We all struggle with taking that perfect selfie - and don't even get me started with zoom calls. When it comes to your social media profiles, website, and email signatures, I will always suggest that you invest in professional photos. You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. But sometimes you just want to grab some good selfies. I've included a few simple tips to keep in mind when you have your camera phone in front of you.
Tip 1 - Lighting
The light is our friend. Trust me - find the light! And lean into it!
Some of us are graced with wrinkles - and let’s face it, we’ve worked hard for these. ;-) But we prefer that people notice our eyes and smile first. Stand or sit directly in FRONT of the light.
Back light silhouettes you.
Side light accentuates your wrinkles.
Front light softens your wrinkles.
If you’re outside and it’s sunny, you have a few options.
*Direct sunlight is harsh and will exaggerate every line on your face.
*Find open shade - is there an awning that extends from a building? Or a shade tree? If so, stand under it. This way you will be in the shade but still nicely lit because the sun is shining just beyond the shaded area.
*Is the sun reflecting off the side of a white building? That’s usually great light. Use it!
Trust me - find the light!
Tip 2 - Camera angle / Close up / What's closest to the camera?
Whatever is closest to the camera will appear larger (fact check - not always - I’ve tried pushing my chest toward the camera, and still, nothing. LOL).
Many of us are aware of the benefit of snapping a picture while our camera phone is extended up and out, above eye level. This helps eliminate double chins and it opens our eyes. A mistake some of us make is we hold the camera too high. When you do this, it elongates your forehead and causes it to be disproportionate to the rest of your beautiful face. The top of your face is closer to the camera so it'll appear larger or longer.
Do you have a lazy eye? When I'm tired, which is probably about 96.9999% of the time, my left eye becomes quite lazy. This same tip - whatever is closest to the camera appears larger - applies here too. To help "open" the lazy eye, rotate your head slightly so the side of your face that has the lazy eye is turned toward the camera. Raise the camera slightly above eye level and take your selfie. There is software that we can use to open lazy eyes, but for a quick selfie, this is a great way to do it.
Tip 3 - Camera angle / Full length / What's closest to the camera?
Let's think of full-length pictures now. This same rule applies to full-length pics - whatever is closest to the camera will appear larger. When you’re standing for a photo turn your feet and body to a 45° angle. Put your weight on your back leg and push that tush back. If you want to gain 5 pounds put your weight on your front leg - this causes your front hip to naturally move toward the camera. To lose 5 pounds, put your weight on your back leg and push the tush back - this causes your front hip to move away from the camera. You're welcome. ;-)
A higher camera angle is not always better. If it’s just a picture of your face, then in most cases, it’s helpful. But if it’s a full-length picture of you or a group of friends, the higher camera angle is not your friend. Again, whatever is closest to the camera will appear larger. Your head will be larger than your legs…not good. Nobody wants a bobblehead unless it’s an actual bobblehead. ;-)
So, when you have someone snap a full-length pic of you whether you're by yourself or in a group shot, please fight the urge and do not ask the person taking the picture to hold the camera up high. Ask the person taking the picture to hold the camera shoulder height and hold it straight - do not angle it down.
This is intended to be a quick-down-and-dirty-get-great-selfies without worrying about editing guide. Backgrounds, filters, and different editing apps can be discussed at another time. Believe me, I'm not a selfie person and I stepped WAY OUT of my comfort zone to illustrate these tips. And I appreciate Therese jumping in also. We both love "groupies" because there's comfort in numbers.
Have fun and bring on the selfies and groupies. Go ahead and tag me, I'd love to see them!
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