Cosmetic dermatologist nails why we hate looking at our own photos with an insanely accurate comparison

All of us may have encountered a time when we took a selfie or a picture and got horrified at our features. A distorted nose or face, one eye seemingly larger than the other, asymmetrical teeth, and so on. However, looking in the mirror gives us a different perspective. Despite the truth in front of us, we often get insecure with the pictures we see of ourselves and constantly worry about making it better. A dermatologist, Samantha Ellis (@drsamanthaellis), resonated with this dilemma many have. She shared a poignant perspective about why we shouldn’t worry about how we look in photos and it’s relieving. 

Addressing the issue, Ellis pointed out that many of us feel disheartened by the way a picture has turned out despite knowing our facial features. She added that many clients have visited her for cosmetic surgery simply because they don’t like the way they look in pictures. Her insight on the matter came from her mentor some time ago and has stuck with her ever since. “It changed the way I view photography of myself and also changed the way I speak with my patients as a cosmetic dermatologist,” she remarked. Sharing the striking insight, Ellis recalled the analogy of a sunset. 

“Think of all the beautiful sunsets you have seen in your life and when you get to take a picture of it, you feel, ‘Oh, this picture doesn’t really do the sunset justice,’” she explained. She went on to relate humans to the same analogy. She said, “You are that sunset. You’re beautiful and if the picture doesn’t do justice to that, it doesn’t detract any of it.” Ellis stressed the fact that we have proof that cameras don’t always capture things the way we naturally look. The case is no different for us. Many unique and beautiful details are often missed when capturing a photo of oneself. This doesn’t reduce the actual and natural essence and appearance of a person. 

Ellis’ analogy is one that many can relate to. We often find ourselves debating the picture vs the actual scenario ahead of us. The same needs to be done with ourselves too. How beautiful a person seems from someone’s eyes cannot be captured on a camera and the understanding of this fact is a big win in cutting off insecurities. People applauded the comparison Ellis used and received a much-needed boost of self-appreciation. @ronnie_and_aria commented, “The camera always gives the sunset a double chin and a lazy eye.”

@thespeechprof confirmed Ellis’ words, “As a photographer, I have often had to explain to people that I edit a photo not to change how you look, but to make people look more like they do in real life.” @prettyplaypoppy added, “Guys, it's much better to look average in a photo and hot in real life than the other way around.” @honestmum remarked, “Love this! Phone cameras and different lenses on cameras completely change the way we look too.” @moov_through_midlife shared, “Photos only capture a split second in time in a 2-dimensional world so we really shouldn’t compare that to reality.”

You can follow Dr. Samantha Ellis (@drsamanthaellis) on Instagram for more content on health and skin.