Through the Right Lens: Rethinking What It Means to Be “Photogenic”

Photography is not simply the act of capturing an image; it’s the art of perception. The camera doesn’t just record - it interprets. Through light, lens, and perspective, it tells a story about how someone is seen. And often, that story depends less on the subject than on the person behind the lens.

The truth is, there are no “non-photogenic” people. There are only mismatched lenses, unflattering lighting, and photographers who have not yet learned to see their subject fully.

How the Lens Shapes Reality

Every lens tells a slightly different version of the same person. A wide-angle lens can stretch and distort, exaggerating proportions, while a telephoto lens compresses space, smoothing and refining features. Even a subtle change in focal length can transform how a face or body appears.

That old saying, “the camera adds ten pounds,” is partly true, it does add more than it takes - certain lenses and distances can create that illusion. Experienced portrait photographers understand this deeply. Annie Leibovitz, for example, often selects lenses that preserve her subject’s proportions and presence, while Peter Hurley advocates for portrait lenses between 85mm and 105mm, which best replicate how the human eye naturally perceives a person. The right lens doesn’t flatter; it tells the truth gently.

Angles and Light: The Silent Storytellers

Angles are one of photography’s most subtle storytellers. Shoot from above, and a subject may appear smaller, even timid. From below, the same person might project strength - or harshness. The right angle finds harmony between the subject’s energy and the message the photographer wants to convey.

Lighting, too, is everything. Harsh light can exaggerate texture and shadow, while soft, diffused light - like the golden glow of late afternoon - wraps the face in warmth and dimension. Photographers like Mario Testino and Ellen von Unwerth have long emphasized how understanding light is key to revealing not just appearance, but emotion. The right light doesn’t just illuminate; it understands.

Clothing, Comfort, and Connection

Clothing choices can quietly influence how the camera perceives a person. Certain fabrics bounce light, while others absorb it; bold patterns may distract, while muted tones can complement. But what truly makes a difference is how the subject feels in what they wear. Confidence - or the lack of it - always shows.

A skilled photographer’s first task is not to position the subject, but to connect with them. When someone feels seen rather than judged, their natural expression emerges. The camera responds to authenticity more than perfection.

The Myth of Being “Not Photogenic”

Many people who believe they are “not photogenic” simply haven’t worked with someone who knows how to see them. Some of the most striking people - think of Katharine Hepburn, with her sharp elegance, or Adam Driver, with his distinctive features - were once considered difficult to photograph. Yet, in the hands of photographers who understood their individuality, their magnetism became undeniable.

Conversely, some individuals deemed “photogenic” may photograph beautifully but appear quite different in person. Photography like a well captured selfie, captures a fleeting harmony of light, emotion, and composition - it’s not a constant truth, but an artistic moment.

Reality, Retouching and the Age of AI

In a world increasingly shaped by digital enhancement and AI-generated imagery, our perception of beauty risks distortion. Perfect skin, impossible symmetry, and manufactured expressions create a visual language that no human being can live up to daily.

A good photographer enhances reality; they don’t erase it. Their goal is not to fabricate perfection, but to highlight the nuances that make a person unique. When we begin to understand that a photograph is an artistic interpretation, not an everyday mirror, we start to appreciate the artistry rather than confuse it with expectation.

Seeing Beyond the Surface

If you’ve ever looked at a photo of yourself and thought, “That’s not me,” you’re not alone. Often, the issue isn’t the subject - it’s the perception. A trained photographer doesn’t just look; they see. They study light, understand angles, choose lenses carefully, and, above all, connect with the individual.

Because photography, at its heart, is not about invention ... it’s about revelation.

So, the next time you come across an unflattering photo, remember: it’s not proof that you aren’t photogenic. It simply means the right eye hasn’t captured you yet. With understanding and skill, a photographer can show your true allure - not by creating a false version of you, but by bringing your real presence to light.

Photography is about highlighting beauty, not manufacturing it. Let’s not confuse a beautiful creation with an unrealistic expectation. What makes a photograph art is its ability to capture something rare - a single, unrepeatable moment of truth.

If we saw it every day, it wouldn’t be art... it would simply be ordinary.