By Shad Loos 🔹
Have you ever tried taking pictures of yourself, only to find that none of them looked like you in the end? Why do the results look so different from our reflection in a mirror or in photographs that we like of ourselves?
Having an appealing headshot for your profile picture is an important part of representing yourself on the internet, as it is how people see you online for the first time.
The biggest reasons photographs of ourselves look "wrong" is because of
Being too close to the camera for the size of the focal lens.
Freezing when you know there is a camera pointing at you.
The lighting is too dark or too bright.
Looking in the wrong place or in a bad direction.
Focal Lens and Distance
The focal lens size will distort how you appear. The latest Samsung and iPhones have a focal lens of around 24mm. As the gif to the left shows, a lens of that size heavily distorts the image when shooting up close and makes one look much different from how they would appear in real life. This is why when the phone camera opens to your face, you will look much different from how you normally do!
To make your phone photos reflect how you appear in real life, take the photo further back and crop the image. Creating a larger distance between the camera and the subject will fix the distortion effect that cameras with small lens sizes have closer up.
Freezing up When a Camera Is Pointed at You
A reason why you might look off in photos is that you think too much about the camera being on you. I know this one is true for me. My smile is off, my gaze is strained, and I'm frustrated. I still have to get a decent picture of myself. I can feel the stiffness in my whole body takes over.
You might find that the best pictures of us are taken when we don't know one is being taken. Well, that's not quite possible when we need a photo of ourselves for our online profiles. There are some tactics to bring yourself into the moment and away from the idea that your photo is being taken.
Have you noticed that professional models are always moving, flowing from one position to the next? Incorporate this idea by walking around, looking around, and doing anything else that brings your mind elsewhere. It is awkward for anyone to be in one place and smile.
Listen to music, remember something funny that happened, or think about your beloved animals. Doing something other than focusing on getting your picture taken will help break the awkwardness and free yourself to be how you are.
Lighting
The principles behind getting good lighting for a photo are the light direction and softness.
The direction of light when taking a photo influences how we perceive a face. Shadows cast on the face will change how we see the shape, as seen in the gif above. The intensity of light also has this effect.
Outdoor/Natural Lighting
I am sure you have heard that the ideal lighting for a picture is to be outside. The color and softness are desirable, and the light will fill the entire face.
The key to using natural light for portraits is indirect sunlight from the northern sky on a sunny day. This principle also makes shooting on overcast days a good choice, enabling soft lighting from all directions.
On sunny days, take pictures just before sunset or during twilight. If those times aren't an option, go for the shade on sunny afternoons. Make sure to face toward the outside of the shade for extra light to bounce on you.
If you have no choice for shade, you can still shoot in direct sunlight. Shoot a bit underexposed and desaturate/lower luminance on your yellows/greens. Shooting dark will counteract the abundance of light.
Indoor Lighting
When taking photos indoors, use a window to give soft and indirect lighting.
The larger the effective size of your light source, the softer the light. An indirectly lit window or cloudy sky can function like a softbox.
Using a Camera Flash
If shooting outdoors or using a window for light isn't an option, a camera flash can be used. Although they can often be too bright and add a blown-out look. There are workarounds for this, however. If you have an off-camera flash or light, raise it above your camera to give the subject light. You can also try bouncing light off the ceiling. Another option is to add a small piece of transparent tape over your flash.
Where to Look When Taking a Photo
Make sure your eyes look at the camera, or pretend that you are looking at where a photographer would be.
It is important when using someone to help you, a tripod or phone stand to position your camera at eye level. Shooting from above or below can create unflattering angles. Take several test shots to find the most flattering angle for yourself.
In Summary
There are several ways to make sure the photos of yourself turn out great. Make sure to stand the right distance from the camera for the focal lens and be at eye level with the camera. If you are shooting outside, aim to take pictures in the morning or during sunset to get optimal lighting. If you find yourself freezing up or looking awkward in your photos, consider moving around when taking photos. Standing still and smiling is awkward and uncomfortable for everyone.
I hope the information in this article was useful and helps you take a better picture of yourself!
How Can Cove Help?
Cove members are encouraged to ask any questions about their businesses. In Cove, a private community for small business owners, you will find a wealth of shared experiences and valuable advice to guide you through these complex topics. There are similar learning opportunities to this article available within the community.
About the Author
Shad Loos co-founded Cove.eco, an online community for small business owners, in 2023. Shad has experience creating online communities and managing technology infrastructure.
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