5 reasons you look bad in photos | Teri Hofford | TEDxWinnipeg

Summary

In this empowering talk, a boudoir and portrait photographer explores why many people feel they look bad in photos, addressing the mismatch between mirror reflections and photographs, insecurities, unrealistic beauty standards, and societal pressures on body image. The speaker encourages the audience to embrace all angles and see photos as a celebration of life’s moments, not as a measure of perfection. With personal anecdotes and insightful advice, the message is clear: our bodies and photos are simply different documentations of our unique experiences, and we should stop letting insecurity stop us from capturing them.

Takeaways

• 😀 Photography is often misunderstood due to unrealistic expectations about how we should look in photos.
• 😀 People commonly feel uncomfortable with photos because they are seeing a reverse image of themselves, different from their usual mirror reflection.
• 😀 Our brains get used to the reflection we see daily, so photographs often feel unfamiliar or strange.
• 😀 Becoming curious about the emotions and thoughts triggered by photos, rather than judgmental, helps us view them from a new, more accepting perspective.
• 😀 Insecurities about certain body parts, like stomachs or arms, are often hyper-focused on in photos, distorting our perception of the image.
• 😀 Changing the way we view our photos can change how we feel about them, allowing us to see the beauty in moments instead of just focusing on flaws.
• 😀 The expectations we place on photography and our bodies can create disappointment, as real life and photos don’t always align with beauty standards.
• 😀 Bodies are biological and don’t care about beauty standards—photography simply captures a moment, and that moment doesn't define our worth.
• 😀 The pressure to look perfect in photos limits our ability to be present and share authentic moments with others.
• 😀 Unconditional love from others doesn’t focus on our perceived flaws in photos—what matters is the moment and our presence in it.
• 😀 All angles of ourselves are worthy of being captured in photos, because we are worthy of being photographed at every moment in time.

Q & A

Why do people often think they look bad in photos?

People tend to think they look bad in photos due to various reasons, including differences between how they appear in reflections (mirrors) versus photographs, hyper-fixation on insecurities, societal expectations, and unrealistic beauty standards. These factors contribute to a distorted perception of themselves in images.

How does looking at yourself in a mirror affect your perception of photos?

When we look at ourselves in the mirror, we see a reversed version of our face, which our brain becomes accustomed to. Photographs, however, present a flipped version, which can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, making people perceive themselves differently and often negatively.

Why is it important to view photos of yourself more frequently?

Viewing photos of yourself more frequently helps your brain become accustomed to both the mirrored and photographed versions of your face. This reduces discomfort and helps you accept that both versions are valid representations of you.

What role does societal expectation play in how we perceive ourselves in photos?

Society often conditions us to believe that our value is tied to our appearance, especially for women, where beauty and sex appeal are emphasized. This can lead to discomfort when photos do not align with these expectations, making people feel that they look 'bad' if they don't meet these standards.

How can questioning the portrayal in a photo help overcome negative self-perception?

By asking yourself what specifically feels off about a photo and whether it has to do with how you're being portrayed, you shift from judgment to curiosity. This helps you explore the photo with an open mind, leading to better self-acceptance and understanding.

What is the impact of hyper-fixation on insecurities when looking at photos?

When people focus on their insecurities (like body parts they dislike), these flaws become exaggerated in photos. This hyper-fixation distorts their view of the image, making them overlook the bigger picture and the positive aspects of the photo.

Why do some people struggle with photos despite having beautiful memories attached to them?

People may struggle with photos because they focus on physical flaws or insecurities, even though the photos capture meaningful memories. Shifting the focus from appearance to the moment itself helps them appreciate the photo for what it represents, rather than just how they look.

How can unrealistic expectations of photos affect self-image?

Unrealistic expectations of what photos should look like—often influenced by beauty standards—can create disappointment. This leads to negative self-image and discourages people from fully embracing photos, as they feel the photos should meet certain criteria to be considered 'good.'

What is the significance of angles in how we perceive ourselves in photos?

Angles significantly influence how we appear in photos. Society often dictates that certain angles are more flattering, leading to self-judgment based on how we look in a particular shot. However, all angles are valid and represent different facets of ourselves.

How does unconditional love relate to how we are perceived in photos?

Unconditional love from others, such as from family and friends, is not dependent on appearance. Loved ones see us for who we are, not for how we look in photos. Recognizing this helps alleviate the pressure of trying to look perfect in every photo.