One Tip for Amazing Photos
Keep reading….it’s easier than you might think!
It all starts with a simple question. What makes Super Models so ‘Super’? Could the answer really be one simple thing that can help you take better pictures? Would you believe that you don’t need to buy anything or endure any long and painful beauty routine? At Cara Jonas Photography, we pride ourselves on studying the technical aspects of photography. We don’t leave things to chance-like catching you at your best. We MAKE those moments happen! And we believe you should have access to those secrets too. Start taking better selfies and look your best in any picture but using this one simple tip. Keep reading to the end for some ‘extra’ hidden tips as well.
The One Word Answer
So what makes Super Models so ‘Super’? Could it be that the secret to better pictures lies in just one word? Can it really be that easy? YES! The answer is: SYMMETRY. I know, a little boring, right?
But the reality is that each and every one of us has a ‘good’ side and what we’ll call the ‘other’ side….and I’m not talking Jekyll and Hyde here. You will look different in photos depending on which side of your face is closest to the camera. Ever look at a picture of yourself and say ‘That’s me but it doesn’t really look like me’? That’s probably because that picture was taken from your ‘other’ side. Those Super Models we keep talking about? Most of them have nearly symmetrical faces. Not fair, right? And when they don’t? They’ve been trained to pose with their best foot forward, so to speak.
Red Carpet Proof
Most stars that walk the red carpet have a routine and a pose that they ‘go to’ based on this aspect of perception. For example, Jennifer Garner is a left hand on the hip, face slightly to the left kind of woman. Sandra Bullock, Taylor Swift, and Reese Witherspoon all go a bit more free form with criss-cross legs but a definite left side preference. Kerry Washington varies her arm and leg placement but definitely prefers her left side. Jennifer Lawrence is a bit of a rebel (no surprise there) with a right hand on hip, right side preference. Take a look at this image of Jennifer Lawrence (photo credit: www.youbeauty.com).
First, you’ll see how nearly symmetrical her face is. That’s genetics. Do you prefer her right side of left side image? Personally, I prefer the right which means she’s getting it ‘right’ on the red carpet. Google your favorite star and see how they pose at red carpet events.
Symmetry = Perfection?
Our brains are wired to interpret symmetry as ‘perfection’. It’s science and I’m not going to try and dig into the studies and theories here, but trust me. Bees even know it and are attracted to symmetrical flowers because they produce more nectar! The good news is that there is something you can do to trick the brain and maximize your appearance in photos: KNOW YOUR GOOD SIDE!
The Homework
This is where the homework comes in. Collect old photos of yourself (hopefully that doesn’t mean just digging through your phone-and if it does-leave this blog post right now and read our Why Print? page!). Study your favorites and note which side of your face is closest to the camera. Do the same by studying your face in the mirror. You will naturally be drawn to one side or the other. Look closely at your eyes, your nose, your chin. One eye may be slightly smaller or your nose may be drawn to one side or uneven. Now, which side do you prefer?
Left is ‘right’
If you decided that your left side is your ‘good’ side, you’re not alone. 80-90% of us are ‘left-sided’. Does it match the side where you part your hair? That’s typically true as well. You already knew your ‘good’ side. Kinda cool, right? So the next time your family gathers to snap a photo, take some time to make sure you’re in a position to maximize your ‘good’ side! Your family might think you’re crazy, but we bet you’ll be happy with the result! One of the first things we do with any client is study their face and understand their features. If your photographer doesn’t, maybe you should give us a call.
Now go out there and put your best face forward!
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