How to Actually Look Better in Pictures
“You look fine, stop obsessing!”
Ever heard that from a well-meaning friend after you’ve just seen a photo you hated of yourself? Maybe you really are overthinking it… or maybe you’re just not naturally photogenic. Either way, hearing that everything looks great doesn’t actually help.
Here’s the truth: looking good in photos isn’t some mystical skill only influencers have. It’s about knowing what works for you, being comfortable, and honestly—just taking more photos. So if you’re ready to level up your pics without feeling like you’re trying too hard, here are some real, actionable tips for how to look better in pictures.
1. Take Lots of Photos
Have you ever seen an influencer open their camera roll? They don’t take one cute pic and post it. They take fifty. And that’s not an exaggeration.
Most of us snap 2-3 photos, hate all of them, and say we’re not photogenic. But guess what? The more photos you take, the higher your chances are of getting that one shot where the lighting hits right, your smile looks natural, and your angle is flattering.
Pro tip: Try taking a short video while you move through a few poses or angles, then go back and screenshot the best frames. It gives you more options without the pressure of holding a perfect pose.
2. Relax Your Face & Body
One of the biggest culprits behind awkward photos? Tension. It shows up in stiff shoulders, forced smiles, and weird hand placements. Before you take a photo:
Take a deep breath.
Think about something that makes you smile genuinely.
Shake out your hands or roll your shoulders to loosen up.
It’s a small shift that makes a huge difference. When your body is relaxed, your face follows—and it shows on camera.
3. Reduce Camera Distortion
Sometimes, you don’t look weird in the photo. The camera is just… lying.
Phone lenses—especially selfie cams—can distort your face, particularly if you're too close to the lens. To fix this:
Use your phone’s full-width or 1x rear camera instead of the front camera whenever possible.
Stand a little farther back and zoom in slightly to reduce distortion.
Again, the video trick works wonders here—better perspective, and more natural movement.
4. Embrace (Light) Editing
Here’s a controversial but honest take: editing your photos isn’t cheating. It’s about making the photo reflect what you actually look like in real life. Cameras can wash you out, blur details, or mess up lighting—none of which are your fault.
You don’t need to airbrush yourself into a wax figure, but here are a few subtle ways to enhance your photos:
Slightly tilt your photos to find the most flattering angle.
Adjust brightness, contrast, and vibrance to make your skin look healthier and more even-toned.
Use built-in filters sparingly—they can enhance your features without making it obvious.
Editing isn't about pretending. It's about correcting what the camera got wrong.
5. Get to Know Your Best Poses and Angles
You don’t need to strike a model-level pose, but small tweaks make a big difference. Some general tips:
Angle your shoulders slightly instead of facing the camera straight on.
Show off your jawline by subtly pushing your head forward (think “turtle move” but less weird).
Know which side of your face you like more—it’s not vain, it’s just helpful.
Practice in the mirror or with your camera. Yeah, it might feel awkward at first, but soon it becomes second nature.
6. Lighting is Everything
Even the best angles can’t save you from bad lighting. Natural light is your best friend, especially during golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset).
If you’re indoors:
Face a window (never have it behind you).
Use soft, warm lighting if natural light isn’t an option.
Avoid harsh overhead lighting—it casts unflattering shadows and emphasizes things you don’t want emphasized.
Final Thought: Give Yourself Grace
Not every photo is going to be a winner—and that’s okay. Some people just naturally look better on camera. It doesn’t mean they’re better looking or more confident than you. It might just be that they’ve practiced more, or they’re more relaxed in front of a lens.
So be kind to yourself. Take pictures when you’re feeling good. Experiment. Laugh. Delete the bad ones. And remember, you’re allowed to care how you look without it being vain.
