Many people have noticed that they tend to look better in photos taken with Snapchat’s camera compared to the native camera app on iPhones. There are a few reasons why this might be the case:
Camera Quality
The iPhone camera is designed to capture photos that represent what we see with our eyes. The colors, lighting, and detail are meant to be true to life. Snapchat’s camera, on the other hand, applies filters and adjustments to photos to make them look brighter, smoother, and more flattering. For example:
- Snapchat smooths skin and applies a subtle beautification filter.
- The app boosts contrast and saturation for more vibrant, eye-catching photos.
- Facial features may appear wider or more symmetrical in Snapchat.
These small tweaks and enhancements can go a long way in making us look better in photos! The iPhone camera shoots beautiful, true-to-life photos, but Snapchat gives our photos an extra boost.
Angle and Focal Length
Another factor is the angle and focal length at which selfies are taken. The iPhone’s front-facing camera has a focal length of around 22mm. Snapchat’s is wider at around 28mm.
The wider angle lens makes our facial features appear smaller and more proportional in the center of the frame. A narrower focal length can distort our faces and exaggerate features that are close to the camera.
The ability to hold our phones further away from our faces and get more in the shot also allows us to capture our whole head rather than just a zoomed in portion of our face. This gives a more accurate representation of what we really look like.
Flattering Lighting
Snapchat’s camera and filters are designed to cast flattering lighting on our faces. Features like back-facing flash and soft focuses create a diffuse lighting effect that reduces shadows and smooths details.
The front-facing iPhone camera often results in harsher, less complementary lighting. Shadows can be cast under our eyes or noses at unflattering angles. Snapchat evens out lighting for glowy, flawless selfies.
Increased Confidence
Seeing ourselves looking our best can also do wonders for our confidence! When we look good, we tend to feel good. Snapchat shows us styled-up, smoothed out versions of ourselves.
This self-esteem boost puts us in a positive mindset and makes us feel more photogenic from the get-go. The iPhone camera shows us raw, unedited footage that may magnify any slight imperfection.
Differences in Camera Hardware
Aside from software processing, there are some hardware differences that contribute to the Snapchat vs iPhone camera quality debate:
Megapixels
| Camera | Rear Megapixels | Front Megapixels |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 Pro | 12MP | 12MP |
| Snapchat | Varies | Varies |
As you can see, Snapchat’s camera quality is dependent on the particular iPhone model being used. Most modern iPhones have 12MP front and rear cameras, while older models range from 5-8MP. More megapixels capture more detail but don’t necessarily equate to better quality photos.
Aperture
The aperture refers to the size of the opening that allows light into the camera. The lower the number, the wider the aperture. Wider apertures allow for better low light photos. Here are the apertures for each camera:
| Camera | Rear Aperture | Front Aperture |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 Pro | f/1.5 | f/2.2 |
| Snapchat | Varies | Varies |
The iPhone 13 Pro has a wider aperture than previous models for stunning portrait shots. Snapchat relies on the iPhone’s existing hardware, so aperture varies.
Image Sensor Size
A larger camera sensor can capture more light and detail. The iPhone 13 Pro has a 1/3.25″ rear sensor and a 1/3.6″ front sensor. As Snapchat uses the built-in iPhone cameras, the sensor size is the same regardless of the app used.
How Snapchat Achieves the Enhanced Look
So how exactly does Snapchat manage to make photos look so much better? Here’s a look at some of the app’s photo editing secrets:
Built-In Beauty Filters
Snapchat applies subtle beauty filters to selfies by default. These automatic filters smooth skin, even out tone, whiten teeth, and brighten eyes. There are also options to manually change the strength of the beautification effect.
Facial Feature Enhancement
The app’s algorithms selectively slim the jawline, enlarge eyes, and refine other facial features. These tweaks are applied automatically and meant to be very subtle.
Automatic Face-Framing
When taking a selfie, Snapchat auto-frames the face in the center and optimal position. This avoids unflattering cropping and angles.
Flattering Perspective Correction
Because selfies are taken so close to our faces, the camera perspective can distort features. Snapchat has patented technology that uses face mapping to correct these effects and maintain natural face shapes and proportions.
De-Emphasize Blemishes
Acne, pores, lines, and other skin imperfections are smoothed out and de-emphasized, but not fully hidden. A natural result is maintained.
Brighten and Boost Color
Contrast, saturation, and other color adjustments are applied to all photos to boost vibrancy. Filters take this even further. Selfies snap – they pop!
Do People Really Look Better in Snapchat?
While Snapchat’s camera and built-in effects do tend to be more flattering than iPhone’s native camera app, does it show what we really look like?
Enhanced Looks Aren’t Fully Authentic
Snapchat selfies present an idealized version of ourselves. They smooth flaws and exaggerate our best features. The app applies a “Snapchat filter” to all photos before we even choose an overlay filter.
Beauty Standards Promoted
The subtle enhancements promote conventional beauty standards like flawless skin, big eyes, full lips, and slim face shapes. These effects happen without our input or control.
Can Negatively Impact Self-Image
Seeing such perfected versions of ourselves on Snapchat can negatively impact self-esteem. We expect to look as good in real life as we do through Snapchat’s lens.
Not a Good Measure of Progress
The filters and editing make it hard to accurately track beauty progress and results. We may think a skincare routine or makeup look is working when it’s mostly Snapchat’s effects.
Good for a Confidence Boost
Even with altered looks, seeing your best self can boost confidence! Snapping our best face forward gives us the esteem lift needed to take on the day.
Pros and Cons of the Snapchat Camera
Pros
- Enhances and perfects features
- Evens skin tone and texture
- Makes eyes wider and brighter
- Gives a flattering perspective
- Applies a subtle glow and beauty boost
Cons
- Photos aren’t fully true to life
- Can promote feeling self-conscious about real appearance
- Beauty standards like slimmer faces reinforced
- Hard to gauge real progress and results
- Not accurate representation for professional use
Tips for Better iPhone Selfies
While we can’t replicate all of Snapchat’s editing secrets, there are tips for taking better iPhone selfies:
Use Rear Facing Camera
Use the back camera by turning your phone. Rear cameras are higher quality with better lenses. Use a mirror to frame your shot.
Set Up Proper Lighting
Position yourself near a window or add extra lighting to avoid shadows. Diffused, soft light flatters facial features.
Clean Both Camera Lenses
Smudges on the front and rear lenses can distort photos. Wipe lenses clean before shooting.
Angle Camera Higher
Holding the camera slightly above eye level is most flattering. Point your chin down and eyes up towards the lens.
Take Burst Photos
Take multiple selfies in a row and select the best frames. Burst mode catches natural smiles and movement.
Use Rear Flash for Fill Light
The rear flash can act as a fill light, casting an even glow on your features from the front when used with a mirror.
Conclusion
Snapchat’s built-in filters, editing tools, and camera allow it to produce selfies that are generally more flattering than your standard iPhone selfies. Smoothed skin, enhanced eyes, perfect proportions, and ideal lighting all contribute to that desirable Snapchat glow.
However, these altered photos only reveal one version of ourselves – not necessarily the real, unfiltered one. While Snapchat selfies can boost confidence, it’s healthiest when we still love the raw footage too.
By implementing some flattering photography techniques, we can achieve beautiful iPhone selfies that better reflect both our outer and inner beauty. Snapchat might provide the rose-tinted glasses, but learn to love the unedited you!