If you use social media, my guess is that you’ve struggled to find a picture of yourself to show the world “your good side”. In this edition I offer you a few tips.
- Lighting is Key The best selfies are all about good lighting. Natural light is your best friend, so try to take your selfie near a window or outdoors. The golden hour – just after sunrise or before sunset – provides a soft, warm light that can give your selfie a magical quality.
- Know Your Angles Everyone has a ‘good side’ – find yours by experimenting with different angles. Hold your phone slightly above your head and tilt it down for a universally flattering look. Remember, the camera should capture your face from a slight angle, not straight on or from below.
- The Background Matters Your background can make or break a selfie. Look for simple, uncluttered backgrounds that won’t distract from your face. If you’re somewhere scenic, let the location shine by stepping back and fitting more of it into the frame.
- Express Yourself A selfie is a chance to show the world who you are, so don’t be afraid to express yourself. A genuine smile, a playful pout, or a look of surprise can all make for a memorable selfie. Let your personality shine through.
- You could get creative, nothing wrong with turning yourself into a character, the picture is an image I took of myself during lockdown when taking pictures of other people wasn’t possible.
- Practice Makes Perfect Like any skill, taking a great selfie takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Keep experimenting with different techniques, and you’ll find what works best for you.
- Editing can help enhance it. Use filters sparingly – you want to look like yourself (unless you’re getting super creative!), not a completely different person. Apps like Instagram and Snapchat offer a variety of filters that can add a fun twist to your selfie.
I hope you find these tips helpful for your next selfie but if you have questions, feel free to get in touch.
This article was first published in the Great Barr Gazette, written on behalf of Great Barr Photographic Society by Gary Hurdman.
