It’s the age of technology. Smartphones are getting smarter, and the cameras on them take such good pictures that you don’t even need a professional one anymore. Of course, with mobile phone cameras evolving, there are awesome apps that are designed to share the beautiful pictures that you’re taking…*cough, cough* Instagram…
Since Instagram’s lovely debut back in 2010, the term “selfie” has been used more often. Selfies have become such a popular hobby of this generation that phones have started to have HD front cameras as well.
As a selfie guru myself, I have collected a handful of techniques that have helped me take flawless selfies with just one (or two) tries. Here’s a list of the most scientific techniques that I have found very helpful in taking the perfect selfie every time.
1. Lighting! Lighting! Lighting!
The absolute most important aspect of selfie-taking is the availability of light, specifically natural light. A selfie that is dark will not compliment any of your flawless facial features, and the picture will ultimately turn out to be grainy, thus visually unappealing. (Side note: when using the flash for a selfie, make sure that the camera is not held too close to your face. Too much light will cause you to look pale and/or shiny).
2. Facial Angles
When taking a selfie, it is quite hard to get a good picture when facing the camera straight on. This makes the face look 2-dimensional and unflattering. Try turning your face to the side or holding the phone up at a 45-degree angle. The slightest turn makes the biggest difference and can also accentuate your facial features, such as higher cheekbones and bigger eyes.
3. Be mindful of your background
A selfie with a busy background is blasphemous! This is a selfie. It is a picture that is only about YOU and YOURSELF. Objects in the background as well as photobombers can be extremely distracting and take away from the picture as a whole. Imagine taking a bathroom selfie and accidentally getting the toilet in the background…YUCK!
4. Photo Editing Apps are your best friend!
One of my favorite things to do after taking my selfie is editing! My go-to apps are Visage Lab—for blemish removal and color correction—and VSCO—for adding stunning effects. Editing your photos can literally take them from a 10 to 100. I do suggest, though, not editing pictures to the point where you no longer look like yourself.
So here they are: my secrets to taking the perfect selfie. Although not at all extravagant or magical, they definitely do the trick. Enjoy!