How To Be More Photogenic: Tips & Tricks

Take a look at yourself in the mirror and then look at your passport or driver's license. Repeat this several times. I'm sure you see a lot of differences and are surprised at how unflattering you look in your ID photo. I'm sure you want a beautiful face look. For that to work, you need to figure out how to be more photogenic. Many people think it's an innate talent. I hasten to surprise you: this is not true at all. With a few tricks, you can look more flattering when facing the camera. And today I'm going to tell you how to do it. Let's get started!

What Is the Exact Meaning of a Photogenic Person

As a professional photographer, I am often faced with the question, "I'm not photogenic what can I do?" And that's okay: in my practice, almost no people looked good in pictures without training. If you have a lot of bad photos, it does not mean that you are not beautiful. It just means that you haven't trained or prepared properly.

If you can't make photogenic pictures, there may be many reasons for this:

• You're wearing the wrong clothes;
• You're using too much or too little makeup;
• You are not taking pictures under good lighting;
• You have made a too-wide grin, etc.

If you think that all this is very complicated and only models and actors always look good in the frame, then I hasten to rejoice with you: it is not so. I will tell you how to look better in pictures. If you take my advice, I'm sure that you will succeed!

Top Photogenic Tips Revealed

What is being photogenic? Well, we’ve already answered the question. Now, let’s move to the practical tips to help you look good in front of the camera.

1. Choose the Right Angle

Let's talk a little bit about symmetry. Only a perfectly symmetrical face will look the same regardless of the angle of the shoot. George Clooney can boast of that, but most people's faces are asymmetrical. So what to do? That's right: you have to experiment with the angles, for being photogenic.

The best choice for this would be selfies. You can take them from the right and left side, tilt, and turn your head. I advise you not to look straight into the camera, otherwise, you will get a photo as unattractive as the one on the driver's license.

2. Smile With Your Eyes

I'm sure you know about the famous TV host Tyra Banks. When she hosted America's Next Top Model, she gave excellent advice on how to look good in pictures. Smiling with your eyes is a great option. It makes you look much more genuine and good-natured. Practice in front of the mirror and feel the difference!

3. Use Natural Light

One of the best tips to looking good in pictures is natural lighting. It's what helps you avoid shadows when it comes to portraits. The first thing you need to do is make sure there are no sources of light behind you. The main one should be in front of you. If you are taking a photo in the studio, ask the photographer to tell you how to position yourself. There is nothing better than natural light for a home or street photo shoot.

4. Get the Perfect Makeup

This is great advice on how to look good in photos for women. You should remember that bright lipstick will accentuate your lips and they will look great. Also, mascara is a must. They will help highlight your eyes and make them look bigger and brighter. Here are some additional tips:

• Make sure your concealer and foundation are applied smoothly and match your skin tone correctly. Blend them lightly down your neck and near your earlobes to create the most natural look;
• Remove excess fat on the T-zone of your face with oil blotting sheets or tissue paper for photogenic photos;
• Use an exfoliator on your face to remove any dead skin cells. If you don't, your skin will look dull and lackluster.

5. Show Your Sincere Emotions

How to be photogenic in selfies and other photos? When you are looking for the answer to this question, remember that sincerity is the best jewelry. Think of something funny and smile, or think of serious things, and then your facial expression will be thoughtful. You don't have to be camera-shy if you act natural!

The Best Photogenic Poses 

Well, we've figured out how to make your face more photogenic, and now let's move on to the best poses. I want to give you an important tip: if you don't feel comfortable in front of the camera, try practicing in front of the mirror. Of course, the images won't be exactly the same, but you'll be able to find the most flattering poses. So, how to look great in photos?

1. Try to Give Freedom to Your Hands

A lot of people make the same mistake, and their photos leave a lot to be desired. They leave their arms flat at their sides, so they look bigger.  You don't want that, so you could try placing them differently. For example, you can put your hand on your hip to make you look relaxed and at ease. Another way to make your arms look better is to hold your purse or folder in them, fix your hair, or just wave to the camera.

2. Lean Your Shoulders Back

Another tip on how to look good in photographs if you are tense. Just take a deep breath and lean your shoulders back. This way you look much more confident and natural. As you know, these people look great in the eyes of others, so you are sure to get noticed!

3. Use Props

Props are what can make your photos better and brighter. Here are a few ideas of things you can try:

• Use your sports hobby. You can play ball or just pose in a sports uniform. Even if you don't wear one, try picking up something related to your hobby, like a tennis racket.
• Another tip on how to become more photogenic. Do something you enjoy. Read, cook or play with your children. Natural emotions always look cool, and besides, you'll feel a lot freer.

The most important thing is not to use too many bright and large props. Otherwise, you will simply get lost in it, and the viewer will pay attention not to you, but to it.

4. Turn Your Shoulders

Trust me, you won't look good if you just stand straight in front of the camera. Try turning your shoulders to the right or left, standing in a half-turn. This tip on how to become photogenic goes well with holding something in your hands.

5. Pose Your Hair

Yes, yes, you heard right! Your hair is an essential part of your pose that can enhance your photo. You can highlight flyaways to make your hair look natural, braid it to make your photo look sterner, or make up a fun style to make your picture look more original.

How to Look Better in Any Picture

1. Find Your Best Angle

Discover the side of your face that you feel is most flattering. Experiment with different angles in the mirror or with a camera to determine which position highlights your best features.

2. Use Natural Lighting

Natural light is more forgiving and highlights your face beautifully. Position yourself facing a window or outside to take advantage of the soft, even light.

3. Mind Your Posture

Good posture can make a significant difference in photos. Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders back to create a confident and polished look.

4. Dress to Complement Your Features

Wear colors and styles that enhance your skin tone and body shape. Avoid busy patterns and choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident.

5. Master the Perfect Smile

A genuine smile is always more attractive. Practice smiling in the mirror to find a natural, relaxed smile that makes you look approachable and happy.

6. Pay Attention to Backgrounds

Choose backgrounds that complement rather than distract from you. Simple, uncluttered backgrounds work best to keep the focus on you.

7. Edit Sparingly

Use photo-editing apps to make minor adjustments like brightening the image or smoothing out skin tones. Avoid over-editing, which can make the photo look unnatural. We recommend you checking Luminar Neo’s portrait photo editing tools to ensure your photos look their best.

The Secrets of a Photogenic Smile

I've already told you all about the face and the poses, but that's not enough. Most of the time people are attracted to the smile, and that's what we'll talk about next!

1. Be Natural

Google is filled with queries like 'How to be photogenic for men?' and 'How to be photogenic for women?' We often forget that people's beauty lies in their uniqueness. I've said it more than once, and I'll reiterate: Naturalness is key to looking good in photos. 

You may notice the difference between a natural smile and a forced smile. To do this, take a few pictures of each one. I'm sure you'll be surprised at the result!

2. Try Smiling With and Without Teeth

Some people look better when they show their teeth when they smile, others when they hide them. Try both to see which one works best for you. Before you take a photo, practice in front of a mirror and decide which you like better.

3. Hide Your Tongue Behind Your Teeth

This tip on how to look better in photos is often used by photo models. They just hide their tongue behind their teeth, and their smile looks simply stunning. Don't believe it? Just try it and you will be pleasantly surprised by the result, as your smile becomes more sincere and natural.

4. Use a Bright Lipstick

If you want to accentuate your lips and smile, bright lipstick will be your best friend. That way you can attract the attention of onlookers. Important! Do not use dark and dull lipstick, otherwise, the effect will be quite the opposite.

5. Make Yourself Laugh

You may not be in the best mood to smile. Then make yourself do it! You can ask the photographer to tell a joke, and if it's funny, a smile will appear on its own. You can also try looking around. Maybe something around you will seem funny and you will smile. The last method is a fake laugh. Studies have shown that if a person forces himself to laugh, then he starts to do it more sincerely and without coercion.

Make Your Photos Better With Luminar Neo!

Don't forget that any photo would benefit from editing. I recommend using Luminar Neo to enhance your pictures. It is available for MACOS and Windows users and you can use it either alone or as a plugin for Lightroom or Photoshop. Here are a few features of Luminar Neo that you will definitely appreciate:

• AI that analyzes photos and suggests corrections and improvements;
• A wide range of presets can be used to change the picture with just a couple of clicks;
• A user-friendly interface that's easy to use even for beginners.

Final Thoughts: How to Look More Photogenic

Well, now you know how to look better in pictures. Instead of asking, “Why are some people photogenic?” try to follow the tips we listed in the article. Take care of your smile, be sincere, and strike the right pose. Once you start practicing, you'll find that it's much easier than you think. So go ahead; I'm sure you can do it!