Your Brain is Just Used to the Mirror

Seeing yourself in a mirror as compared to a photo can be like night and day.

So many people ask me this question, and it's an interesting one, so I thought I should break it down for you. Have you ever wondered why you look different in photos compared to how you appear in the Mirror? It's not just a perception issue—there are a few key reasons for this, and they all make sense once I break them down for you.

1. Mirror vs. Photo Reversal

In the Mirror, you see a flipped version of yourself. However, a camera captures your image as others see it—unflipped. Since you've spent your entire life viewing your face in the Mirror, the "real" version in photos can feel a bit off.

2. Lens Distortion

Cameras do not see the world as our eyes do. Depending on the lens used, photos can stretch or shrink certain features of your face—especially if the shot is taken too close. This is why selfies can sometimes make noses or faces appear larger than they are.

3. Lighting Changes Everything

Mirrors provide a live, evenly lit view of your face. In contrast, a camera captures a single moment with whatever lighting is available—shadows, highlights, and contrasts can significantly alter how you look in a photo.

4. Movement vs. a Frozen Frame

Looking in the Mirror, you constantly move, adjust your expressions, and see yourself in motion. A photo is just a split-second frozen in time, which can highlight features or flaws that you would overlook in real life.

5. The Angle Matters

You probably have a preferred angle when looking in the Mirror, whether you realise it or not. A camera doesn't have this awareness; it captures whatever angle it's pointed at, which may not always be the most flattering.

6. Your Brain is Just Used to the Mirror

Since you've always seen yourself in a mirror, that reflection feels "right" to you. Seeing yourself unflipped in a photo can feel strange, even though it's how the rest of the world sees you.

This is why many people feel they "never look good in photos"—it's not that you look bad; it's just that you're not accustomed to seeing yourself that way!

What can you do about it?

Take more photos! Think of it as exposure therapy; the more you see yourself, the easier it will be to see your photos. You can also reverse the camera on your iPhone to make it easier to look at yourself.

Do you think you resemble your photos more or your reflection?

Love Katie x