Q&A for How to Take Flattering Photos of Yourself

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Question

How do you take aesthetic pictures of yourself?

Stephen Cardone
Professional Photographer
Stephen Cardone is the COO of NY Headshots, a New York City-based studio that specializes in shooting and producing headshots for individuals and businesses. Stephen has over four years of professional photography experience and over six years of documentary filmmaking experience. Stephen also works extensively as a photographer at NY Headshots. His work includes events, environmental photography, as well as headshots for actors, models, and corporate. He holds a BA in Non-fiction Writing from The New School.

Stephen Cardone

Professional Photographer

Expert Answer

Try focusing the camera on your eye. Then, use portrait mode on your camera or adjust the camera settings so the aperture is open wider. This will blur the background a little to create an artsy aesthetic.

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Question

How do you use the rule of thirds in a photo?

Stephen Cardone
Professional Photographer
Stephen Cardone is the COO of NY Headshots, a New York City-based studio that specializes in shooting and producing headshots for individuals and businesses. Stephen has over four years of professional photography experience and over six years of documentary filmmaking experience. Stephen also works extensively as a photographer at NY Headshots. His work includes events, environmental photography, as well as headshots for actors, models, and corporate. He holds a BA in Non-fiction Writing from The New School.

Stephen Cardone

Professional Photographer

Expert Answer

Imagine that the frame is divided into 3 equal sections. Then, arrange the shot so the subject is framed along one of those lines. For instance, if you're photographing a person, try composing the photo so they’re to the left or right third of the frame

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Question

What effect does the blur have?

Community Answer

It can direct the viewer to focus on something other than an awkward background or unflattering traits.

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Question

People comment "ugly" on my pictures. What do I do?

Community Answer

Ignore them. There isn't any point wasting away your life feeling sad about this kind of people.

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Question

If my picture is blurry without flash, and it's creepy with it, how do I get a good picture?

Community Answer

Only use flash if you are in an environment which allows it to flatter your features. Your best bet is to go without flash in an environment that has gentle natural light (direct or too-bright sun will wash you out like the flash does).

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Question

How do I smile when I have ugly teeth?

Community Answer

Don't grin. Grinning means you're showing your teeth. If you're insecure about that, simply smile. But remember, you're awesome. Be proud of what you have, you probably look amazing when you grin. If you genuinely hate your teeth, you can get braces and use teeth whiteners.

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Question

How do I keep my eyes open?

Community Answer

Have the photographer turn off the flash, if possible. Also, ask for a countdown and deliberately blink a number or two before "Smile!"

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Question

Why does my hair look weird in pictures?

Community Answer

Maybe you are taking pictures from a disadvantageous angle?

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Question

How do I take a photo that looks like I haven't tried too hard and looks natural that's not a selfie?

Community Answer

Do light or no makeup, as it looks more natural. Take the photo in natural lighting and try to do a natural pose. Relax your eyes and your facial muscles.

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Question

How do I smile naturally?

Community Answer

Practice smiling in the mirror before your photo. If showing teeth doesn’t work, try a closed mouth smile. See what works best for you.

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Question

How do I make my legs look longer and thinner when taking a photo?

Community Answer

Place your phone or camera lower than you normally would, like on a chair, and stand in front of it. Because the photo is being taken upward, it gives the illusion that your legs are longer, and yes, they will look thinner.

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Question

How can I take pictures of my own eyes?

Community Answer

Taking pictures of your own eyes is hard, so if possible, ask a friend to do it for you. If not possible, when shooting on an iPhone, angle the lens to your eye area and bring the phone close to your face. When shooting on a camera, hold it close to your face and direct it at your iris.

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Question

How can I hide my mustache?

Community Answer

You can use a little concealer or bleach your mustache, or you can just take shots from different angles until you find one where your mustache isn't visible.

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Question

Why am I not good at taking selfies?

Community Answer

You might not be getting the angle right. Some people look better when another person is clicking the photograph. Try that out!

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Question

How can I get the best smile in a photo?

Community Answer

Ask someone to tell you a joke before you take the photo so it is a genuine smile coming from a laugh.

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Question

How do I keep my eyes from looking wild in photos?

Community Answer

Look directly at the lens when taking photos, and keep the flash off so you aren’t in the middle of blinking, If someone else is taking the photo, ask them to count down until they take the photo so you can prepare your eyes ahead of time.

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Question

What app should I use for editing my picture?

Community Answer

The answer depends on how much you're willing to pay. I like Gimp because it is free and works relatively well. And a lot of people like Adobe Photoshop but it costs a bit, so you have to be able to afford it.

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Question

How do I take nice photos of myself if I'm not that pretty?

Community Answer

Try different angles, poses/postures and different expressions to see what looks best. Confidence is important, too!

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