The Art Of Selfie Taking

As the self-proclaimed Selfie Queen (a suitable title, seeing as taking selfies is all I do, be it for this blog [I usually take all the photos myself] or for my Instagram or for a new Facebook profile picture), I sometimes get a bit frazzled when I see people take bad selfies. Maybe I am just rather shallow, but if you’re going to put a picture of yourself onto the internet for all the world to see, why would you choose a bad one? 

So, for the amateurs or 12 year olds who have just gotten their iPhones and haven’t a clue on how to take advantage of the front camera, this post is for you:

Everyone has a preferred or good side, so to speak. Not all of us were blessed with the perfect enough genetics to look good from every single angle. Maybe your left side has a dimple that makes you look good? And for sure, we all have that good eyebrow. Use that to your advantage! 

Who am I to lie? I did this pose throughout my entire prep school career. It was easy, and it allowed me to do something with my hands. Why get rid of a good thing? Well maybe it’s because it’s 2013. It’s time to let it go. Shh, don’t worry. You’ll find a new go-to pose soon.

Most people have gone through an emo/scene phase (don’t you dare lie you know you did too) and in that, we learnt that we must always hide our faces or avoid direct eye contact with the camera, in hopes that people will never look into our eyes, see our soul and realise we’re not as deep and tormented as we think we are. Whatever the case shall be, though, hopefully that phase died in this new decade, which also makes it okay to sometimes, I don’t know, actually look at the camera when someone takes a photo of you. I know. Shock horror. Let it sink in. It’ll be okay.

Sometimes, holding a camera can be tedious and strenuous on your arms. With a DSLR, I know the struggle. But whilst taking a selfie, always be conscious of your arms. Sometimes they just get in the way and make things awkward. 

5) You Don’t Always Have To Pout

Seriously though. There are other things to do with your face. I used to be infamous for having the exact same smile in every single picture ever taken of me, but even that, too, can be a bit overboard. Yes, your smile works for you, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Shake it up a little. For example:

6) Good Lighting Is Your Friend
I am an avid believer and advocate for natural lighting. With good lighting, you seldom have to edit your photos because all your blemishes and bags under your eyes seem to be lessened by the lack of flash and the abundance of natural lighting. And always remember the age old photographers motto: The lighting must be behind the camera, not you. It does wonders.

So, that is it from me! Hopefully these ‘tips’ haven’t been completely useless, and if I offended you because you do one/all of these things, ooooops. Another school week up ahead, and hopefully I can blog in between it. Have a blessed week, friends!