How To Be Photogenic - The Myth, The Revelation and The Rule

Photogenicity is an art.

― Liselotte Strelow

The Best Position To Hide From The Camera Is Behind It

I have a confession to make.

I LOVE standing behind the camera. First and foremost because I can be creative, create beautiful art, and make my clients happy - but also because it means that I am not in front of the camera.

Luckily with time and age, this changed, but just like me, many people are not very comfortable when a camera, even if held by a professional, is pointed at them:

1. You are suddenly the focus of attention
2. You seem to not have any control over the situation or result

Know that if anyone understands your insecurities it is your photographer and the first key on your journey towards photogenicity is to make sure you choose the right professional, so you know she is doing everything she can to create the best possible photos of you (see my 15 steps to find the right photographer here).

You should be able to relax, let go and enjoy the fact that there is someone else to take care of everything.

Wrinkles, Crooked Front Teeth or Big Ears

One of the biggest concerns that I get from my clients is the fact they are worried about their photogenicity; They don’t think they look good on camera or feel they don't know how to look good. I think this is the case for all of us. And if this wasn’t enough to fuel our insecurities, there is usually also something specific we really don’t like about our appearance and that we are afraid will ruin our photographs. 

Because I believe that every single person is beautiful, I used to feel frustrated and helpless when the wonderful women I get to work with expressed how worried they are about not looking good on camera. It’s impossible to simply dismiss the heartfelt concerns about unnatural smiles, wide noses, uneven eyebrows, awkward postures, big ears, a crooked front tooth, too many wrinkles, pale skin, scars or a dark mole in the wrong place. But I know that with my guidance and your cooperation you can get the most stunning portraits of yourself - despite (or maybe even exactly because of) that little something that bugs you whenever you look into the mirror.

But why do most of us feel so insecure, naked and uncomfortable in front of a camera in the first place?

Why do we think that we don’t look good in photographs?

Why do we think we’re not photogenic?

As a photographer my primary goal - after taking the best possible photos of you - is to help you overcome your insecurities and give you the needed guidance and confidence, so you can show up and shine for your business as the best version of yourself (and stop looking for excuses to delay or to avoid your next photoshoot). I want to help you cope in the best way possible with any anxiety or worries you might feel about standing in front of a camera, and turn it from an expected "dreadful" event to a wonderful and strengthening experience. Let's start with a myth, a revelation, and a rule:

1. THE MYTH

"I have to be born photogenic."

Looking good on camera is not something a person is born with.

It’s a skill like any other that everyone can learn and practice - both with the right tools and the right photographic guidance.

2. THE REVELATION

You are more photogenic than you think.

There are many reasons why you might not see yourself as photogenic, but like many of us you probably just didn't get very lucky until now to get many good snapshots or selfies of yourself, or you have simply chosen the wrong photographer in the past. Being photogenic is 100% subjective, so what you might find photogenic another person might find rather unattractive - or the other way around.

Dove hired a Police Sketch Artist to draw women - first as they see themselves and then based on the description of a stranger. In EVERY case, the stranger's description was much more attractive. I never get tired of watching the video - it’s so inspiring and eye-opening! You can view the full video here.

3. THE RULE

Coaching is key.

There are 3 important factors to being photogenic:

1. The outside factors (your styling, posture, facial expression etc.)
2. The artistic & technical factors (camera settings, lighting and post-processing/editing)
3. The inside factors (your opinions about yourself and your attitude)

I teach all of my clients how to properly prepare, pose and carry themselves so they look amazing on camera.

No matter how uncomfortable you normally are in front of a camera or an audience, with the right knowledge and a few tricks your photographer can help you go from being - and possibly appearing - insecure, tense, or anxious to relaxed, happy, and beautiful. It doesn’t have to feel awkward, but should be comfortable, enjoyable and fun to have your photo taken.

The goal is for you to feel good about your decision so that you can relax and just show up. Know that the right photographer will take care of the rest.

So...What are the actual steps to becoming a photogenic person? In my next article I will explain what it actually means to be photogenic and why we mostly have it all wrong.

What are your greatest concerns about standing in front of a camera? Let me know in the comments below!

Are you looking for a Personal Brand Portrait Photographer right now? Message me today or simply book a free consultation talk.