Why Do I Look Good In The Mirror But Awful On Camera?

[Jack8991]

I’m a 23 year old male and unusually for someone of my age you won’t find very many pictures of me and that is because whenever I take a picture of myself I am shocked by what I see. When I look in the mirror I look totally different, far nicer looking. It’s like the phone camera picks up on every single tiny flaw on my face, highlighting every last blemish, but the mirror doesn’t do that. It prevents me from putting any decent pictures up on dating apps because I look awful in pictures. Why is this? Thanks

[Mamyalynne]

You'd be astonished how many people feel just as you do.

[Cloverjo]

As Mamya says, we all feel like that.

I think when you look in the mirror you automatically pull your best face with the reflection as feed back. In a photo you don’t get that.

[emmie]

i look neither good in the mirror, but photo's are dire, so i don't go and take any, nor allow where possible others to take photos of me.

[rockyracoon]

Yep, this me. In fact, this is almost everyone. I have found, that if the photo is taken on my iPhone, you can flip it so that it looks more like your mirror image. It’s quite subtle, but it is better.

[rowanwitch]

In the mirror your image is often more about what you want to see. You can gloss over the bits you don't like, sometimes you put mirrors where the lighting flatters etc... That's normal. If you see ugly, unattractive it's either you have learned to be totally honest with yourself (rare) or you might have a variant of dysmorphia. Love me those who can see themselves as far when they are painfully thin.

The camera is often a truer picture. However that truth is the truth that existed at that time, an unkind angle, a harsh light, an unguarded moment can all make even a beautiful person ugly. Sometimes it is now you are seen by others that matters. Maybe ask a friend to take some pictures when you are not aware, better still a short video. You might be surprised at how you seen when the image rather than being posed shows you as a living, moving being.

And don't forget, if you meet the right person it won't matter, what you will see in their eyes when they look at you will make all the difference.

[Hopkirk]

Hold the camera higher so it isn't looking up your nose and revealing an apparent double chin.

[davebro]

Learn how to do airbrushing?

[david small]

Vanity vanity, it will pass. There are much more important issues.

[jennyjoan]

Bodydysmorpia?

[roadman]

its not all about looks it is about energy try and emit that energy when in front of the camera

[AuntPG]

Its because you see the true image in a photo not the mirror image you are used to seeing in your reflection. For instance, if you part your hair to the left it will be the opposite in a photo. Also faces are not identical each side. Some people are more photogenic than others. You will find many people feel the same about photos of themselves.

Tip: rather than a selfie, take a short video of yourself then go through it and find a shot from it you like, you will be surprised you will get some nice photos as you are not tensing yourself up for just one pic. Try it!

[andy-hughes]

When we look in a mirror, we automatically zero in on the bits we like, and ignore the bits we don't like. That's simply human nature - left to its own devices, your mind will be kind to itself.

A camera is less forgiving - it captures everything, and when we look at a picture, we are automatically drawn to the bits we don't like, which can give a negative self-image.

Always remember - anyone who is judging you on what you look like holds opinions too shallow to be bothered with.

[AuntPG]

// When we look in a mirror, we automatically zero in on the bits we like, and ignore the bits we don't like.//

Thats not what the majority of women do. We focus on our worst bits and try to improve them with makeup -well some do -can't speak for everyone.

[andy-hughes]

AuntPG - // Thats not what the majority of women do //

I can only speak for what I perceive as the approach or my gender - I have no experience of yours, much as I would love some!!

[AuntPG]

Andy you can be whoever you want to be these days sweetie lol!

[andy-hughes]

AuntPG - // Andy you can be whoever you want to be these days sweetie lol! //

Absolutely!!

In my mind I'm Dan Stevens, but my mirror persists in offering me the image of the imagined son of Loyd Grossman and Paul McKenna!!!

[barry1010]

I bet if you catch sight of yourself in a mirror when you are not expecting to, you don't immediately recognise yourself. You have not got your 'mirror face' fixed.

[andy-hughes]

barry - // bet if you catch sight of yourself in a mirror when you are not expecting to, you don't immediately recognise yourself. You have not got your 'mirror face' fixed. //

That does happen to my quite often.

I do possess sufficient self-awareness to understand that I have not been singled out for a generous spray of evolution's aftershave.

It's now looking a bit late to 'grow into my looks' as I thought I would as a teenager.

So I am accepting that whatever my attractions are, they are unlikely to register across the proverbial crowded room.

Never mind, we all work with what we've got, I just wish I had what Dan Stevens has got!!!!

[goodgoalie]

When I look in the mirror I wonder why my father is looking back at me

[barry1010]

goodgoalie, just be thankful it's not your mother looking back at you.
I'm not suggesting your mother is unattractive - but it's better for a man to look manly.