How to fix not being photogenic

Did you get pro makeup done?

There are a bunch of articles out there about how to look better in photos. This one has a good tip about keeping your head forward (with examples).

I did my own makeup, which in retrospect I would have had it done. But I did it heavier than normal on the foundation (adult acne, lovely), and was actually really happy with how my complexion looked. I went lighter than normal on the eye make up because I wanted a more natural look... kinda worked, that part looks decent. The bigger problem was I didn't have time to get it done right after work. If we did it again I would have sprung for it though.

I have the same problem, I have resting bitch face syndrome I need to practice smiling normally in the mirror lol

I'm not photogenic either. I felt the same way about out engagement photos. Over time I have started to like more of them because that is me. i also struggle with weight issues since I used to be as tiny as a tooth pick.

For the wedding day I plan on telling my photographer to count to 3. I know it might sound childish, but I just can't hold a natural/good looking smile.

My mom has an issue with pictures because the second someone is about to take one, she puts this "face" on which in her mind is the oh-so-natural-relaxed-picture face but it's completely the opposite of that lol. She gets uncomfortable about it so she gets completely unnatural. My advice would be to give in to your goofiness! I make stupid faces all the time but it usually makes us laugh like crazy at some point and if your photographer is worth their salt, those are the moments they will capture. Try not to "create" moments, let them actually happen, and I promise your pictures will be great.

Also, remember to breathe. Like, actually make a point to breathe constantly while your taking photos. I know it sounds simple, but if you are in a "pose" and you force yourself to breath out, it stops your energy from becoming stagnant. And talk. Talking will help you get out the awkward nervous energy of feeling like you're on display. You'll be great!

Maybe also talk to your photographer about it so they know more of how you feel confident in pictures so they can help pose you in that direction.

FH seems to manage to always look stoned in photos... not sure what's up with that.

Once someone finally went 'LIFT YOUR DAMN CHIN" I was good.

Still not thrilled with all of them, but lifting my chin has helped immensely.

Or you could just accept that some pictures are going to look like you have a fat chin but are INSANELY happy about holding whatever you're holding.

Thank you ladies, I'm glad I'm not alone. I have to admit that with how many people take selfies and all that crap I just have no interest in it, partially because I have to take ten before I'm happy with it. I will take a look at some articles, maybe now that I'm a little older they will make more sense. @m thank you for that picture, I think you look adorable! I will say that our photographer did the session on "burst" mode, so for every click he got like 5 pictures. Honest to goodness, that's the only reason we have any we like, otherwise we would have had like 3 good pictures. When I make a face it's usually ok, but I won't some with a little more elegance and those did not turn out *facepalm*

@m I LOVE the rooster! Lol!

My favorite picture from our session came in the middle of me telling a really stupid joke and we couldn't stop laughing about it.

Elongate the neck, and make sure you face isn't sticking up (so people can't see up your nostrils!). I was also told that whispering "prune" makes your lips look good in a photo.

Muscularteeth, you are probably your own biggest critic. It's easy to get hung up on the tiny "flaws" you see, but I'd bet nobody else sees them. Try not to overthink things. My eyes tend to get kind of squinty in pictures too and when I think too hard about it I end up looking surprised/crazy and it would have been better to just be natural.

Erica, that is a fantastic picture!

I'm not photogenic either. But actually, taking selfies has helped. I take selfies to practice what looks good, how to hold my head and such and send them to my FH. Even he admits I'm getting better at taking pictures. Practice helps!

I feel the same way about pictures! I have a group of friends that all they have to do is stick their hand on their hip and pop their knee out and they look amazing! I feel like if I try to take pics with them I ruin the picture!

Let your photographer know. Also, let your photographer know which images you LIKED. You are likely seeing minute details "there - I am doing that thing... I hate when I do that thing..." when the photographer is seeing the connection between you and your FH, the light, the composition. If you queue them into what you are seeing, they can watch for it, and prompt you "bring your chin forward, smile!"

Also... take a LOT of pictures. Capturing that magic moment is often a matter of getting down to the best 100 out of a thousand.

I have to remember to make a choice to show either teeth or eyes (when I smile, my eyes squint).

A couple of my best pics are when I was thinking "Don't smile for the camera, smile at the photographer" -- somehow thinking of the human made my smile more natural.

Picmonkey or another editor can fix a few things...and is fun...but your best bet is to take care of it before the photos are taken. A few suggestions for taking great photos:

--Google how to pose like a model. There are tricks to poses - jut your elbow a certain way and the collarbone sticks out. Stick out your chin to avoid a double chin shadow (even if your chin is just fine in real life); bend your leg slightly to give a leaner silhouette; "smile with your eyes" as Tyra said repeatedly ad nauseum on ANTM. Actually -- lots of great tips on that show!

--Google photographer tricks for good photos and lighting

--Practice in front of a mirror and take lots of selfies

--Fix whatever you don't like about yourself now or get used to it.

Good luck.

Oh -- and make sure you use good shading for your makeup. Everyone needs great shading!

I'm not photogenic I always get the "prettier in person" thing. Lots of weirdness for me. I have a face full of freckles but I am black so they aren't that visual (usually in the winter) and if I have a few skin issues to it isn't uncommon for me to have a mark or two on my face. So I could look really horrible like scary in the dark lighting. I love my smile but my lips (which actually aren't small) disappear in most pictures when I do, so I've learned to smile more with my mouth clothes and with my eyes. I am getting better and better.

You REALLY REALLY don't look as bad as you think you do-- it's just one of those things where we see the things that are wrong that NO ONE else would ever notice.

There was a photo my photographer posted of another bride and she looked stunning and happy-- absolutely perfect! And then you look at the comments, and she has written something about how it is a bad picture of her! WHAT?!?! No, people really don't look as bad as they think they do!