Call it the digital distortion of reality. Pictures don’t always paint an accurate picture of what we look like in real life. In fact, most of us appear fatter and larger than life in photos because of a phenomenon known as camera distortion or image distortion. If you have ever wondered why you look fatter in pictures, the answer is simple. In the same way that a convex mirror makes you look fatter and your hair appear smaller when you stand closer to it, the same thing happens with cameras. It’s not just you; anybody would look fatter in pictures (otherwise models probably wouldn’t do photoshoots before big shoots).
Why Do I Look Fatter In Pictures?
There are a few reasons why you might look fatter in pictures than you do in person. For one, cameras often add pounds to people because they tend to unflatteringly compress features and add weight to the body. Second, people tend to be more aware of their appearance when they’re being photographed, so they might slouch or suck in their stomachs to look thinner. And finally, pictures taken from certain angles can make you look larger than you do from other angles.
What Causes Camera Distortion?
- The lens: The lens is the main factor that causes distortion. A lens that has a wide focal length will show more of the image at the center and less on the edges. This can make you look bigger than you actually are.
- The camera: As mentioned, it is mainly the camera’s lens that causes distortion, but other factors contribute to it as well. When you take a picture, the image is formed in your camera’s sensor (picture element), and then it is projected onto your viewfinder or LCD screen. The size of the sensor determines how big your picture will be on your screen without any distortion or enlargement (otherwise pictures would be too small).
- The angle of view: Your camera’s angle of view also plays a role in how much you appear to be in photos (and especially in photos taken from above). If your angle of view is wider than usual, then you will appear bigger and fatter than you actually are.
- Focal length: The focal length of your lens is also a factor in determining how big your picture will appear to be. The longer the focal length of your lens, the larger the picture will be on your screen.
How To Avoid Looking Heavy In Pictures
1. Don’t stand too close to the camera
In the same way that you look fatter in pictures when you stand closer to a convex mirror, you will also look heavier and larger in pictures when you are too close to the camera. So, don’t stand too close to the camera. Ideally, your face should be at least one foot away from the camera. If not, then move your face closer to the camera (you can also crop out a bit of your body).
2. Don’t smile
Another reason why people look heavier in photos is that they appear smiling in them. Smiles make us appear fatter and wider than life in photos (and this can be seen even with just a simple photo on Instagram). So, don’t smile when taking pictures (unless it is for a special occasion). You will actually appear thinner and smaller in pictures if you don’t smile. When taking selfies or group photos, smile only if you are the only person in the picture.
3. Don’t tilt your head
Tilting your head slightly while taking pictures will also make you look heavier and larger in pictures. The same happens with mirrors when you tilt your head toward them. So, don’t tilt your head when taking pictures (unless it is for a special occasion).
4. Don’t smile too much or laugh too loudly
If you are smiling too much or laughing too loudly, most of the time people will assume that you are goofing around and won’t take you seriously. So, either stop smiling or stop laughing if you want to look thinner in photos (and avoid looking fatter in photos). Also, try not to smile as much as possible so that people don’t think that it is fake. People tend to be more critical of women who smile a lot than men do (so keep this in mind and laugh too loudly, your face will appear wider than life in pictures. If you are smiling too much while taking pictures, your face will look wider than in life.
Be Confident
1. Focus on the positive
Look for the good! There is always something to be happy about no matter what. The best way to look at your body is as a collection of potential for improvement. It is only when we accept the reality of our bodies and all their imperfections that we can begin to change them for the better. We must also accept that we will never look perfect, but that’s okay; it’s okay to look different in every picture because it means you are different!
2. Look at yourself as an artist would
When you look at a painting or photograph, try to see yourself in it. You could say this is like looking at your own personal body art (like tattoos).
3. Frame your face and make it stand out more than others in the picture
If you want to make your face more prominent in pictures, then put your chin forward or tilt your head slightly down just before taking the photo. This will make your face appear more prominent in the picture.
4. Dress for the shoot with confidence
Dress for the shoot like you would if you were going to a party or out on a date. Do not dress like you would if you were going to work (unless your job allows it). Your wardrobe should be fun and flirty, but not too revealing. You want to look good, but not too good; however, don’t go overboard either!
Bottom Line
Remember, your photos don’t necessarily reflect how you look in real life. You can use these tips to look slimmer in photos and feel more confident, but don’t let them affect how you see yourself. With these tips and tricks, you can be sure that the next time you see a picture of yourself, you will see the real you.
