Does the Camera Really Add 10 Pounds?
“The camera adds 10 pounds.” Is that true or is it a myth that makes people dread stepping in front of the lens? I know that this is a concern for me when someone snaps my image.
The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. Cameras don’t literally make you heavier, but poor angles, unflattering lighting, lens distortion, and poor positioning and posing can create an illusion that makes someone look wider than they actually are.
So how does one get the best camera angle, lighting, and direction, to look one’s best. An experienced professional photographer would have all of these tools and skills at their disposal.
Why Photos Can Make You Look Heavier
The camera captures you in two dimensions, which flattens your natural depth and curves. Without the right lighting and posing, this flattening can exaggerate features. A wide-angle lens used too close to the subject can distort proportions, making faces rounder or bodies broader. Posture (slouching shoulders or leaning back) can add to the problem.
Why Phone Lenses Make You Look Different Than Professional Portrait Lenses
Most people today are used to seeing themselves through their phone, but the lens in a smartphone isn’t designed to flatter the human face.
On the iPhone and most Android phones, the “main” lens is a wide lens, about 26mm in professional terms. That may not sound extreme, but in portraits it creates distortion. The closer you hold the phone, the bigger your nose looks, your cheeks look rounder, and your body broader. Add in the ultra-wide selfie option, and the distortion becomes even stronger.
That’s why selfies often don’t match how you look in real life. They exaggerate certain features and flatten others. In contrast, professional photographers use portrait lenses, usually between 85mm and 135mm that create natural proportions and flattering compression. These lenses slim and refine the face, bring out the eyes, and create a flattering impression of a person’s figure.
This is one of the reasons people are surprised when they see themselves in the images we capture here in my Chicago studio. They’ll often say, “Wow, I actually look thinner!” It’s not about changing who you are, but it is about using the right tools to bring out your best.
How a Skilled Photographer Can Help You Look Your Best
This is where working with a high-end, experienced professional photographer changes everything. You don’t need to fear the camera when you’re guided through the process by someone who understands how to bring out your best.
Here’s how I help clients who want to look slimmer, sharper, and more confident in their headshots:
- Expert Posing Guidance: I coach you through angles that elongate the neck, refine the jawline, and create flattering shapes with the body. A small shift in posture can instantly change how the camera reads your frame.
- Professional Lighting: Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in photography. I use light direction to sculpt the face and body, creating shadow and depth that naturally slims and defines.
- Lens and Camera Choices: Not all lenses are created equal. I use the right focal lengths to avoid distortion and produce clean, accurate proportions.
- Expression Coaching: Looking thinner isn’t just about body shape. It’s about confidence. A genuine, relaxed expression instantly makes you look lighter, fresher, and more approachable.
- Attention to Detail: From adjusting clothing to refining posture, I pay attention to every little detail that can make a photo feel polished and flattering.
Positioning and Lens Choice: Flattering Every Face and Body
A higher-end professional photographer doesn’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Every client has a unique face shape and body type, and with the right positioning and lens choice, those features can be highlighted in the most flattering way.
For example, a fuller figure can look slimmer and more elegant with the right angle of the shoulders. A round face can appear more defined with lighting that creates natural shadows and depth.
It’s not about “fixing” anything, but it is about understanding how the camera sees you and then using professional tools and techniques to capture you at your very best.
The Confidence Factor
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t only to look your best, it’s to feel good about yourself in your photos. When you feel guided, comfortable, and confident during a session, that ease shows up in the final image. And nothing is more flattering than genuine confidence.
Why Investing in a Professional Headshot is a the Best Choice
An outdated, poorly lit snapshot can send the wrong message in seconds. A professional headshot is an investment in yourself, your brand, and your future.
So does the camera add 10 pounds? Not in the hands of the right photographer. With professional posing, lighting, and direction, the camera can take those “10 pounds” right off, but more importantly, help you look like the very best version of yourself.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? I’d love to guide you through a session that leaves you with stunning professional headshots you’ll be proud to share. Let’s connect: 773-419-7918.