Is it more flattering to photograph slightly from above

[candidrachel]

or below a person? I was chatting to my sister today about how I always look awful in photos and she said that she never lets anyone photograph her from below eye level because she read somewhere that that is the most unflattering angle ever!

What is your opinion? I just want nice photos of me without my face looking like it's got 10 chins when clearly it doesn't.

[oldwolf]

Turn one shoulder towards the camera slightly and look up at the camera with a little turn of the neck. This stretches your neck and and slims the body. Shooting up at a subject typically makes them look larger than life or rather it's a dominant pose. Works great on guys or dominatrix.

[zona5101]

yes generally you want to be slightly above. Pose and lighting will also be a factor to consider. Generally you would short light to thin the face. Short lighting is where the shadow side of the face is to the camera. Also avoid having the subject directly face the camera, both the body and head would be at an angle (and typically not the same - there is some offset between the angle of the body to the camera and the angle of the head).

[scootermcq]

Shoot from below and make sure you focus on the nostrils, while having them lean forward to get multiple chins......

Oh wait.... that's the pose for the bosy MOTB

[candidrachel]

Thanks for tips guys! I agree directly straight on to the camera is not a good look so when *I* have my photo taken I will have to manipulate myself into the right pose. I'll give it a go.

[LeeR]

The old adage is that women look better when shooting from above, men from below. However, I never hear this mentioned any more and I suspect it is for political reasons. Still, I think the adage holds, even if you have to keep quiet about what you are doing and why.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by oldwolf

Shooting up at a subject typically makes them look larger than life or rather it's a dominant pose. Works great on guys or dominatrix.

[candidrachel]

That's a lovely photo. I love everything about it. The pose, the angle and even the flag flowing majestically in the breeze.

I have trouble capturing white clouds or should I say "used to" until I discovered EV compensation! lol! Not so much whiteout anymore.

[candleman]

depends what you're trying to say,

shooting from below gives a feeling of dominance and authority... but it makes your @ss look phat.

shooting from above slims the hips, and gives a softer feeling to the subject as they are lower and seemingly submissive to the viewer.

[Kit]

I prefer to photograph from above eye level. I find that it minimises the double chin factor that many people hate.