If you want to look better in photos, this article offers five tips for better selfies.
Hello Lovelies,
Women never like their pictures. I say this with authority because, as a photographer, I’ve taken my share of portraits for women, and they are never satisfied until I perform my post-photo shoot magic on them. Before I can say hello, they’ll tell me what they don’t like and ask if “I can take 10 pounds and ten years off” their portraits. So, having a few tips I’m offering here will make a big difference in how you look in selfies.
Find good lighting
Lighting is crucial in all photography. Always look for the best natural light source and face it, or use a ring light or a soft box if you’re inside. Facing a window works, too. Avoid taking photos in harsh and direct sunlight, as it can create unflattering shadows. The horror of this is that it emphasizes wrinkles and dark under-eye shadows. This means skipping lunchtime selfies and opting for early to mid-morning or late afternoon and evening. Finding a shaded spot works best if you must have a selfie in the glaring sunlight. Move away from overhead artificial light, if possible. Again, this casts ugly shadows on your face. Alternatively, if you are under a streetlight, hold your flat hand above your face out of camera range to block the shadow.
Use the right angle
It’s essential to find the right angle that flatters your face. Experiment with angles and find the one that works best for you. Try holding the camera slightly above eye level, above your head, or at a slight angle to get a better shot.
Sometimes, someone taking the selfie has long arms and is taller so that a portion of your body is captured. Standing at the correct 45-degree angle with weight on your back leg is more flattering. This slenderizes the body. Place one hand gently on your hip, or hold both hands gently in front just below your belly button. If you want to lose a pound or two immediately, tip ever-so-slightly forward from the waist. Objects closest to the camera appear more prominent than those farther away, which minimizes your hips and thighs.
Men’s poses are the opposite of women’s. Help your guy look his best by having him stand solidly on the ground facing the camera to give a strong appearance. One hand placed in a pocket or belt loop offers even more breadth to the form or, if seated, take up space with arms and body.
Consider the background
Because of my training, I notice more that is wrong in selfies than is right in selfies. I see a lot of lovely faces but bad backgrounds. The background is more important than you think—Scout out a spot or two that is clean and simple and won’t distract from your face. Take a few seconds to spin around to avoid cluttered or messy areas. Using the portrait lens on your camera blurs the background slightly, moving the attention to that beautiful face of yours even more.
Smile naturally
Flashing a genuine smile can make a huge difference in your selfie. Smile naturally or try to capture a candid moment. Don’t force a smile, as it can look fake and awkward. Taking a deep breath to relax and then smiling gives a more natural look. Practicing a smile in the mirror can get you ready for when the next selfie comes along, and you won’t have to beg off. Remember to smile with your eyes. It sounds funny, but thinking about someone or someplace that makes you happy puts a lift and light in your eyes. You’ll see the difference.
Limit your edits
Editing can enhance your selfie, but using it with care is essential. We can all tell when you’ve overdone it. Avoid over-editing your selfie, which can make it look fake and unrealistic. You want people to recognize you when they see the photo or you in person. Stick to basic edits like adjusting brightness and contrast. Following the earlier tips will give you a better result, so you won’t have to make changes.
BONUS TIP!
Focus the group
If more than you are in the picture, please ensure everyone’s face or body is on the same plane. Like above, objects closer to the camera are more significant; you want all the heads to be close together and no one too far back or forward unless that is the concept you are going for. This will position everyone’s head to be naturally sized and in focus.
By following these tips, you can take better selfies that you’ll be proud to share with your friends and family. Remember, you are uniquely you, so have fun and experiment with different poses and angles to find what works best for you. Above all, relax and have a good time. The great thing about digital photos is that they can be taken over and over at no extra cost until we get the result we’re willing to share.
Tell me how much you loved your photos below!
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