The phrase “the camera adds 10 pounds” originated in the United States. It is often attributed to the entertainment industry, specifically in reference to film and television. The exact origin of the phrase is not clear, but it is often used to describe the perceived distortion of one’s appearance on camera, making them appear heavier than they actually are. The phrase is also used to explain the difference between how one looks in person and how one appears on camera.
Sure, it’s a cliche, but it also has some truth about how cameras don’t always portray the world as we experience it. There is a lot that goes into shooting a photo, but there are two key factors that may cause you to think you seem wider on camera.
Related: Why do I look cross-eyed in pictures?
Reason Why Camera adds 10 Pounds?
The first is that most cameras are cyclopses, with the lens serving as their single eye. Most of us experience the world through two eyes, with one seeing somewhat behind what is directly in front of the other. Our brains stitch the two pictures together to give us a sensation of depth. A camera, on the other hand, normally does not have a second “eye” to look at an object in front of it, such as a face. So, in comparison to your regular eyesight, your brain may perceive a face in a photo or video to be broader, since it obscures more of what’s behind it than you’re used to.
Second, you may think you appear one way, but cameras see things another. You’re probably used to looking at yourself in the mirror with your ears a couple of millimeters back and your nose a couple of centimeters closer. Because a few millimeters is such a small percentage of the face-mirror distance, your face seems somewhat longer and slimmer. However, cameras might be considerably further away, making your face look bigger or flatter. Not to add that the focal length of each camera lens influences how you and the backdrop seem.
Incoming light rays are focused by a camera lens so that they meet at a spot and generate a crisp, clear image. The distance between the place within the camera where the light rays intersect and where the sensor perceives the picture is described by focal length.
It is often measured in millimeters. Shorter focal lengths provide a broader view of a scene. They have the ability to make near objects look comparatively larger and faraway things appear relatively smaller, resulting in the same face-narrowing effect. Longer focal lengths, on the other hand, capture a more zoomed-in image, which you may use to shoot a shot from a distance or focus on a smaller section of a scene.
If your subject is a person, they may appear flatter or stretched out. So the camera might /appear/ to add 10 pounds at times.
Tips to avoid looking fat in pictures
- Keep subjects away from the camera: When you’re using wide-angle lenses and keep your subjects away from the edges where distortion is heavier.
- User lens of 85mm or more: For a close-up portrait use a lens of 85 mm or greater to avoid Distortion.
- Position yourself at an angle to the camera: Standing at a slight angle to the camera can help elongate your body and make you appear slimmer.
- Use appropriate lighting: Soft, diffuse lighting that illuminates your face and body evenly can help avoid harsh shadows and create a more flattering look.
- Choose the right lens: The focal length of the lens can affect the way your body appears in the photograph. A telephoto lens with a longer focal length will compress the distance between objects in the frame, making them appear closer together, which can make you appear wider. On the other hand, a wide-angle lens with a shorter focal length will exaggerate the distance between objects, making them appear farther apart, which can make you appear thinner.
- Select an appropriate background: A simple, uncluttered background can help draw attention to your face and body and make you appear slimmer.
- Experiment with different poses: The way you pose and angle your body in relation to the camera can impact the way you appear in the photograph. Try turning your body to a slight angle and tilting your head slightly to create a more natural and attractive look. Experiment with different poses to find the most flattering look for you.
