Why do some people look pretty in person but not in pictures?

Question

And then some people look pretty either way? Whats that about??

Answer 1

Everyone has an "open" and a "closed" side to their face. If you look at a photo of a person straight on and cover half, then switch, you will see one side is fatter, one thinner. Usually if a person is right handed, that will be the open side of their face. In dealing with people in normal every day situations, this is usually not very noticeable, but when photographed, it becomes obvious. As humans, we find a more balanced face more pleasing. In an article years back Denzel Washington was used as an example of a very balanced face, while Lyle Lovitt was the example of an asymmetrical face. Generally, a portrait photographer will use lighting and posing to try to compensate for any lack of balance.

This facial feature, as well as ability to pose and relax in front of a camera is what makes a person photogenic.

Answer 2

I was exactly the same way, actually, I still am. The reason for this is most likely that you and I are just apart of that group of people that don't photograph well. Also, the lights and camera lens can also have something to do with it. I just stick to what I look like in the mirror. I know I look great when I stare into it but look fugly when I take pics. Think of it this way, a mirror is a piece of glass that your staring into that moment, so you know it's definitely you. A picture is something that could have a lot of conflicts (bad lighting, wrong angle, problem with the lens.)

Answer 3

When you take a picture, you capture the briefest moment in time, and some people don't come across as well. I'm attractive, but in all my pictures I'm making some kind of stupid face or blinking or something. I have to be really drunk and relaxed to take a nice picture.

Answer 4

Indeed, in different degrees, it is all about the model being comfortable with the photographer, and also, about bone structure and skin complexion. For instance, a round face would look better if hit by a very diffuse light, while a more bony, edgy face will define angles and "plains" of light.
Most of all though, putting your model at ease with the photographer is the best way to obtain a nice natural effect.

Answer 5

It's about bone structure - some people have facial bone structure that can look not so pretty in real life, but in a photo, the planes of the bones catch the light in a way that enhances the beauty - why so many models have been considered ugly before their careers.

Answer 6

Some of us look kind of ugly in person and in pictures. And coming or going for that matter. I try to stay behind the lens and not in front of it.

Answer 7

It has everything to do with the way that the picture is taken. Wether the lighting is right. The angle the picture is taken. Where the focus is at in the picture how well the focus is. Also how comfortable the person is in the picture with the person taking the picture.

Answer 8

Its called being "photogenic."

Some people just seem to have a skill for putting their best appearance into pictures, and others seem to always be making a face.

I personally belong to the "none of the above" category.

Answer 9

I think it depends whether you're photogenic or not. I hate the way I look on pictures, but I like myself in real life.

Answer 10

I think the answer is much simpler than you think. You "see" a person in three dimensions, a photo is a translation of three dimensions to two dimensions. Sometimes a person's features lend themselves to this translation, other times not so much. Remember, "the camera adds 10 pounds?"