Taking better Selfies

If you think that taking a selfie is a trend that started in todays, day and age, think twice. I remember the time when we used to use film cameras, and use a self-timer. It was a fun routine where we used to frame the picture click on the button, and then run to the space allotted for you in the picture. But today we have a trend where, we take a selfie every step of our life to showcase it to our family and friends on social media.

Today I will try to help you take better selfies with some tips and tricks, I have learnt in my 15 years of photography career, from Film to Digital. Selfies is a way to portray ones attitude, mood and emotions.

Looking up towards the camera: It is noticed that keeping the camera higher than your eye level. This might look silly initially for a few seconds until you nail that perfect angle. Whatever you do, taking a selfie straight on is probably not going to result in your best shot and it has nothing to do with your beautiful face. Trust me on this. The thumb rule is if the camera is too close to you in a straight line you will always looks distorted.

Fact Check: “Did you know, that women aged 16 to 25 spend an average of five hours a week taking selfies, and posting an average of three selfies a day?”

Focusing on the eyes: It is always said that a person’s eye is a window to your soul, and since we are not yet robots, we are always seeking for some human connection in the other person’s eyes. Try keeping the focus of your camera on your eyes. If possible try using a ring light, this will create a lovely light ring in your eyes, which will help bring out that expression you want to showcase. I have known friends who try to bring out that humans expression and emotion, by softening their eyes through different ways.

Fact Check: The word “Selfie” was actually invented by a drunk man in 2002

Lighting matters: Whatever you do stay away from harsh light and low light. The best time of day to take photos outside is when the sun is lower in the sky, before sunrise and right after sunset. That’s just some essential photography basics. Good lighting can change everything for you, it is the best beauty product. It can make your face look softer or harsh (depending on the light). Try not using a flash, since this could produce harsh light being closer to your face and even harsh shadows.

Fact Check: Psychologists believe that taking selfies can become a dangerous addiction.

Smile Naturally: Smile naturally and every selfies will come beautiful. Do not force yourself to grin or smile, because unnatural smiles are robotic, stiff, not authentic, and sometimes well, creepy. The best way to have a natural smile is to practice in front of the mirror, believe me it really works. Nothing can beat your natural smile, so keep smiling for that perfect selfie.

Fact Check: A study concluded that Makati City in the Philippines is the ‘Selfie Capital of the World,’ followed closely by Manhattan and Miami.

Background says it all: No matter where you take a selfies, try using an interesting background. The person will always be drawn to your selfie if he/she finds it of interest, and what more can be more interesting than a background. It always tells of a story as to where and what you are doing. Beware of photo bombers, they can be harsh in your pictures. In case you do not have an interesting background, or are lazy to move to one, you can always use a background changer app, I could recommend a few but until I post this there may be a dozen new ones with better features. Search the right one for you, and this brings me to my next topic.

Fact Check: Believe it or not, multiple selfies have been taken in outer space. That’s one small step for man, one giant step for self-portraits.

Using apps: Like I mentioned previously, there are so many apps these days to edit pictures, change backgrounds, change the face and so much more to do. I strongly recommend using these apps (I personally use Snapseed, which is completely free). Whatever you edit, “PLEASE DO NOT OVEREDIT”, a selfie of you should look like you and not your neighbor. While I am all for editing and filtering don’t over adjust your selfie, let it look natural. When editing use only a little retouching. Even while using filter you have an option to adjust the intensity of the filter, if you do not have one then its time you change to another better editing app.

Fact Check: Women take more selfies than men—but the differences greatly vary by area.

Be as crazy as you want: Since selfies are an expression to portray ones attitude, emotion and feelings, don’t be shy to go crazy. Initially you may look a little crazy doing so but, nevertheless it will be the worth it at the end. Selfies are mainly for social media and social networking, your followers may want to see something interesting in your day to day routine. But be careful do not overdo things just to please your followers. Be comfortable in whatever you do. If you are comfortable making those ‘duck lips’ (pouting), do it but nothing can replace that perfect smile. I even seen a video on Youtube teaching “how to get the perfect Pout?” I could not believe it.

Fact Check: You might think selfies started with smartphones, but they have a much longer history. The first ever Selfie was painted in 1524 using oil on wood.

Disclaimer: Fact check source readers digest.

Whatever you do, and which ever tips you have liked, take as many selfies as possible. Like any other photography stream, practice makes you nearly perfect. That is because nailing the perfect selfie isn’t easy- you need to have the right combination of light, angle setting and a good editing app. Know yourself, because only you will have enough knowledge of how you feel on a particular day. You may have a bad hair day or harsh light, or even photo bombers in your picture, all this can be edits through apps. But getting that perfect smile is up to you, no app in this world can do that for you. A smile is something very personal and only you can bring out the best.

I hope these tips helped you in some ways to take or understand better selfies, If they did I would like to hear from you, what helped you take a better selfie, this could be something you read, or something new that you experienced which will help others. Drop in a comment and I will surely reply.

By- Rahul Borges