Why Many of Us Think We Look Bad in Photos

CLEVELAND - Now that Christmas is over, many families are probably starting to share the photos they took together. 

And if you cringe after seeing any pictures of yourself, you’re not alone. 

A lot of people are critical of how they look, but why is that? 

“If you believe that you don't look good in photos, you may be triggering what is known as the confirmation bias. In other words, our brain looks for information to confirm what we believe. Instead of looking at the entire photo, your brain may zoom in on what you perceive to be flaws or distortions. And our brain remembers the negative incidence and makes it bigger than it actually is,” explained Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Albers said you may also think you look different in photos since the image is inverted – meaning everything is on the opposite side.  

Lighting and angle can play a role too.  

She said if you tend to get uncomfortable taking photos or are critical of yourself, there are ways to retrain your brain. 

To start, practice being more positive. 

Remind yourself that this photo is about making a memory. 

It can also help to speak to yourself the way you would a friend. 

While it may seem counterproductive, consider taking more photos, not less. This creates familiarity and can reduce anxiety. 

“Don't delete pictures. Our self-image and negative bias may change over time. This is why when people look back at their photos, they're often surprised and say, ‘I look really good.’ And it shows that there is a gap between our perception of how we feel and how we look. That negative self-image may cast a shadow on the way we see ourselves,” she said. 

Dr. Albers notes that social media can influence our perception as well. 

That’s why it’s important not to compare. 

And remember, what you see online isn’t always real.