Boyfriend v/s BFF: Chinese Women On Who Takes Better Pictures of Them

Have you ever scrolled through your camera roll, only to notice a stark contrast in how you look in photos taken by your best friend versus those snapped by your significant other? Well, according to a recent TikTok revelation, Chinese girls have pinpointed the primary culprit behind this photographic enigma: their boyfriends. A popular TikTok video highlights that best friend photos in China are more flattering because friends are more attuned to avoiding the camera's negative aspects and flaws. In contrast, photos taken by boyfriends often lack this consideration, leading to less appealing results.

Best Friend Photos vs. Boyfriend Photos

A new trend on Xiaohongshu (XHS), a Chinese social media platform, features users comparing photos taken by their best friends with those taken by their boyfriends. The differences are both amusing and revealing. One XHS user, 小肖肖肖乐, illustrated this with photos taken in front of the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. The photos highlighted how her friend captured her at her best, while her boyfriend's attempt left much to be desired. 

A Common Complaint

The frustration isn't just about the photos themselves but also about the lack of communication during the photo-taking process. Many users shared experiences of their boyfriends failing to point out simple issues like flyaway hairs or unflattering angles. One user lamented, "When my boyfriend photographs me, why can't he tell me that I have flyaways?! Does he not see that I look about 1.2m tall in the photo?"

Despite the criticisms, some users acknowledged that their boyfriends were trying to improve their photography skills. 小肖肖肖乐 noted that while her boyfriend took 80% of her photos, he occasionally captured decent shots. She appreciated his effort to improve, even if the odds of getting a good photo were lower compared to her friend's efforts.

Funny Comparisons Become Learning Experiences

In another example, a girl shared that her boyfriend, who was learning photography, suggested a pool photoshoot. The results were less than flattering, but her boyfriend humorously admitted that her friend’s photos were slightly better. Another girl had a similar experience with pool photos, where the refraction of light through water led to distorted and "decapitated" images. Despite the initial shock, she found an unexpected use for these photos in her junior high physics class on refraction.

The responses from boyfriends when confronted about their photography skills were often blunt. Comments like "That's just how you look," "Not being photogenic is your problem," and "I learn photography, not magic," were common. This highlighted a gap in understanding and communication between couples regarding photography.

Tips for Better Boyfriend Photography

To tackle the issue, some users have started sharing guides to help boyfriends take better photos. These tips focus on lighting and composition. While the trend sheds light on the humorous differences in photo quality between best friends and boyfriends, it also highlights the importance of understanding and communication in photography. With a bit of guidance and patience, boyfriends can improve their photography skills, ensuring that every moment captured is as flattering and cherished as the ones taken by best friends.