How to Be More Photogenic: Tips & Tricks

Do You Feel Awkward in Photos?

Have you ever thought, “Why do I always look stiff in pictures?” Or maybe you’ve looked at a group photo and wished you knew the secret to appearing natural and confident. You’re not alone. Many people feel camera-shy, but the truth is—photogenic people are not born; they practice.

So, how to be more photogenic? It’s not about having model-like features. It’s about learning angles, using good light, and feeling confident. With the right tips, anyone can improve how they look in photos.

Perform an Action Instead of a Pose

One secret to how to be more photogenic is movement. Static poses often feel forced. Instead, do something. Walk naturally. Laugh at a joke. Look away, then glance back at the camera.

These small actions create authentic, in-between moments. They replace stiffness with life. At DSG Studios, I often guide clients this way—and the results always look more natural and engaging.

Let Natural Emotions Shine

A genuine smile always beats a fake one. If you’re wondering how to be more photogenic, let your emotions come through. Laugh if something is funny. Be playful. Allow different expressions—serious, goofy, joyful.

Cameras capture emotion better than you think. When you allow your real feelings to show, your photos will look authentic. This is why many professional shoots include laughter breaks or lighthearted conversations—it helps everyone relax.

Give Your Hands Something to Do

One reason people feel awkward in pictures is not knowing where to place their hands. The solution? Keep them busy. Put a hand in your pocket. Hold your glasses. Lean on your leg. Play a guitar or hold a prop.

This simple trick makes a huge difference in how to be more photogenic. Idle hands make people feel stiff. Active hands make them look natural.

Relax Your Lips and Jaw

Tension shows on camera. A tight mouth can make you look forced or uncomfortable. To master how to be more photogenic, try this: breathe in, then breathe out slowly. At the end of the exhale, let your lips stay relaxed where they naturally rest.

This small detail softens your face and makes you look calm. Relaxation—not perfection—is the key to looking photogenic.

Study Yourself and Practice

Being photogenic is a skill. If you want to know how to be more photogenic, start by observing yourself. Look at past photos. Which ones do you like? What angles work best? Do you prefer a softer smile or a full grin?

Mirror practice helps too. Try different expressions and learn what feels natural. Over time, you’ll discover poses that flatter you. Confidence grows when you understand your best features.

What Does “Photogenic” Really Mean?

The word photogenic doesn’t mean “most attractive person in the room.” It means looking natural and appealing in photos. Even people who think they aren’t photogenic can learn.

Often, unflattering photos come from poor angles, harsh lighting, or tense expressions. Once you know these fundamentals, you’ll see it’s not about your looks—it’s about technique and comfort. That’s why learning how to be more photogenic is about practice, not perfection.

How to Make Your Face More Photogenic

1. Find Your Best Angle

Most faces are not perfectly symmetrical. Certain angles look better than others. Practice by taking selfies from different sides. Notice which profile feels more flattering. Use that angle in photos instead of looking straight into the lens.

2. Smile With Your Eyes

Tyra Banks calls it “smizing”—smiling with your eyes. This tip is gold when learning how to be more photogenic. A forced smile looks stiff, but when your eyes engage, your expression feels alive and genuine.

3. Use Natural Lighting

Shadows can make features look harsh. Always face your light source. Natural light from a window or outdoor setting is best. If indoors, stand in front of a bright window instead of under overhead lights.

4. Use the Paper Trick

Celebrity makeup artist Michelle Phan recommends holding a sheet of white paper under your chin in natural light. This bounces light back onto your face and reduces unwanted shadows. A simple but effective way to improve selfies.

5. Point the Camera Down

Angles matter. When the camera is slightly above eye level, your face appears slimmer and your body looks more proportional. Avoid cameras pointed up—they exaggerate features in unflattering ways.

The Confidence Factor

At the heart of how to be more photogenic is confidence. The camera often reflects how you feel. If you feel nervous, it shows. If you feel relaxed, it shines through.

Confidence doesn’t mean pretending to be perfect—it means embracing yourself. Remember, people don’t connect with flawless images. They connect with personality.

Human Connection and Photography

Why does being photogenic matter? It’s not vanity—it’s connection. Photos are how we share stories, celebrate milestones, and preserve memories. When you feel comfortable in photos, you preserve your story with confidence and joy.

At DSG Studios, I’ve seen shy clients blossom when they realize they can look great in front of a lens. It’s not about becoming someone else—it’s about capturing the best version of yourself.

Quick Checklist: How to Be More Photogenic

• Move naturally, don’t just pose.
• Show genuine emotions.
• Keep your hands active.
• Relax your lips and jaw.
• Practice and study your angles.
• Find your best light.
• Tilt the camera slightly down.
• Let confidence guide your expression.

Follow these steps, and your next photo will feel more authentic and appealing.

Conclusion: The Camera Loves Confidence

So, how to be more photogenic? It’s not about changing who you are. It’s about learning simple tricks—angles, lighting, expressions—that highlight your natural personality.

Being photogenic isn’t perfection; it’s presence. It’s smiling with your eyes, relaxing your posture, and letting your confidence shine. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

Next time someone points a camera at you, don’t panic—remember these tips, breathe, and let your true self glow.

At DSG Studios, we believe every person can look and feel amazing in photos. Book a session with us, and let’s capture your confidence together.