In 2013, to no one’s surprise, the word SELFIE was proclaimed word of the year. As 2015 kicks into high gear, the term selfie shows no signs of slowing down. It is impressive to see that not only is the selfie still around, but it has gained even more momentum and has brought to the table new variations such as the ussie, the felfie, and my personal favorite, the belfie.
I have been known to take more than the average number of ussies of my toddler and I because… a) he’s just so darn cute and b) I’d like to think that I am, after all, a hip mommy. However, what’s the good of a selfie if you can’t show it off to all your friends and family? Within seconds my ussie or selfie is on Instagram and/or Facebook, emailed to close family members, and then somehow sent it to the family members’ and friends’ not-so-close family members and friends. Before I know it, my selfie – in which I am dressed to the 9’s in sweats and my hair is in a messy bun, has been seen by hundreds of people. This made me realize that a selfie is no joke and I need to start taking them more seriously.
So, without further ado, here are some tips on taking the best selfie:
1) Lighting, lighting, lighting
Any good photographer knows that lighting is everything in a picture. How much more so is this the case when the picture is taken by a less than professional camera just a few inches from your face?!
- If you are outside, face directly into or away from the sun. Aim for sunrise or sunset, as the other times of the day, particularly around noon, the position of the sun can cast a shadow on your face making it look like you haven’t slept in months. (I am a mom to a toddler so I haven’t slept in months but there is no need to broadcast that in a selfie!)
- If you are inside, the best place to take a selfie is, of course, by a window.
2) Leave self-consciousness at the door
A selfie is no place for shyness. This is your time to shine. So flash your best – and MOST NATURAL – smile and leave the pouty lips and any other unnecessary/embarrassing pose for the photo booth. If you do ever feel inclined to do something awkward with your hands and/or lips, don’t fret! Just put down your phone, give yourself a few minutes and try again once you have regained your composure.
3) This isn’t your driver’s license
Please do not stare directly into the camera. Most people look their best when they turn a bit to the side.
4) Remind yourself that you are in control
You can delete or send out any image you see fit. So relax, smile and rest assured that you will have taken and looked through at least a dozen photos before you find the perfect one.
5) De-clutter…or just hide it somewhere
There’s nothing more distracting and DETRACTING in a selfie than a mess in the background. So do yourself and your fans a favor – pick a clean, relaxing background. Solid colored walls are ideal!
6) Edit!
Use those apps to your advantage to highlight your beauty and, perhaps, low-light a feature that isn’t your fave.