10 Reasons You Look Bad in Photos (And How to Fix Them)
We’ve all been there—excited to see a photo of ourselves, only to cringe at the result. You might think, “Do I really look like that?” The truth is, looking bad in photos has little to do with your actual appearance and everything to do with factors like lighting, angles, and expressions.
As a professional headshot photographer and someone who is endlessly unphotogenic, I’m here to tell you that it’s not YOU! With just a couple adjustments, you can start looking great in photos. So, here are 10 reasons you might not like the way you look in portraits—and how to fix them.
Please note that the photos shown below are examples of looking GOOD in photos! These are all my clients and we work really hard to make sure they look their best in the final portraits.
1. Poor Lighting
Have you ever heard that lighting is everything? Well, it’s true. Harsh shadows from overhead lights or direct sunlight can create unflattering light/dark areas on your face, making you look tired or older. On the other hand, soft, even lighting enhances your features and reduces unwanted shadows. Fix it: Opt for soft, natural light or use professional lighting setups. Facing a window with semi-sheer curtains that create diffused light or shooting during the last hour of the day for “golden hour” can dramatically improve your photos.
2. The Wrong Angles
Camera angles can often distort your features and make things look very different than in real life. A photo taken from below can create a double chin effect, while a high angle can make you look smaller or disproportionate. Fix it: Position the camera slightly above eye level for the best angle and don’t bring the camera too close to your face to avoid distortion.
3. Bad Posing
A stiff or unnatural pose can make you look awkward or uncomfortable. Slouching, crossing your arms too tightly, or standing too rigidly can affect how confident you appear. Fix it: Relax your shoulders, elongate your neck, and keep a slight bend in your arms and legs to create natural, confident body language. Feel free to move around a bit too as that will often loosen up a stiff position.
4. Unflattering Expressions
Many people hold a forced smile or an expression that doesn’t match their personality, resulting in photos that look unnatural or uncomfortable. In fact, holding a smile will always look forced after a few seconds. Fix it: Think of a happy memory or engage in genuine conversation to evoke a natural expression - this is the exact approach I use in the Studio to guarantee a natural expression! And don’t hold a smile for a photo for too long.
5. Wearing the Wrong Clothing
Busy patterns, overly bright colors, or badly-fitting clothes can distract from your face and affect the overall look of the portrait. Fix it: Stick to solid, neutral tones or colors that complement your skin tone. Well-fitted clothing with simple textures work best and you can get a preview of how an outfit looks by taking a selfie with your phone. If it doesn’t look flattering, don’t wear it.
6. Flat or Unstyled Hair
Messy hair can make you look less polished in photos. Hair that is too flat can also lack dimension, making your face appear wider or dull. Fix it: Add some volume or soft waves for movement. Use a wax hair stick to help prevent flyaways and make sure to style your hair beforehand.
7. Poor Posture
Slouching or tilting your head too far forward can create an unflattering silhouette and make you look less confident. Fix it: Imagine a string pulling you up from the top of your head or pretend to be a ballerina. Roll your shoulders back slightly and stand tall for a strong, confident look. But make sure you’re also not raising your chin too far up, keeping your head level is best.
8. The “Photo Face” Trap
Some people unconsciously make the same face in every photo, often resulting in a stiff, unnatural look. Fix it: Practice different expressions in the mirror and allow yourself to be more dynamic in front of the camera. Small variations in smiles and micro-expressions can make a big difference.
9. Incorrect Camera Lens or Distance
Wide-angle lenses (like the ones we all have on our iPhones) or being too close to the camera can distort facial features, making noses look larger or faces wider than they really are. Fix it: A lens between 50mm and 85mm is ideal for portraits, as it keeps proportions natural and flattering. So tap that “2x” camera on your phone to make sure you’re using a 50mm lens and not the 35mm (1x) or wide (1/2x) option.
10. Lack of Confidence
If you feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, it will show in your photos. Nervousness can make your face look tense, and your posture may become stiff. Unfortunately this often happens as a result of seeing bad photos of yourself over time. Fix it: Take a deep breath and try to relax. Communicate your preferences to whoever is taking your photo and make sure they don’t take too long to grab the shot, as that will only increase that uneasy feeling. And the best solution? Exposure therapy! That means being in front of the camera more often and trying again and again to get some better photos. Worry less about looking good in every image and more about just giving yourself more chances to get a good photo overall.
Looking great in photos isn’t about changing how you look—it’s about understanding how photography works and making small adjustments. With better lighting, angles, posing, and confidence, you can take control of how you appear in portraits and finally love the way you look in photos.
However, if you still struggle with getting the perfect shot, working with a professional headshot photographer can make all the difference. A skilled photographer knows how to highlight your best features, guide you through flattering poses, and ensure you look polished and confident, etc. So if that’s something you might be interested in, feel free to click the button below.
