Do I Have a Good Side?

DO WE REALLY HAVE A BETTER SIDE?

We know that person. They’ll rearrange a group, change seats or make a small but very deliberate turn when the camera comes out. Ha, we may even be that person!

It’s an interesting question: do we actually have a better side, or have we simply become attached to a version of ourselves?

There is research behind the preference. There’s also a point at which I think we give it far too much importance.

Why the left?

In one study of 2,000 selfies, the left came out on top: 41% favoured it, more than any other option. That means the subject’s own left cheek, not the left side of the photograph.

One possible explanation is that the left side of the face tends to express emotion more strongly, linked to the right hemisphere’s role in emotion. It’s an intriguing pattern, not proof that your left side is better.

CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR OWN PREFERENCE?

Ask someone to photograph you with your phone’s rear camera, held level around your eyes or eyebrows. Keep the distance, light and expression as consistent as possible. Take one photograph straight on, then one with a small turn in each direction.

Compare the whole photographs first. Which feels most like you? Which side do you respond to? You may prefer a slight turn, or you may find that straight on works beautifully.

Keep it light. You’re exploring a preference, not conducting an inspection.

NOW I’M GOING TO CONTRADICT MYSELF

After writing a whole article about this, here’s what I really think: the importance of having a “best side” is massively exaggerated.

Sure, we probably all have an angle we tend to prefer. For some people, that “side” is straight down the middle.

I reckon I’ve photographed over 5,000 faces. I’ve seen them all. It’s extremely rare that I photograph somebody and think, “We absolutely cannot photograph the other side of this face.”

Your best angle isn’t predetermined. You’d be amazed at how different a face can look with a tiny movement. A slight turn, a small adjustment to the chin or a change in the light can completely alter how the photograph comes together.

If you like one side, tell me. If there’s something you’re self-conscious about, tell me that too. I’ll listen.

Then we can try a few variations and look at what actually works. Your favourite may still be your usual side. It may be a slightly different angle, or a straight-on photograph you hadn’t considered.

The psychology behind our preferences is fascinating. Finding a photograph you love is the practical part.

You don’t need to arrive having solved your face.

A good photographer makes the angles work for you, rather than letting your angles determine the shoot.

Research: Lindell (2017) · Okubo & Oyama (2021)

About Tony

Tony Taafe is a professional headshot photographer based in Scottsdale, Arizona, working with executives, founders, and teams in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and nationwide.

tony@tonytaafe.com · 323.287.6399