Why photos?
In the mirror, you can’t see slow changes, and the way we look at ourselves shifts with mood and tiredness. Photos taken in the same conditions let you observe your progress more objectively. They’re for you: nobody else needs to see them.
The five golden rules
- The same light. Face a window, in daylight, without direct sun. Avoid ceiling lights, which deepen features. Ideally, always pick the same time of day.
- The same distance and framing. Hold your phone at eye level, arm outstretched, or rest it on a stand. Frame from the top of your forehead down to your collarbones.
- The same expression. Neutral face, mouth closed, jaw relaxed, eyes looking straight at the lens. Add a smiling photo if you like.
- The same preparation. Makeup-free face, hair tied back, no filter and no portrait mode.
- Several angles. Front-on, three-quarter view on the left and right, then profile. The profile is ideal for observing the jawline and the neck.
How often?
A set of photos every two to four weeks is enough. Any more often, the differences are too small to see, and you risk getting discouraged.
Comparing without judging yourself
- Compare the first photo with the latest one, rather than two consecutive photos.
- Take into account what changes your appearance from one day to the next: sleep, cycle, a salty meal, the season, water retention.
- Also note how you feel: a less clenched jaw, a more relaxed forehead, the pleasure of practicing. These improvements matter as much as the ones you can see.
The skin journal
Alongside the photos, a few quick notes help you understand your skin: hours of sleep, stress level, new products, diet, cycle. After a few weeks, links often appear, for example between a short night and puffy eyes.
