Photogenic? What Makes It So?

[Steve Mitchell]

Here's a question that I have'nt been able to come up with an answer. I'm sure we've all heard the phrase that a person is or is not photogenic. I have photographed some very beautiful people in real life, yet their pictures don't do them any justice. I have also shot some not so attractive people in real life that look great in pictures. What makes a person "photogenic"?

[rjgleason]

Here's a question that I have'nt been able to come up with an answer. I'm sure we've all heard the phrase that a person is or is not photogenic. I have photographed some very beautiful people in real life, yet their pictures don't do them any justice. I have also shot some not so attractive people in real life that look great in pictures. What makes a person "photogenic"?
I don't consider "attractive" "not attractive" in any way to be used in the definition of whether someone is photogenic.

Rather the way one conveys a mood or expression or tells a story or a feeling by their physical demeanor gives more meaning to whether one is photogenic or not.
http://www.dphoto.us/forumphotos/data/628/6JB1X8598_cc.jpg

and, then again............there are some beautiful people who are extemely photogenic

http://www.dphoto.us/forumphotos/data/725/6HW7M6290-001_cc.jpg

[Queen Josephine]

I agree with Bob on the aesthetic definition of attractive vs unnatractive, but on the technical end I think there must be some kind of inherent property in a person's skin that makes it reflect light in either a flattering, or not so flattering way. I don't know how else you could account for it. If you think about it, when exposed to sunlight, individuals vary in their response to absorb it. It's not a major leap of logic to assume we also vary in the way light reflects off our skin, and what is a picture but reflected light and a medium to record it.

[rjgleason]

I agree with Bob on the aesthetic definition of attractive vs unnatractive, but on the technical end I think there must be some kind of inherent property in a person's skin that makes it reflect light in either a flattering, or not so flattering way. I don't know how else you could account for it. If you think about it, when exposed to sunlight, individuals vary in their response to absorb it. It's not a major leap of logic to assume we also vary in the way light reflects off our skin, and what is a picture but reflected light and a medium to record it.
Great reply QJ.......I hope we get more replies to this very interesting thread. Like beauty that lies in the eyes of the beholder, so too, being photogenic can have so many variables.

[jliechty]

Whatever "photogenic" is, I'm not sure it's limited to people. I've had people tell me that my dog as shown in the first attachment is quite photogenic, even though to any experienced photographer there are many technical flaws in the image. The second picture, however, seems to lack something that the first one has, even though IMHO it is the better of the two technically. I've had this dog for 5 years now, and I'm still having a hard time getting a good picture of her.

[DavidP]

In only ONE of four or five photos was Meghan photogenic:

http://www.neonlightsimaging.com/images/meghan11x14_small.jpg

Makes me want to be an okapi. ;)

[Juli Valley]

I don't consider "attractive" "not attractive" in any way to be used in the definition of whether someone is photogenic.

Rather the way one conveys a mood or expression or tells a story or a feeling by their physical demeanor gives more meaning to whether one is photogenic or not.
http://www.dphoto.us/forumphotos/data/628/6JB1X8598_cc.jpg

and, then again............there are some beautiful people who are extemely photogenic

http://www.dphoto.us/forumphotos/data/725/6HW7M6290-001_cc.jpg

Those are really terrific shots. The boy is adorable. ;)

[rjgleason]

Those are really terrific shots. The boy is adorable. ;)Juli, that little boy takes his "photogenic, adorable, good looks" from his wonderful parents, Mr & Mrs Steve Mitchell.

I happened to have the priveledge of spending a few days (along with some other dphoto'rs) in Indianapolis, hosted by The Mitchells.

[Juli Valley]

Here's a question that I have'nt been able to come up with an answer. I'm sure we've all heard the phrase that a person is or is not photogenic. I have photographed some very beautiful people in real life, yet their pictures don't do them any justice. I have also shot some not so attractive people in real life that look great in pictures. What makes a person "photogenic"?

I think people who are comfortable with themselves are able to relax and be natural for photographs. Some people really freeze up when asked to smile for a photo. I get pretty good results by not telling them when I am going to shoot or by saying something like, "What a wonderful look!" or "What a good looking group!" Some people look better with closed mouths instead of wide smiles. I feel it's my job to make my subjects relax. This is coming from a purely amateur photographer.

[Rune]

I think people who are comfortable with themselves are able to relax and be natural for photographs.

According to a BBC documentary a couple of years ago, you're right. They claimed that people simply do not consciously control many of the muscles in our facial area. In short: Humans can not smile on command. We can pretend to smile, but only a chosen few (if any) can make it believable.

So... Enter trampolines (did anyone else notice the trampoline used in one of the Mark II presentation videos that Bob posted a link to? I've been wanting to try that technique myself for a while now) and other props that help our victims relax ...and enjoy themselves. Thus producing a smile.

[Steve Mitchell]

I think these are all great comments. When there's a connection between the subject and the photographer (camera)...it generally has a good result.

[rjgleason]

I think these are all great comments. When there's a connection between the subject and the photographer (camera)...it generally has a good result.
I agree:

http://www.dphoto.us/forumphotos/data/500/6HW7M5909_cc3-med.jpg

[lecter]

I believe you can make anyone "photogenic". But natural "photogenecism" is another thing. Put someone earthy looking (hehe) into a situation that suits "them" and they will look excellent in one way or another.

IMHO...

Rob

[MAC]

It is a function of time and space Indy-bud! The soul is what really counts! BTW -- I've learned how to create light in PS CS -- using radial gradiants. To some degree, it is like having studio lights in a software box :-)

http://www.shutterfreaks.com/albums/album20/7539_web.jpg

http://www.shutterfreaks.com/albums/album20/7606_web.jpg

[Paul Pope]

Here's a question that I have'nt been able to come up with an answer. I'm sure we've all heard the phrase that a person is or is not photogenic. I have photographed some very beautiful people in real life, yet their pictures don't do them any justice. I have also shot some not so attractive people in real life that look great in pictures. What makes a person "photogenic"?

god mate if I knew that it would be my ticket to billionaire status .....

[Cathy_P]

I agree with Julie. I've had some seemly unattractive people who were comfortable in front of the camera, that were very photogenic. I usually talk to my subjects until they forget that they're suppose to be posing to get good shots. I've also found that some guys not photogenic at all in the studio, but look great when I take them outdoors where they are more comfortable.

[Paul Pope]

I think these are all great comments. When there's a connection between the subject and the photographer (camera)...it generally has a good result.
got to be careful connecting with my subjects .... last time I did it ended up in me getting divorced :-)

[lecter]

got to be careful connecting with my subjects .... last time I did it ended up in me getting divorced :-)

Mate, do it two or three times and it becomes like falling off a bike...... Painful and initially traumatic, but you get over it as the world is full of Bikes...

:D:D:D:D:D

hehe

[Rune]

Painful and initially traumatic, but you get over it as the world is full of Bikes...
Dude, that is seriously not funny, I had a nightmare last night about someone stealing my bike! (Maybe I shouldn't park the thing in my bedroom, but still...)

[worldofprinting]

Have you ever noticed how some people look totally different when you observe their reflection in a mirror? I know two people who whose mouths are 'normal', yet their mirror reflection shows a significantly crooked upper lip.

You can look back and forth, back and forth between them and the reflection, and there's such a difference, you just can't work it out. Interestingly, in photos, these people don't have the problem.

But I can't help wonder if, whatever is going on in that thar mirror, is also tied into the sudden change of appearance when their image is captured on a camera.