How to Be More Photogenic in Photos

Most people aren’t aiming to be influencers or on the cover of a magazine. But most of us do  need some sort of photo that make us look competent and professional.

The good news is, looking good in photos isn’t about being naturally photogenic. It’s about understanding a few fundamentals—lighting, posing, expression, and context—and applying them based on where the photo will show up.

So What Does “Photogenic” Actually Mean?

There’s a deep cut thread on Reddit’s r/photography subreddit where the answer to this is broken down. The short version though, being photogenic is more about comfort, awareness, and lighting than how your face looks or its structure.

A few top takeaways:

• Good lighting flatters everyone. Natural light, especially from the front, softens features and eliminates harsh shadows.
• Angles help define your features—try turning your head slightly and shooting from just above eye level.
• Practice matters. People who “look good” in photos have usually figured out what works for them through trial and error.

There’s even more discussion in this 13-year-old classic on r/AskReddit with over 1,400 comemnts. And if you prefer newer takes, this 2024 post on r/Advice has some practical insights too.

Also worth watching:

• How to Look Better in Photos (YouTube) – short, science-based tips
• Photographer Breaks Down the Secrets to Posing – for anyone camera-shy

Instagram: Personal, Clean, and Intentional

Instagram may be social, but it still functions as a portfolio of sorts. People scroll your grid to get a feel for you. A solid profile photo should reflect your personality, but in a clean and visually clear way.

What works well:

• Outfits:
  • Smart casual: button-up shirt, crewneck sweater, blouse, turtleneck
  • Lifestyle: leather jacket, fitted t-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, denim
• Backgrounds:
  • Soft outdoor blur (park, beach, rooftop patio)
  • Indoor: cafe corner, bookshelf, clean wall with artwork
• Framing & lighting:
  • Face a window or soft daylight source
  • Crop from mid-chest upward
  • Avoid harsh shadows or overly busy scenes

LinkedIn: Professional Without Being Overly Formal

LinkedIn is where people go to evaluate your credibility. You don’t need to look corporate—but you do need to look thoughtful and reliable.

What works well:

• Outfits:
  • Business casual: blazer over a t-shirt or blouse, solid-colored shirt with no logos
  • Avoid loud patterns, graphics, or overly trendy pieces
• Backgrounds:
  • Neutral or blurred indoor backgrounds (bookshelves, workspaces, clean wall)
  • Light-colored walls or subtle textures
• Expression:
  • Small smile
  • Direct eye contact
  • Slightly turned face (not full head-on)

Slack, Gmail, Internal Profiles: Clean and Consistent

You may not think much about your profile photo on Slack, Gmail, or Zoom—but others notice. These tools are often used daily, especially in hybrid or remote environments. A consistent, professional image builds recognition and trust, particularly when collaborating across teams or departments.

What works well:

• Outfits:
  • Long-sleeve solid shirt, fitted t-shirt, mock neck, or light sweater
  • Stick to neutrals or soft tones
• Backgrounds:
  • Blurred home office
  • Light-colored wall
  • Subtle textured background (e.g., concrete, wood, or cloth curtain)
• Expression:
  • Relaxed, slight smile
  • Natural lighting, ideally from the front

Tip: Consider using the same photo (or similar ones) across all tools so people instantly recognize you—even in a sea of thumbnails.

Resume Photos and Professional Directories

In industries where a headshot is expected—such as healthcare, education, coaching, or real estate—a clean, professional photo adds credibility and clarity.

What works well:

• Outfits:
  • Field-specific: white coat for doctors, button-up for educators, blazer for consultants
  • Avoid trend-driven clothing or casual wear
• Backgrounds:
  • Plain, neutral color or softly blurred background
  • Ensure no visible distractions like furniture or other people
• Lighting & framing:
  • Even lighting across the face
  • Frame from upper torso up
  • Centered or slightly off-center composition

Universal Tips to Look Better in Any Photo

These apply regardless of platform or setting:

1. Lighting

• Natural, soft light works best—ideally from the front
• Avoid overhead lights (they create unflattering shadows)
• If shooting indoors, position yourself facing a window

2. Angles

• Hold the camera slightly above eye level
• Turn your face slightly left or right—head-on shots are often less flattering
• Keep your chin level or slightly down to avoid distortion

3. Expression

• Relax your face—don’t force a big smile
• Think about someone or something you like to create natural warmth in your eyes
• Practice a soft smile in a mirror—it often photographs better than expected

4. Framing

• Mid-chest up works well for almost every context
• Leave some space above your head
• Keep the background clean and slightly out of focus if possible

Don’t Want to Book a Photoshoot? Try AI Headshots

If you're short on time or don’t want to book a photographer, AI headshot tools like Bettershot can take your everyday phone photos and turn them into clean, professional headshots.

• Upload 10 casual photos (selfies or candids with decent lighting)
• Get 70+ AI-generated headshots in a variety of outfits, styles, and backgrounds
• Use them across LinkedIn, Slack, resumes, Instagram, and more

It’s an affordable, fast way to get a solid set of photos—without needing a ring light, DSLR, or studio session.

Final Word

You don’t need to be camera-ready every day. But having one good photo—just one—that shows you as clear, confident, and approachable? That’s worth the effort.

In work and in life, people want to know who they’re talking to.
A good photo makes that easier.