So you say you're not
photogenic? That the camera puts on unwanted pounds? Or you're just too
camera shy? From the Facebook news feeds I see, this isn't the case
anymore. People are photographing themselves in selfies and group photos
and are sharing them all over social media. But, what if those selfies
and friends and family photos could be a little more flattering with
just a few tweaks in the process?
Selfies or not, people want to
know the reason why the camera mysteriously adds the famous yet
unpopular five+ pounds, let alone how to avoid it. Fear not, you didn't
gain any pounds the instant the shutter released. The truth is, most of
the time the excess "weight" is due to lighting, camera angle, or the
lens' proximity to its subject (remember, most selfies are taken at
arm's length).
Even as a professional photographer, most of the
photographs I capture of people are when they are in their element.
These captures tend to be when I have no time, let alone space or the
luxury of electricity, to set up studio lighting. I embrace the
challenge of capturing flattering images with the light given, and as
such, I've learned a few tricks of the trade along the way.
These
three tips and tricks are ones that can be implemented in selfies,
family gatherings, graduations, celebrations, parties, backyard
barbeques, or any other time a face is being photographed. Before the
shutter is released, share this information with anyone who aims their
smart phone, point and shoot, or DSLR at you.
Lights...Camera...Angle (in this case!)...
1. Shadows and Distance
This first tip is twofold because both of these are factors that should be looked at together.
First, no matter who the lens is aimed at, look and see where the shadow falls on their face.
Why? Because for best results, the image should be captured from the
shadowed side of the face and at about a 45 degree angle.
Why?
Because the lighter side of the face will be magnified by the light,
making a face look larger and rounder than it is. By photographing the
shadowed side, the face will look thinner.
Second,
when possible and room allows, it is better to stand back a bit from
your subject and zoom in just enough with a telephoto lens. This applies
to more advanced photographers, especially those with a DSLRs and point
and shoot cameras. If your camera, and therefore lens, is too close to
your subject, it creates a distortion that can be unflattering (i.e.
making a nose and face appear larger and wider). Instead, step back and
zoom in to create a more flattering effect.
2. Flat Light
Flat
light is the effect I used in this image of Arianna Huffington and a
little girl. For a softer look, go for less contrast, which creates
unwanted shadows. What's known in the industry as "flat light" means
there is a consistent and even light across the entire face.
Before
they say "cheese" look at your subject's face and ensure the light
isn't casting unwanted shadows. If it is, have them turn into the
shadowed area, which will give a soft light across the entire face,
creating a more flattering effect than bright light.
3. Camera Angle
Now
let's look at the angle of your camera and how to position it for the
best results. A photograph taken from above the subject's eye level, and
looking down on a slightly jetted chin (photographed on the shadowed
side), is one of the most flattering angles.
Why? Because
extending your chin (a bit like a turtle) helps to make the double chin
magically disappear. If the photographer holds the camera a little
higher than the subject's eye level, the neck is no longer in the shot.
It's called camera angle magic!
In
this photo of a gentleman, I was able to photograph him from a lower
than eye level angle because he has strong facial features that didn't
need to be minimized. I also didn't need to worry about camouflaging his
neck. As a headshot, this angle worked because the viewer
subconsciously looks up at him as though they would someone in
authority.
Naturally we're not all being photographed by a
portrait photographer who knows better. Instead, selfies and friends and
family tend to be the ones who photograph us the most. Now that you are
armed with the knowledge that a flattering photo is about the
lighting and the
camera angle,
you'll be looking better and thinner in photos in no time and soon
enough you will be receiving more and more "Likes" on your photos and
deleting fewer from your camera.
Then again, you could just take tips from
Kim Kardashian Selfish?
Follow Heather Hummel on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/HeatherHummel
This post originally appeared on the Huffington Post.
