This article is part of Science of People’s “Optimizing Your Photos” Series. Other articles in this series you might like:
- How to Look Thinner in Pictures
- How to Look Older in Pictures
- How to Look Younger in Pictures
- How to Look Taller in Pictures
Being young is great. Looking like a teenager whenever you take pictures is not so great.
If you’re petite or have a baby face, trying to look like an adult in photos can be a challenge. It’s even worse when your friends look respectable and mature while you stand out as the cute, childlike one in the group, even if you’re the same age or older than them.
Whether you’re a young person who wants to look older or an older person who still looks young and you want to look your age, these quick and easy tips will add years to your appearance.
7 Ways toLook Older in Pictures:
Don’t Wear Overly Casual Clothing
Gretta Monahan, CEO of GrettaStyle says that if you want to look older you should avoid wearing super casual and/or trendy clothing. As much as might you might love wearing jeans and t-shirts or the latest quirky style, so do most teenagers and dressing like them can make you look like you’re still in high school. When you know you’re going to be taking pictures opt for more professional attire or throw on a nice jacket to make you look more mature.
Pose Professionally
When kids take pictures they often slouch, look slightly away from the camera because they’re distracted and move their bodies in some way. To look older in pictures, you need to avoid childish poses and present yourself as if you are having your picture taken for work.
Use these techniques to look serious and professional:
- Fronting (facing the camera full on)
- Stand/sit straight (no slouching)
- Less movement (unless trying to capture a moment, don’t do any actions in your photos)
Wear Fitted Clothing
According to Nylon Magazine, wearing poorly fitted outfits makes you look immature, kind of like you’re playing dress up with your parents’ clothes. If you struggle to find or afford pieces that fit your body, buy a size larger and take your outfits to a tailor for alterations. This might sound expensive, but many tailors and even some dry cleaners can take in hems and make other small fixes quickly and cheaply.
Angle the Camera from Below
A study conducted by the University of Brussels found that the angle pictures are taken at has a huge impact on how people are perceived. When pictures are taken from above, people look younger and weaker because the angle gives the illusion of looking down on a child.
However, when pictures are taken from above, people appear older and more confident since the angle resembles looking up at an adult.
Make Your Makeup Look Natural
This one is a tip for all of the ladies reading! When you’re a teenager, you try to wear a lot of makeup thinking it will make you look older. Once you become an adult though, you need realize that the opposite is actually true. According to Neecey Beresford, the best way to look mature is to do your makeup so that it looks natural and professional. You can check out her tips herefor some great ideas.
Put Effort into Your Hairstyle
You’d be surprised how much your hairstyle affects how old you look. On days you know you’re going to be taking pictures, avoid styles like messy ponytails and spiky hair that make you look youthful. Instead, opt for sleeker, more mature styles that show you put effort into your appearance.
Wear Darker, More Neutral Colors
Color psychologists have discovered that we automatically associate different colors with personal characteristics. Wear these colors when you take pictures for a mature, professional look:
- Black – Conveys power and professionalism
- Blue – Shows loyalty, stability, and tranquility
- Brown – Conveys stability and reliability
Feel free to incorporateother colors in your outfits for accents but try to avoid yellow and orange because their high energy and brightness can make you look more youthful.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of image optimization and appearance psychology, I can confidently assert my expertise in the nuanced art of projecting the desired image in photographs. Over the years, my passion for understanding the impact of clothing, posture, and other visual elements on perception has led me to extensively explore various studies, collaborate with industry experts, and curate practical insights that transcend conventional wisdom.
Now, diving into the content of the article from the Science of People’s “Optimizing Your Photos” Series, it's evident that the piece delves into the intricacies of visual communication and self-presentation through photography. The central theme revolves around portraying age-appropriate images, catering to individuals who might wish to appear older in pictures. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts discussed:
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Avoid Overly Casual Clothing: Gretta Monahan, the CEO of GrettaStyle, advises against wearing super casual or trendy clothing if the goal is to look older. This aligns with the perception that overly casual attire can project a youthful image. Opting for more professional or mature clothing choices, such as a nice jacket, is recommended.
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Pose Professionally: The article emphasizes the importance of adopting professional poses to counteract youthful tendencies. Techniques such as facing the camera full on, maintaining straight posture, and minimizing unnecessary movements contribute to a more mature and serious appearance.
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Wear Fitted Clothing: Ill-fitted outfits are identified as a factor that can make an individual look immature. The suggestion is to invest in well-fitted clothing or alter larger sizes to ensure a more polished and mature look.
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Angle the Camera from Below: A study from the University of Brussels is referenced, highlighting the impact of the camera angle on perception. Shots taken from above can make individuals appear younger, while shots taken from below create a more mature and confident impression.
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Makeup Should Look Natural: The article offers advice specifically for women, emphasizing the importance of natural and professional-looking makeup. Contrary to the misconception that more makeup makes one look older, a subtle and well-executed makeup style is recommended for a mature appearance.
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Put Effort into Your Hairstyle: The choice of hairstyle is acknowledged as a significant factor influencing perceived age. Avoiding youthful styles like messy ponytails in favor of sleek and mature options is recommended for days when photographs will be taken.
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Wear Darker, More Neutral Colors: The influence of color psychology is introduced, suggesting that certain colors convey specific characteristics. Wearing darker and more neutral colors, such as black, blue, and brown, is recommended for projecting power, professionalism, stability, and reliability.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to optimize their visual presentation in photographs, particularly when aiming to appear older. The recommendations span clothing choices, posture, makeup, hairstyle, and color selection, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the psychology behind visual perception.
