the norm you are fine.

Edit: eh, just remember that you are your harshest critic .... and that others most likely don't see those pictures as harshly as you do. But as far as seeing them as different than looking in the mirror.. that is perfectly normal.


Edit: The more accurate perception is whichever one the person chooses to believe since appearance is all rooted in opinion anyway. If you believe you are the more attractive one, then you are... if you believe you are the less attractive one.. then you are that as well.

Answer 2

Good question. I think it is just a sign of poor self image. I know that when I look at myself in the mirror sometimes I think I look great ( I have been told I am very handsome ) other times I will look at myself and think " Who thinks that looks good ". Same thing with pictures. Although since a picture captures a single moment, there are few pictures I like. Where as if I turn to my good side in the mirror, sometimes I can change my perception of myself.

Answer 3

Hmm, photographs are frozen in time, they're lifeless. You can get a more dynamic, living picture of yourself from a mirror (even though it'll be backwards).

Do you feel the same about all photographs of yourself? Some photographs are candid while some are carefully staged, and lighting can foster so many different feelings. I don't like having to "hold a pose" for a photograph. I must be involved in something or otherwise constantly though subtly changing my expression.

I would expect poor self-image to manifest differently than how you're describing.

Answer 4

All of us look different (at least to ourselves) in every photo we see of ourselves. Yes, they can look different than the mirror image we see...but think about the lighting, and other differences while looking in the mirror, as opposed to a snapshot. Our moods can also make us appear different.

Some of us photograph well, and some of us (including myself) just do not. You may be one who just does not generally take a good picture.
Look at how many people just hate their driver license photos, or school IDs, work IDs, etc.

I really can't see where you have either a self-image problem or a psychological one...UNLESS you are obsessing about this all the time. If you are, I would speak to a counselor or doctor about it, and see what they recommend. Be well...I'm sure you look just fine :)

Answer 5

Actually, this is really interesting..I don't think I look too awful when I look in the mirror, but when I see a photo of myself I can't even bring myself to look at it!I don't know, but it maybe could be some sort of distorted self image, I'm not sure, it would probably be easier if you explained how you think you look in the mirror and in photographs...Good luck with this anyway!