Are You Photogenic?

13 Jul Are You Photogenic?

The answer is yes!
Considering I’ve always squirmed in front of the camera and never really thought I liked what I saw on film, I wanted to do a little research.  I used to think it was only facial symmetry that made someone look stunning in photos.  Then I started to realize that a lot goes into being photogenic, and anyone can “be it.”

Truth be told, I had a bout of Bell’s Palsy in my early twenties, which caused paralysis on the right side of my face for two weeks.  Many years later, I swear I can still blame my temporary condition for the freezing of my upper lip, the tilting of my head when the finger inches in on the shutter, and for my right eye closing a bit in almost all of my photos!
I called my project “How Does it Feel.”
The camera turned on me.
Quite Literally.  My friend decided it was my turn to see how it felt in front of the lens.  And it was a great idea.  I Loved it.  And hated it.
She showed me how uptight I am when the camera is turned on me, how different I look when I’m “aware” of the lens in my face, and how much work it takes for someone to actually look natural.  We contemplated taking a break to have a few cocktails so I would relax, but instead she gave me her iPod to have in my pocket to soothe my nerves, and we kept going (we did finish the night with some margaritas at a delicious restaurant in Boulder called Juanita’s!).
It was a great project for me because now I truly know how terrifying it can be when you’re in point-blank-range of a 35mm.   My friend took complete charge even though it was hard for me to switch roles!  She made sure I had a range of facial expressions, and we had breaks where I closed my eyes for a couple seconds, and then opened them again with a fresh look for the click.  It really helped!
So whether it’s facial symmetry that makes your look rock, the direction from a relaxed and on-top-of-it- photographer, or the bio-luminescence from the hair on your skin that is said to have been Marilyn Monroe’s secret for her “photogeneticy,” we all need to remember that we can look great in our pictures!
Most important rule:  Relax, have fun, trust your photographer, enjoy your spotlight moment.  You’ll be happy when you see your final images!
You can read more in-depth thoughts on this topic here.