The Myth of Being Photogenic
Why most people feel awkward in photos
The Myth of Being Photogenic
Most people do not dislike photographs of themselves because they are “not photogenic.” More often, they dislike how it feels to be photographed.
The awkwardness, self-consciousness, and pressure many people experience in front of a camera can shape how they see the resulting images. Understanding that experience can change the way we think about photography entirely.
This short video explores why that experience matters — and how trust, presence, and connection can change the way people see themselves in photographs.
Watch the Presentation
In this short presentation, I explore why so many people believe they are “not photogenic” and why the experience of being photographed often matters more than appearance.
The Experience of Being Photographed
This video is based on ideas from The Experience of Being Photographed: Understanding Presence, Connection, and the Images That Last.
The book was written for couples, photographers, and anyone who has ever wondered why some photographs feel honest while others feel uncomfortable or disconnected.
Questions About Being Photographed and Feeling Photogenic
Many people have questions about why photographs feel uncomfortable or why they struggle to like pictures of themselves. Here are a few of the questions I hear most often.
Because being photographed often makes us more aware of ourselves than we are in everyday life.
A photographer can help create an environment where you feel comfortable, connected, and present, which often has a greater impact than posing techniques alone.
Many people feel that way. Understanding the experience of being photographed is often the first step toward becoming more comfortable in front of the camera.
More people feel self-conscious than most realize. Even people who appear confident in photographs often experience uncertainty when a camera is pointed at them. Feeling comfortable is less about confidence and more about trust, connection, and the environment being created.
Want to think differently about your wedding photographs?
Your wedding photography experience should feel calm, connected, and natural — not forced, awkward, or performative.