Why You Think You Look Bad in Photos | Teri Hofford | TED

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself saying, "I hate having my photo taken," or "I'm just not photogenic," or "I look bad in photos"? If so, you are not alone. As a boudoir and portrait photographer for the past decade, I have captured thousands of individuals, all of whom have expressed similar sentiments before their photo shoots. This got me thinking: if everyone feels this way regardless of their size, shape, age, or gender, maybe the issue lies not with the photos themselves but with something deeper.

After collecting data on the most challenging images for people, I identified five reasons why we often feel we look bad in photographs.

Reason 1: The Reflection vs. Reality

The first reason is that we have spent our whole lives viewing a certain reflection of ourselves. Whether it's checking ourselves out in the mirror while brushing our teeth, looking at ourselves in shop windows, or inspecting our appearances in rearview mirrors, we become accustomed to a specific version of ourselves. Photographs, however, present a reverse view, leading to discomfort simply because it differs from our expected reality. Most of us are not symmetrical, which can make photos feel even more alien.

To combat this, I encourage you to look at photos of yourself more often. This practice helps your brain reconcile that both realities (mirror and photograph) are true.

Reason 2: Portrayal Disconnect

The second reason is a disconnect between how we feel we are portrayed in photos and our actual identity. Many people socialized as women learn early on that their value is tied to their appearance and sex appeal. While some may find confidence in sexy photos, others may not resonate with this portrayal, resulting in discomfort.

As a photographer, I encourage clients to explore how they want their confidence to be represented in photos. Being curious about how we feel about our portrayal can shift our perspective and help us redefine our self-image.

Reason 3: Hyperfixation on Insecurities

Insecurities can heavily influence how we view our photos. When a client expresses discontent with a specific body part, I often know which photos will bother her the most. I once struggled with my own insecurities when a particular photo emphasized my stomach, bringing up negative self-talk.

However, practicing self-awareness allowed me to see the photo as a beautiful memory rather than just a critical self-assessment. By shifting our focus from hyper-fixation on insecurities to seeing the context and value in the moment, we can begin to appreciate our images differently.

Reason 4: Unrealistic Expectations

We often place unrealistic expectations on what photography and our bodies should look like. As John C. Maxwell aptly states, "Disappointment is the gap that exists between expectation and reality." We expect every photo to be perfect, forgetting that photography's primary role is to capture a moment—a mere fraction of a second.

Accepting that a photo merely documents a moment, without the need to fit into societal beauty standards, can alleviate pressure and allow us to appreciate our images for what they represent.

Reason 5: The Angle Obsession

Lastly, we have come to believe that certain angles are inherently better than others. To illustrate this, I often ask my clients to take selfies from different angles. Most will prefer their first image while criticizing the second taken from a lower angle.

However, it is essential to realize that between these angles, all our accomplishments and attributes remain unchanged, even if the perceived beauty may shift. Those who love us see us for who we truly are, not just for our physical appearances.

At the end of the day, we need to remember that all angles of ourselves are worthy of being photographed simply because we are worthy.

So, the next time you think you look bad in a photo, remember: perhaps it's not the photo that's the problem. Embrace every moment, and capture the magic of your life.