'unphotogenic' originates from English, formed by the negative prefix 'un-' plus the adjective 'photogenic'; 'photogenic' ultimately derives from Greek elements 'phōs' (light) and 'genēs' (born/produced).

'photogenic' entered English in the early 19th century (via French 'photogénique') from Greek roots 'phōs' and 'genēs'; the English negative prefix 'un-' was later attached to create 'unphotogenic' to express the opposite quality.

Initially, 'photogenic' meant 'producing or appearing well in photographs'; over time, adding 'un-' produced 'unphotogenic,' meaning 'not looking attractive or not showing well in photographs.'