How to make someone look older

<p>I'm trying to help a friend's son out. He's having no luck dating despite trying sites like Tindr and OKCupid. He showed me the selfie of himself he posted and he looks psychotic in it -- it's very distorted. But, also he is 21 and looks like he's 16. He's very young looking -- skinny (probably a size 36 jacket and a 28 inch waist), no facial hair, quite pale, soft skin in the face. He has thick dark hair, and I asked him to get a haircut because his hair overwhelms his face when its long. <br>

I'm going to take a few photos of him later today and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to how to make him look older. I could even do some work in Photoshop, but of course don't want to get carried away. </p>

<p>A good place to start is with an 80-100mm (in 35mm equivalents) lens or longer to minimize the perspective distortion. Next, some shadows will help make him look manly. Harder light rather than softer will bring out the features in his face, so use smaller light sources. No on-camera flash. Place the light source a little to the side, say at 45 degrees. If you are using a flash head, use a small softbox or umbrella to keep the light source on the small side. If you are using window light, the same idea holds. Moving farther from the window will reduce its relative size and make the shadows harder. Next you might want to control the shadows so they are not too light or dark. A reflector or another light source might help. I don't think I would do anything heavy-handed in PS. Make him look the way he looks and let nature take its course. Lastly, have fun and warn your subject that he might want to be careful what he wishes for!</p>

<p>Use a killer lens, i.e. something stopped down to at least f8 should do, don't go for the f1.4 & front eye in focus approach. I would use unflattering light.- Bright sunny day & fill flash or fill sun and tiny flashgun without big modifier as main on a dull day.<br>

The rest of age are probably props & poses?<br>

I'd go for a "thinker" look, mimicking pictures from the 50s or earlier. Tweed coat and muffler in the fog should work.</p>

<p>I was that kid once upon a time and while I'm tempted to say that nothing but time will solve the problem, let me suggest that Jochen Schrey has a great idea. But most of the problem, if I can put myself in his shoes (again) is that he may be shy and spending too much time hoping for luck on dating sites. Photography is only one aspect and maybe even the least concern. A less detached courtship approach, as hard as it may be, is probably best - talk to lots of girls, ask a bunch out, and be tough when the rejections happen. They happen but at some point an acceptance will too.</p>

<p>Pose with a serious countenance but with a light smile - eyes wide open but not excessive, some side lighting so part of his face is delineated in light shadows. Don't have his eyes staring directly into the camera but slightly just past it. Make sure there are no goofy things in the background, and that whatever he is wearing isn't something which might put off potential dates. </p>

<p>A few ideas:<br>

First, get the kid into some decent clothes and pro haircut. Many young men have somewhat lacking wardrobes and tend to go to cheap barbers. A layered, preppy look, with earth tone tweeds, is nice for a smart, older collegian appearance. Libraries and/or classical buildings are good locations. A jacket and tie "young executive" look can also lend a sense of accomplishment. Budget may be a limitation-good clothes and hair are expensive. Perhaps some things can be borrowed. </p>

<p>A rugged look can add some masculine heft. Flannel and denim, working around a horse barn, hiking in the mountains, can have a sexual cache some women find appealing.</p>

<p>The "rock star" look-leather, colored lights, guitar, can lend an air of edgy sophistication.</p>

<p>Clothes don't make the man, but they do make the impression of the man. If he comes across as a skinny kid, get him into some manly clothes and masculine roles. Of course the photography should be well done and have a professional look as if he was a confident, pro model. Create a story with your images.</p>

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<p>There are so many good ideas above. Thank you. I now look forward to taking these photos this afternoon. And, Brian, I'll read your post to the young man. </p>

<p> Does he have a black beard? Have you seen any hunk on tv not sporting a 2-3 day growth? There is a reason. I often have them show up with one, then after that series, shave it for the clean cut look. Appropriate wardrobe and lighting for each series. Gives him some other shots to post. Does he have abs. How about an open shirt or shirtless shot. He has youth, work it. </p>

Bob is right about the 2 or 3 day beard. It's actually kind of the "In," style for men right now.