The Anatomy of a Photogenic Face
Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 3:12PM I admit that I'm very un-photogenic. Even my own mother tells me so. "Why do you look so bad in pictures? Practice how to pose in front of the mirror!" Perhaps it's my natural awkwardness and/or low self-esteem manifesting itself on film. Or maybe I just don't have the face for it.
Being an artiste, I've studied human anatomy and the human form many times (heck I had to stare at naked bodies for 8 hours straight every Saturday for an entire summer). Working in marketing, I sometimes have to pour through hundreds of photos, examining face after face. And I've noticed that there are certain features that definitely makes one easier to draw, or more pleasing to the eye when photographed:
- Large eyes with dark, thick lashes
- Small chin on women, large chin on men
- Full, thick lips
- Fairly symmetrical features
This isn't too surprising. After all, these are the same features that scientists have declared to be what we, as humans, find the most attractive in the opposite sex.
I'm sorry to say that I don't have any of those features. I have small eyes with non-existent eyelashes, thin lips, and a strong, prominent (masculine) jawline. However, I believe that these features "work" for me. I don't have classically beautiful features, but I have been described as being "exotic" several times. There have even been instances where strangers have stopped me on the street to tell me that I'm beautiful (and not in a shady, I'm-hitting-on-you way).
Nonetheless, the fact remains that I still don't photograph well due to these features.
I know a girl (I won't mention her name lest she gets embarrassed) who is drop-dead gorgeous in real life, and many people agree with me. However, the very features that give her the unforgettable, exotic look (upturned almond-shaped eyes, slightly asymmetrical face) make her look horrible in pictures.
I also know of some people who look fabulous on film (thinner, younger, and generally more attractive) but they don't look that great in real life. I often find myself comparing their pictures with their real-life-selves and wondering how they could look so good in pictures, even better than they are in real life. And I see that they have the same exact features I've outlined above.
There are also those who look exactly the same on film and in person.
Which category do you think you fall under? Are you happy with the way you look on film? Do you think you're unphotogenic?
Also, if you want to know my opinion of whether I think you're photogenic, leave me a comment and I'll let you know.
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Reader Comments (4)
I think I'm pretty photogenic, but I definitely feel and look better in person
Note, I need to wear a BIT of makeup to look awake, with brown eye liner and concealer, but other than that, I'm pretty much makeup-free most of the time
I'm my best when I first wake up and my hair is all curly and tousled. I don't know why that is... :)
Oh, I am most definitely NOT photogenic! I shy away from cameras and avoid close up pictures. I feel your pain! Even on good days when I think I'm looking pretty good, it never comes through in a photo. I have a strong jaw, lidless Asian eyes with no lashes and an asymmetrical (not to mention halfway receded) hairline. Ah well.. But you, missy, have amazing skin, I'm jealous!
I think that there's not a pretty good idea to write the essay papers by your own efforts! In fact, it will be easier to order the essay papers at the paper writing service, just because it can save time and money.
I am very frequently told I am beautiful by random people and I always seem to attract plenty of male attention, but in photographs my face looks like a ruddy potato. I have a round forehead (think kate bosworth) and a very tiny chin, and while my cheekbones look nice in person in pics they look flabby and fat, I always manage to have a double chin, and my bone structure seems non-existant. I also seem to always have puffy looking eyes and huge teeth. Now, I am not just making this up, I am the most unphotogenic person I know. strangely, I look a lot like my uncle, who is very handsome in person, but also photographs hideously. I think it is how our foreheads and chins fail to reflect light in a flattering way. But I have accepted it, thought it would be nice to have a decent picture of me.