HOW I BECAME PHOTOGENIC
Overview
It all started when I was 15 and took my first photography course. I became obsessed with capturing the world through a lens. Photographing other people? Easy. Being photographed? Absolutely not. I wasn’t trying to be a model, so I shrugged it off.
Then came my Master’s in Fine Arts and a self-portrait assignment that turned everything upside down. Standing in front of the camera, I realized being photographed is basically therapy—without the comfy couch. Suddenly, I had a whole new level of empathy for my subjects.
Flash-forward to the opening of my studio. I photographed everyone—from models who knew their angles to business owners who had no experience. The trick? Making them feel comfortable, which, it turns out, is 90% of the job. I even created a guide by taking photos of myself in bad poses (awkward) and good poses (less awkward). A little humility goes a long way!
These photo guides helped me build a community of 2 million on TikTok and 700K on Instagram. Every day, I receive DMs from people saying things like, “Thanks to you, I no longer look like a deer in headlights!” That, my friends, is the real payoff.
Through these interactions, I realized something important: people don’t just want surface-level, “do this, not that” advice—they crave real insights. Fortunately, I have plenty to share. After years of photographing people who, like many of you, were nervous in front of the camera, I knew I had so much more to offer. That’s what led me to launch Photogenic, my weekly publication.
Photogenic is about more than just posing—it’s about understanding the whole picture. Photography is a gestalt experience, where composition, makeup, fashion, and location all come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. While these elements are often used in professional shoots, they can absolutely be applied to your own phone photos to make them extraordinary.
Every Friday, I break down these concepts—diving deep into the principles of photography, fashion, and makeup to transform your everyday photos. I also stay connected to the latest trends, sharing fresh ideas and personal stories that make the art of fashion photography feel exciting and accessible.
There’s something truly magical about feeling photogenic. It boosts your confidence, lets you share creative moments with loved ones, and helps capture stunning photos that elevate your digital presence—whether for personal memories or business growth.
This month, I’ll be releasing the seasonal guide, so if you’ve enjoyed this read, consider becoming a paid subscriber (for less than the cost of a coffee per month).
Thanks for reading.
With love,
Bonnie
P.S. Apparently, liking posts works wonders for the algorithm, so if you enjoyed this issue and feel like tapping that little heart, it would mean the world!
Hi guys! If there’s anything you’d like to improve in your photos, let me know. I’m compiling a list of suggestions for future content that addresses your needs. Muaaaa!