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semi OT photographs

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

One of the reasons I don't show my face on my outfits is that I believe I don't photograph well. I'm not unhappy with my looks in the mirror, it's just that when I'm photographed it doesn't come off well. I was a little afraid of how I'd show up in the Seattle meet-up photos.
I recently had a experience where I was communicating with a guy through an online dating site. For complicated reasons he couldn't see my photo. My profile photo is carefully chosen after much trial and error. We exchanged much communication that seemed to go well. He asked for my photo, I couldn't find a "good" one but I sent a couple that seemed representative. It's been a full week and no response from him. I can only interpret that as not liking what he saw.
Sorry for the long-windedness.
Are there any tips that you have for photographing well?

General

15 replies

Latest reply was from Vix

Lisa

Veteran

Lighting is huge, it makes or breaks a photo all the time (how soft or harsh a photo is, the angles it creates). Angles are important too. They often say to angle in the photo versus facing it head on. And one hand on the hip to create dimension (or one foot in front or behind the other) create a longer shape in the photo versus the both hands on hips or both hands on the sides look.

Aida

Veteran

Lighting and angles as Lisa said. Also, the wider the lens angle the less flattering you'll often find the photo. Telescoped lengths are far more flattering (so, zoom in as much as possible on your camera). And keep in mind that whatever is physically closest to the camera will look larger; e.g. if you want to minimize hips, angle them AWAY from the camera.

Maya

Veteran

Sorry to hear about the rather frigid response, Anna. I totally hear you. I am not photogenic at all. I find when I try to take pictures of myself, they come out the worst. Not sure why that is.

For me angle is the most crucial, followed by lighting. If you can get a picture in natural sunlight (no small task in Seattle, I'm sure), that would probably be best. I haven't figured out the holy grail of angles, but I know if anything I'd rather have the camera tilted down at me rather than the other way around.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My dear Anna, look at how fabulous you look in the second last picture in this post (us on a couch at Nordies). Such a warm and inviting smile and you have beautiful glass green eyes:

http://youlookfab.com/2010/11/.....ur-spirit/

Have you considered having professional pictures taken. Honestly, a SLR camera and good lighting makes all the difference - and so does make-up.

Sparky

Veteran

I was going to suggest . . . have Greg take pictures of you!

Anna, I'm so sorry to hear about the online dating let-down. That dude clearly has no clue on what he's missing out on.

Dee

Hi Anna, I feel the same way you do! I never like pictures of myself. I do agree that good lighting is key. I know this is kind of cheesy, but I love watching America's Next Top Model and Tyra Banks is always saying you have to "Smize" (smile with your eyes). I don't have the technique down, but I swear my sister does and she looks amazing in every picture.

Scarlet

Veteran

I have a theory that some people look better in photos and some people look better in motion (video) regardless of how good they look in real life. Why not get some professional photos done? Get hair and make-up done, the whole she-bang. If you get some good people, it will look like "you" not a bad photo of you and not a pretend image of you. Heck witness my wedding photos--who would have thought it was possible?

Kari

Veteran

Anna, sorry to hear about your online dating disappointment. Internet dating is so hit and miss. I actually did meet my SO about 3 years ago through Craigslist personals and was really lucky, but man, there are a lot of very shallow people out there. And it's not always necessarily someone not liking the way that a potential date looks - it could be for a variety of reasons that may not have a thing to do with you. Perhaps he hit it off with someone that he met in real life, or decided he was uncomfortable dating online.

I hate, hate, hate the way that I look in photographs most of the time. If you look at my "WIW" photos, you'll notice that I almost always take them in exactly the same place with the same pose after a lot of trial and error. That's because the lighting in my apartment is terrible, and this time of year natural lighting is usually too dark, so I pick the place with the best artificial lighting with flash. I know what angle I like to be photographed from, particularly with my face - I hate to have the right side facing the camera, since my asymmetrically parted hair looks better when photographed from the left side.

This article, which KristenKP had linked to a while ago, has some great tips on flatting full-body poses that might be helpful. But I also agree with Angie that I love that photo of you during the YLF meetup - your eyes and smile are so open and warm!

Jonesy

Veteran

What a rotten feeling to have this nice exchange with this guy, get up your nerve to send a pic, then get nada back!! I second the advice about a good angle, good lighting, and a professional photographer if you can swing it.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Bleh, I've been in your shoes, too. But, like you said it's only the photograph, and not you. I agree that if you really think it's an issue you could get some professional photos taken, or hit the park with an experienced friend and a DSLR. Natural light and a very large quantity of shots would be my advice!

Marley

Veteran

Anna - this is so tough - I just admire your courage to "do" that on-line dating "stuff!" You know, one of my sisters is a Dating Coach and she works with a LOT of people who try the on-line dating sites. She "preaches" over and over again that you HAVE to get professional photos taken - it is an absolute NON-negotiable for her with her clients.

rute

Veteran

oh.. How annoying... that's he's loss!!!

I'm not sure what to say, because I photograph well, I just smile at the camara.

My advice is to take a lot of photos and see how do you look best, smiling or not, from the side (we all have a better side..) or from the front, look directly to the camara and smile like (think you are not looking at the camara, but to your mama or someone you really like).

I'm sure you'll do fine!

Kate

Veteran

READ THIS: http://blog.okcupid.com/index......-accident/

It's a study of attractiveness in online dating photos!

Also, I think color matters. Have you noticed a difference between photos with black by your face, and those with a warm bright color by your face?

Kim

Veteran

Get a professional photo done. My friend does them and has done my grown kids. My two daughters are pretty in real life, but in the photos he did of them they are STUNNING. He didn't do hair and makeup any differently (they did it) so it's just the lens, the angle and the lighting, (plus a good eye by the photographer).

It would be worth it for you to get some photos that you're happy with that you feel represent the "real" you.

Vix

Veteran

You've already gotten great advice about photos, but my #1 piece of advice re online dating is to meet after a maximum of 2 or 3 (short!) emails.

And tell men you don't give out photos because a photo can't tell you whether there will be physical chemistry or not...and that's part of why you're interested in meeting quickly.

So many people spend time developing an emotionally (and/or erotically) charged relationship with someone online only to find out any NUMBER of things (old photo/someone else's photo, no chemistry, married/involved, lied about something important etc etc!).

If you have any interest at all, meet in a public place and see where it goes. [Can you tell I'm not big on long-distance online stuff?]

Signed BTDT (and wishing you well)