how to take better selfies

Introduction:

It’s no secret that we’re obsessed with selfies. And it makes sense-who doesn’t love a good photo of themselves? But sometimes, no matter how many filters we use, our selfies can still come out looking a little lackluster. We’ve compiled our top 10 tips on how to take better selfies, so you can slay your social media game this year.

1. Lighting is important for better selfies

Lighting is key when it comes to taking a good selfie. In fact, it's so important that you might say it's the difference between a good selfie and a bad one. There are two things to keep in mind when it comes to lighting: natural light and artificial light. For natural light, find a spot where the sun is shining on you from behind the camera. This will create a softer light which is less harsh than direct sunlight or a flash. If you're taking selfies in the evening or at night, use artificial light such as a lamp or overhead light. Just make sure that the light is behind you and not in front of you, as this will create harsh shadows. Another thing to keep in mind is to hold something white under your chin, which will help brighten your face and get rid of any shadows.

2. Get the angle right

selfies have become ubiquitous in our society - and for good reason. They're a great way to capture a moment, document your travels or just show off your outfit of the day. But if you want to take your selfie game up a notch, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, get the angle right. A classic selfie pose is holding the camera at arm's length as far up and away as possible. This is popular because it works - it makes you look thinner and elongates your neck. But if you want to be more creative, try changing the angle. Get closer to the mirror, or shoot from down low. Just be sure to hold it still so you don't have wobble and blur. And a top tip here is to use the volume down button to take the shot rather than fumbling for the on-screen shutter icon.

3. Use the background

Before you snap your selfie, take a minute to consider the background. Is it too bright or too boring? Will it clash with the colors in your outfit? Having a clean, simple background will make your selfie look professional and well-thought-out. Try to find a backdrop that complements your outfit and add some interest to the shot. If you're struggling to find something interesting in the background, try taking a step back and zooming in. This will help to eliminate any distractions and give the focus back to you.

4. Avoid the flash in most cases

The best light is always natural light. However, sometimes the natural light in a room just isn't enough. In those cases, you can use your device's flash. Just keep in mind that the flash will usually wash out your skin tone and make you look a little bit paler. If you're using an app like Snapchat, look out for the flash icon. This is the lightning bolt in the case of Snapchat and it will turn your screen white, as it takes the shot, to act as a flash.

5. Keep shooting

Delete the duds after. Whether your phone has the memory for it or not, take lots of selfies. You can always delete the duds after. And if you don't have a selfie stick to extend your arm, try propping your phone up on a surface or using a friend to help you out.

When going through the shots it can help to favorite the ones you like, then go back through those and delete the ones you don't like. Repeat until you're left with 'The One.'

But what do you do if you're not happy with how you look in your selfies? Well, first of all, stop comparing yourself to other people (you're amazing just the way you are). Then try these tips:

-Change head position
-Change background location
-Adjust the camera height and angle
-Try different facial expressions

6. Use apps and filters

While you might be tempted to rely on filters and apps to take your selfies, it's worth noting that these can often be used to improve the end result. Many phones now have 'smart snappers' which automatically adjust the settings for the best picture. However, there are a range of apps and filters which can be used to enhance your selfies. In the case of Snapchat, it's often easiest to just shoot from within the app's camera system. But some cameras also have editing features built-in and filters available in the native camera. After effects work can also enhance an image. Apps like Adobe Photoshop Fix, Facetune or Perfect365 are good options to try your editing skills for that perfect finish.

7. Be natural

We all know that selfies are all about capturing the perfect moment. But what if you're not feeling your best? Or what if you don't know how to pose? Here are a few tips to help you take better selfies, no matter what mood you're in or what you're feeling. First, relax and be yourself. A forced smile is never a good look, nor is an overly serious attempt to look like a model. But if you can find a natural smile or laugh, that's always going to enhance a selfie. Second, find good lighting. Natural light is always best, but if you're in a low-light environment, try using a flash or invest in a good selfie light. Third, use a good camera app. There are plenty of great apps out there that will help you take better pictures, with more options for editing and filters. Finally, experiment! Try different angles, poses and expressions to see what works best for you.

8. Shadow dodge

Shadows are your enemies when it comes to selfies. Whether they're caused by an unfortunate light source or an awkwardly positioned arm, shadows can quickly ruin an otherwise great picture. That's why it's so important to learn how to dodge them.

There are a few different ways to do this. The most common is to find a good light source. This can be tricky, but it's worth it. Even if you have the perfect light, shadows can be created by factors like a pole or a tree casting a line across your face.

One way to avoid shadows is to shoot in the shade. Since direct sunlight can sometimes wash out a picture anyway, the shade can offer a good neutral start to work from. If you're shooting in direct sunlight, try to find someplace with indirect light instead. This will help reduce the number of shadows in your picture.

9. Know your good side

The old saying goes that most people have a "good side." Well, when it comes to selfies, that's definitely true. Since you're likely holding your phone and angling it with one hand, you're likely going to favor one side of your face over the other. Make sure you know which side that is, and angle the camera accordingly. If you have uneven lighting, try to position yourself so that the light hits your face in a way that flatters you. That might mean standing in front of a window instead of out in the open, or positioning yourself so that your best angle is facing the camera.

10. Use a tripod or selfie stick

When it comes to taking selfies, sometimes you just need a little help. That's where accessories like tripods and selfie sticks come in. Not only do they offer a more stable shot, but they can also give you more distance so you can fit more of the background into the frame. This is ideal for landscape shots where you want to be in the picture too! Just make sure your tripod is set up in a solid position and be aware of things like passing people and wind, to make sure your phone doesn't take a faceplant before capturing yours.

Conclusion:

Taking selfies is an art form, and like all forms of art, it takes practice to get better. By following these ten simple tips, however, you'll be able to take much better selfies and show the world the real you – no filters necessary.