Photogenic (or not) pt. 2

In a quick blog entry I wrote on a sunny afternoon sometime during April last year (probably following a narcissistic self check-out session in front of a large mirror), I noted that I was (and am) terribly unattractive in photos and pondered whether photographs were an accurate reflection of the physical form. Given the following examples, I certainly hoped not.

Example 1: Drunk Face

Example 2: Cabramatta Face

Example 3: Dancing like a retard face.

I have since come to terms with my inability to look good in a photograph. Rather, I have found that with the right lighting, one can mitigate the 'turd-smearing effects of the camera lens' (see link to previous blog entry above), and I have put this revelation to good use.

Normal Lighting

As you can see, the above photograph is not very flattering. My shiny forehead and overt skin blemishes exacerbate the bemused look on my face.

25% Reduced Lighting

At reduced lighting, it is clear that my mirror-like forehead is not as prominent as the previous picture and the dark patches around my cheeks blend somewhat well with the now darker background. This has the effect of abating the amount of attention a viewer places on my face (the salient feature in the photograph), and increases the probability that a viewer concentrates on my 'herculean' body instead.

50% Reduced Lighting

With further reduction in lighting, the photograph has become rather acceptable. My flaws blend well with the background, and my bemused look will be interpreted by viewers as: "Someone has taken a picture of this poor douche in the dark without him knowing, and the click of the camera has thoroughly confused him, which is understandable given he looks kind of stupid."

100% Reduced Lighting

At 100% reduced lighting you cannot see my face at all. My bemused look, shiny forehead, and bad complexion are completely hidden; ergo, the picture is... perfect.

The secret to a great photograph? Lighting.