Brits reveal their best side when it comes to photos – here’s the top tips to take the most attractive pic
MILLIONS of Brits have a ‘bad side’ when it comes to their appearance – and it’s more likely to be the left than the right.
A poll of 2,000 adults found four in 10 have what they consider to be a less attractive side.
Of these, 40 per cent believe their left side is inferior to their right – while 37 per cent think their right side is the poorer one, and 23 per cent are undecided.
More than half hate having a photo taken when they least expect it – worrying the shot will capture their ‘bad side’.
While 60 per cent will make others swap with them if they find themselves on the wrong side in a picture.
And 61 per cent will avoid having their pic taken altogether – if they can’t stand on their better side.
Commissioned to celebrate the new Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, which has ‘light boosting’ capabilities, the study also found 37 per cent don’t like being photographed with the flash on.
A quarter (24 per cent) admitted they ‘hate’ how flash highlights their blemishes.
Broadcaster, author and founder of Happy Place, Fearne Cotton, who is Samsung Ambassador, said: “I’m no stranger to an unflattering photo and know how annoying it can be when bad lighting ruins a photo.
“Whether I’m trying to capture a picture of my best mates at dinner or a sweet photo of my kids, a lovely moment can be bleached out if you get too flashy.
“However, you don’t have to miss out on capturing those beautiful moments and you can start with abandoning the flash all together.”
The study also found 37 per cent ‘don’t mind’ having a few pictures taken in social situations.
But more than a quarter (26 per cent) don’t like having a snap solo, and 35 prefer taking pictures of other people.
Ahead of having their picture taken, 21 per cent will check their appearance in a reflection beforehand.
And the same percentage will ask for multiple shots – not just one.
Just over a quarter (27 per cent) will edit the lighting of a picture taken before posting it on social media.
FEARNE COTTON'S TOP TIPS FOR CAPTURING POST-WORTHY PICTURES:
1. DON’T OVERTHINK IT
Try to avoid letting your inner perfectionist scrutinise every part of the photo.
Pictures are meant to capture moments and the best ones are those which show real joy, so don’t feel like you need to be properly posed for every shot.
Social media has changed how we take photos and has almost wiped-out un-posed pictures.
In my opinion, candid can be the best – especially if you’re belly laughing.
2. SMILE
There is no better addition to a photo.
When we believe we have a better side or feel insecure about how we look we might worry too much about capturing our best angle and pouting or posing.
I say, drop the pout and give your biggest grin as everyone looks best smiling.
A happy face equals a happy photo.
3. USE NATURAL LIGHTING
You can have the perfect setting for a photo, but without the right lighting the picture might not translate on screen.
We’ve all been there where flash has overexposed and ruined a beautiful shot of your mates on a night out or the family stood in front of a sunset.
Instead, opt for natural lighting, even in the evenings.
While 14 per cent adjust their make-up if they know they’re having flash photos taken.
The average adult will take four photos of something before they settle on it as ‘the one’ – with just 16 per cent getting it right first time.
And this process takes an average of 11 minutes, with 10 per cent taking as long as 30, according to the data.
When having a picture taken, 25 per cent worry about it looking too forced or staged, and 15 per cent fear the dreaded ‘red eye’.
Of those who post to social media, 21 per cent say they feel real joy when they get what they consider to be the perfect picture.
And 19 per cent have a sense of excitement of sharing what they think is a really good snap, with their followers.