How to Take a Better Selfie

Learning how to take a better selfie is a new problem we all have to face. The word selfie has now been added to the dictionary defined as “a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website.”

What does this mean? Well, it means it’s here to stay so it’s time to get good at it people! As a photographer, there is almost nothing I hate more than seeing a bad selfie on Facebook or Instagram. I know most of you don’t have the photography and lighting experience I have so here are 10 easy tips for you to take the best selfie possible.

Disclaimer: There are lots of pics of me here and I apologize for that. Weirdly enough no one was really willing to send me their ugly selfies for examples! Hahahaha

Look behind you. “Make sure the background enhances your images and does not distract from you. Move away from junk, make sure there isn’t a mirror reflecting something it shouldn’t, and find a cool background if you can. “
Do the 360 dance. “Once in selfie position turn around 360 degrees and see how the light changes on your face, then pick the best light.”
No Duck Face! “No one likes it, and it’s attractive on exactly 0% of the population. There is a difference between a kissy face and a duck face, so practice before you post the pics…please!”
Hold the camera above you and tilt down. “It’s just a better angle for all of us. Helps eliminate any chins we may have, and just looks plain old good.”
Avoid mirror shots. “Unless you are a fashionista that posts your daily outfits, then no one really needs to see all of you everyday. It’s hard to take a mirror shot without the phone in the way, and without looking at the wrong part of the camera. Just have someone else take.”
Use apps and filters. “Just like photoshop helps me retouch a clients image, apps and filters can do wonders for your selfie. There is absolutely no excuse for not using a filter. They are easy and fun, so give them a try. My favorites are Instagram, auto-enhance and Chrome on iPhone photos, and Facebook filter Boost. Have fun with it!”
Clean your hair up. “Clean up frizz and flyaways, but the bigger your hair the better. It just looks sexy, ok! Not much else to it :)”
Pinch Your Cheeks, and add some lips. “Pinching your cheeks brings a little color to them that may be lost after a long day at work. Cameras tend to not show as much contrast or details, so we need to help them out a little. And add a little lips color to help define them as well.”
Angle your body. “My biggest tip is that you may feel really silly or uncomfortable, but it’ll look great! I promise. Imagine America’s Next Top Model. When you see them in the shoots, they are always in some really awkward position, but the final image looks AMAZING. You will too. Play with the way you pose yourself and learn your best pose.”
Take a lot of shots. “Take more than you think you’ll need. Then go through and find the best one to add the filters to and upload. Then delete the rest. You don’t want someone to find 50 pics of yourself on your photostream. You’ll look like a crazy person!”

So now that you have all this info I want to see your best selfie. Post your photo and hashtag #nicolaselfietipsrock {nicolas-selfie-tips-rock}

With all that being said the best kind of selfie is one that isn’t a selfie, but a professional portrait by me. {Insert shameless plug here:)} Having someone who knows how to pose you, what light to use, how to style you and bring out that inner you is almost priceless.

We have an event coming up that is perfect for this theme. “Capturing the Beauty in You” is a ladies only one day event on July 19^th that is specifically to help woman see and express their true beauty. For only $250 you will not only have a day of pampering with professional hair and make-up, but come away with an image of your true you…the one we all see. We’d love to see you there. For more information click here: Capturing The Beauty In You Event or email us at info@nicolaborland.com.

Nicola Borland Photography

Pasadena Portrait Photographer {How to Take a Better Selfie}

Look behind you. “Make sure the background enhances your images and does not distract from you. Move away from junk, make sure there isn’t a mirror reflecting something it shouldn’t, and find a cool background if you can. “

Do the 360 dance. “Once in selfie position turn around 360 degrees and see how the light changes on your face, then pick the best light.”

No Duck Face! “No one likes it, and it’s attractive on exactly 0% of the population. There is a difference between a kissy face and a duck face, so practice before you post the pics…please!”

Hold the camera above you and tilt down. “It’s just a better angle for all of us. Helps eliminate any chins we may have, and just looks plain old good.”

Avoid mirror shots. “Unless you are a fashionista that posts your daily outfits, then no one really needs to see all of you everyday. It’s hard to take a mirror shot without the phone in the way, and without looking at the wrong part of the camera. Just have someone else take.”

Clean your hair up. “Clean up frizz and flyaways, but the bigger your hair the better. It just looks sexy, ok! Not much else to it :)”

Pinch Your Cheeks, and add some lips. “Pinching your cheeks brings a little color to them that may be lost after a long day at work. Cameras tend to not show as much contrast or details, so we need to help them out a little. And add a little lips color to help define them as well.”

Take a lot of shots. “Take more than you think you’ll need. Then go through and find the best one to add the filters to and upload. Then delete the rest. You don’t want someone to find 50 pics of yourself on your photostream. You’ll look like a crazy person!”

So now that you have all this info I want to see your best selfie. Post your photo and hashtag #nicolaselfietipsrock {nicolas-selfie-tips-rock}