They Say The Camera Never Lies

[smurfchops]

Which is probably depressingly true but why do I look so much older in a photo than when I look at myself in a mirror ?!!

[andy-hughes]

I remember an interview with the late great Mel Smith when this was discussed.

As Mr Smith advised, when you look in a mirror, you automatically zero in on the bits of yourself that you dislike the least, which is human nature, being kind to yourself.

Sadly, a photo does not give you that luxury and you tend to zoom in on the bits that you dislike the most, hence the negative image you feel when you look at photos.

I bet even people like Liz Hurley, one of the most photogenic people on the planet, could point out flaws in a photo that no-one else would ever see.

It's just human nature - we all do it.

[rockyracoon]

I feel that pain, Smurfchops. I think I look fab in the mirror, but not so much in a photo.

[andy-hughes]

Personally, I have always endured a low self-image, so the impact of me in a photo is probably less dramatic than it can be for other people.

I always say I was blessed with film-star looks - but sadly, it's Woody Allen!!

[douglas9401]

My daughter has a friend who is one of the most attractive young women I've ever met but in photos she can turn out not unlike Kryten from Red Dwarf.

It must be science.

[andy-hughes]

douglas - // My daughter has a friend who is one of the most attractive young women I've ever met but in photos she can turn out not unlike Kryten from Red Dwarf.

It must be science. //

Interestingly, I have seen the exact opposite effect, a lady I used to work with years ago would be seen as more or less average looking in person, but in photographs she looked absolutely stunning.

It must, as you say, be the science.

[woofgang]

I used to work with a girl who was photogenic like that. She is a really nice clever person but in real life only so so in looks but my goodness the camera loves her.

[Ken4155]

I always look as if i'm scowling in photographs but seldom scowl in reality. Still drop dead gorgeous though, even when I am scowling ;-)

[naomi24]

Practice is the answer ... according to this.

https://blog.photofeeler.com/photogenic/

All together now! Say cheese! Click!

[Ken4155]

In this age of photo-shopping, no-one's gonna waste their time practising, Naomi. Just click a few buttons on an ap and all the girls will look ab fab and all the the boys ripped and square-jawed :-)

[Cloverjo]

When you know you’re going to see your reflection you automatically put your ‘best face on’, tighten your jaw and as Andy says focus on the bits you think are ok.

In a photo it’s too late and the horror is there for all to see.

Back in the days when you took your films to a shop to be developed, on picking them up I’d chuck out just about every one of me.

[Theland]

That's why I never go out without makeup.

[naomi24]

Ken, what about the pictures others take of you ...?

[Ken4155]

I never venture out without a blanket over my head, Naomi. Would wear a sheet but I only have white ones and don't want anyone to think i'm a member of a certain club :-/

[naomi24]

Wise man... especially around here. :o)

[Ken4155]

Bad enough being a huge fan of Black Sabbath and everyone believing i'm into Devil worship, despite the rather large crucifix hanging from my neck :-0

[naomi24]

Wrong way up perhaps? Just trying to help.

[sanmac]

Perhaps because when you look in a mirror, especially at home, the room that are in is always the same; the background behind you in the mirror is always the same; you can change your expression; open your mouth and check your teeth; smooth your eye-brows; move your hand over your face to check for a close shave; you might have a radio on the the back-ground. All of those, and perhaps more, are distractions and perhaps taking your attention away from the "real you". However, when you see a photo of yourself taken in a split-second with none of those distractions...Wow, what a difference!!!

[Spicerack]

I look like a mass murderer in photos. ;-(

[Barmaid]

I've had to do an awful lot of video conferencing lately. Hate it. I look dreadful. I'm sure I don't look that bad in a mirror!

Mind you someone I know (and detest) regularly posts pics on social media and clearly thinks they are the mutt's nuts but they look dreadful. All the sycophants big them up!

[RobNorth]

For video, position the camera slightly above eyeline so your head is tilted up slightly - if its tilted down, gravity takes over and it can look as though your face is falling off.