Why are my flaws exaggerated when taking a photo?

Question

For example, I have slightly crooked teeth but not so much that it looks horrible. They still look okay in real life. However when I take a photo smiling, it will totally exaggerate it and make one of my front teeth look so much more forward than the other than it actually is.

? · Accepted Answer

The problem is that you're using a phone with a wide lens.  If you want to avoid looking bad in photos, only use a lens with a focal length of at least 50mm (35mm format).  You can see just how bad people look when their photo is taken with a wide lens in this link (for reference, your phone has a 28mm lens): http://www.stepheneastwood.com/tutorials/lensdistortion/tilepage.htm

If you want to look great in shots, use a long focal length of 85-200mm.  Focal lengths of this type will have the opposite effect on the perspective.  IOW, these lenses compress the perspective making people look more attractive than they do in real life.  No phone has this capability.  NO photographer would ever use a phone for portraits, and your photos of yourself prove why.

? · Answer

Try to move with your face muscles before you start to take pictures.

keerok · Answer

It's a combination of lens distortion and lighting. Avoid using wide angle lenses and too strong light.

Anonymous · Answer

You exxaggerate it in your own mind. It's doubtful that anyone else really notices.

Why are my flaws exaggerated when taking a photo?

4 Answers