What is photogenic and why you are photogenic
How many times have you looked with admiration at the photos of influencers on Instagram (or simply those of your friend on vacation) sighing and thinking: “Lucky them that they are so photogenic”?
I know that it has happened to you, and I can tell you that it is not a question of beauty: you can be beautiful but not photogenic, just as you can not be particularly attractive but look like a bomb in the photo. It is not at all true that those who are not photogenic are less fascinating: photogenicity – that “mysterious” quality that makes people attractive in photos – has rules of its own with respect to canonical “three-dimensional” beauty.
Given these premises, then, why are you photogenic?
If it is true that some somatic traits – for example very regular features – can favor photogenicity, from experience I tell you that the only characteristic that really unites photogenic people is the confidence in themselves.
In large part, the success of a photo depends on how comfortable a person feels in front of the camera. Many beautiful but not photogenic people instead stiffen or focus on those who consider – often wrongly – their physical defects, compromising the result of the photos.
We can all be photogenic: how important is chemistry with the photographer
In addition to confidence in the lens and confidence in one’s appearance, a very important and often underestimated point for being photogenic is the synergy with the portrait photographer.
A photographic portrait is built in two: it is never just the person photographed that has a 100% impact on the final result, just as it is not only the photographer. The more synergy is created – a real chemistry – the more the question of photogenicity vanishes.
It is the relationship that is created between photographer and subject that gives life to the most beautiful shots.
At this point I give you the good news: we can all be photogenic because photogenic can be trained. There are no non-photogenic faces: the secret to looking good in photos is to be authentic, and in this the photographer plays a key role.
A beautiful portrait is never something purely aesthetic, but a tale, a story that describes the subject. First of all, a good portrait photographer must be able to listen to the person in front of his lens and put his subject at ease, he will take care to enhance her, reveal her beauty and, at the end of the shooting, ensure that she comes home enthusiastic, more aware and confident in herself.
During my portrait photo shoots, for example, I guide the people who rely on me step by step to take completely natural photos. Feeling at ease and being able to be yourself without forcing in front of the lens is the magic formula for obtaining splendid portraits. On the other hand, when a couple books a wedding photo shoot, if they tell me they are not used to being photographed or that they don’t feel photogenic, I always recommend booking an engagement photo shoot to do a few months before the wedding, so as to get in tune and begin to create that precious synergy between us that will allow us to have beautiful wedding photos.
How to look good in a photo shoot
Finally, here are some tips if you want to pose for artistic portraits but wonder what to do if you are not photogenic:
Check out many portfolios of portrait photographers on the web and check out their galleries on Instagram. Choose a professional with a style that you like, that you recognize yourself in and that inspires confidence. Tell him why you want to be photographed, what you like and what you really don’t … and then trust his professionalism.
In the days before the shooting, take a look at your previous photos: there will certainly be at least one in which you like yourself, or at least where you think you looked good. Fantastic! Analyze it: ask yourself why you particularly like it, how did you pose, what is the profile photographed, what emotions you were feeling when you took it. This simple exercise will help you understand what works best for you in front of the lens. In any case, during the shooting a professional portrait photographer will be able to guide you to make the most of your personality and your natural beauty.
The day set for your portrait photo shoot focuses on simplicity and naturalness in clothing and make-up. You will need to feel comfortable and valued, without excess. I also suggest you avoid too colorful or eccentric prints, instead choose plain colored garments that do not constrict the body. If you rely on me for your portrait shoot, during the consultation before the service we will study various personalized looks together to enhance your personality in the best way.
Live the moment with presence and curiosity, breathe and relax. Thanks to the synergy with the portrait photographer you can be fully yourself, you will feel seen, beautiful and appreciated and you will get beautiful portraits to print and always keep with you. The true portrait “happens” when there is an authentic connection between photographer and subject, when an atmosphere of trust and openness is created. The photographer must be able to see not only with the eyes but with the heart, giving you a precious moment all for yourself. The experience of the photo shoot could change the way you see yourself, it will allow you to look at yourself with different eyes and with more love for yourself: as I always say, it is “your spa for the soul”.
There is nothing better than an authentic smile. Not everyone loves to smile in photos and a portrait certainly does not include a forced smile, but thanks to the right interaction with the photographer you can have fun and enjoy the experience of the shooting, and this will allow you to feel at ease and have a more relaxed face. … And therefore you will be more photogenic!
Do you want to try the experience of a portrait photo shoot? Contact me!
