Why You Look Different in Photos
A phone held close to your face distorts it. A 2018 study in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that a selfie taken at 12 inches made the nose look about 30% wider than a photo of the same face at 5 feet. Photos are also flipped compared with your mirror image, and because you're used to your reflection, the unflipped version can look slightly wrong to you, even though it's how other people see you.
10 Tips for Better Photos
1. Step back. Hold the camera at least an arm's length away, or use the 2x or portrait lens from further back. 2. Face the light. Soft daylight from a window in front of you hides texture; avoid light from directly above. 3. Camera at eye level or slightly above. From below, it adds weight to the chin and neck. 4. Chin forward and slightly down. It defines the jaw; see how to get a better jawline. 5. Angle your body about 45 degrees to the camera instead of square on.
6. Relax your shoulders and lengthen your neck. 7. Smile with your eyes. A real (Duchenne) smile raises the cheeks and narrows the eyes; think of something funny instead of saying cheese. 8. Find your side. Most faces aren't symmetrical; take a few photos from each side and compare. 9. Wear a colour that suits you and avoid busy patterns; see what colors look good on me. 10. Take a burst and pick the best one. Professional photographers take many shots for one keeper.
Group Photos and Video Calls
In group photos, stand slightly behind and to the side of others rather than at the front, where you'll look larger. On video calls, put the camera at eye level (stack books under a laptop) and sit facing a window.
Use a Good Photo for the Face Scan
The same tips give better results with Ollie's tools. A front-facing photo in even light, with nothing covering your face, gives the most accurate face-shape scan in Ollie Stylist.
Read more: Jawline: What Shapes It and How to Make It Look Sharper