A selfie is a self-portrait taken with a phone camera. Selfies have been around since forever, but popularity spiked in the 2000’s. Even phone manufacturers started catering to this growing trend by adding another camera lens on the front of phone. You want to improve your selfie. It’s a great way to represent yourself- so give it a try.

1. What is your Selfie’s Purpose?

What purpose is your selfie serving? Is your face glowing more than usual? Did you just get the best haircut of your life? Or do you feel extra beautiful today? As soon as you find your purpose you are able to tailor your selfie to this purpose. 

2. Who is your Audience?

It is possible that your best friend just gifted you the most beautiful earrings, so you really want to thank her with a selfie of yourself in them. Plus, show off those new earrings to your followers.

Just keep in mind that our social media accounts usually consist of our friends, family, clients, and possibly your boss. You can easily adjust your privacy setting to your needs.

3. What’s in the background?

Is the Eiffel Tower your background? Maybe a solid color background to allow your audience to really focus on your beauty? Just be aware of your surroundings. Position yourself so that you’re in front of a background you want people to see. A blossoming bush of flowers is always an easy and quick backdrop. A hippo charging at you in the background- probably not the safest choice. Hippos are fast.

4. Find good lighting. 

Natural light is always flattering. Keep the sun or other light source in front of you, preferable above eye level. And keep the flash off. Natural light is easy to find when outdoors, but if you’re indoors find a window that is bringing in a good source of natural light.

5. Find your perfect angle

What is your good side? Experiment with different angles to show off your favorite features. Hold your camera slightly higher than your head so that it’s pointing down on you. This make your eyes look bigger and helps avoid getting a shot of your nostrils. No one wants a nostril pic- unless that is your selfie’s purpose. 

Now smile! Make sure your expression looks authentic. Try to capture yourself when you’re feeling an emotion. Still laughing at a movie you saw last week- that emotion! 

P.S. Use the camera on the back of your phone since it takes higher-resolution pictures compared to the front camera.