Why do I look different in photos?
One day you look lean in the mirror, the next a photo says otherwise. Neither is lying; they just measure differently.
Short answer
Photos and mirrors differ because of camera distance (a phone held close exaggerates whatever is nearest the lens), mirror flipping (you’re used to your reversed face), lighting (overhead light adds definition, front light flattens) and timing (pump, food and water). For progress, the fix is consistency: same distance, height, light and time, ideally with your last photo as an overlay.
Distance and lens
Phone cameras have wide lenses. Up close, the parts nearest the camera look bigger, which is why selfies distort faces and bodies. Stand two to three metres from the camera, on a stand or timer, with the lens at chest height.
Light
Light from above carves shadows under the chest and between abs; light from the front fills them in. A window to the side gives the most honest, repeatable look. Change the light and you change the result.
Time of day
After a workout or a big meal you look fuller; first thing in the morning you look leaner and flatter. Pick one and stick to it.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the mirror or a photo more accurate?
Neither for progress. Two photos taken the same way are the only fair comparison.
Why do I look fatter in photos?
Usually camera distance, lens and light. Step back, raise the camera to chest height and use side light.