The Selfie: Perfect it in 5 Steps
The world is going crazy about selfies, but what are selfies exactly? A selfie is a photograph that you take of yourself, usually with your mobile phone, and share with friends on social media.
As every social media fan knows, a stylish gallery of selfies is essential in promoting your personal brand! Take inspiration from well-known reality TV star Kim Kardashian (who is releasing her own US$20 book of selfies) and become a selfie pro:
1. Know how to angle every shot
You are the photographer, so you direct the shoot! The best angle to take a selfie is to look up and snap high. Tilt your head to the side and stick your neck out to give an instant lift. Do you to get more of yourself in the photo? Then bring that shoulder forward a little.
2. Be carefree
Newsflash: selfies are not meant to be serious, they are supposed to be a laugh! Serious selfies don’t often work. Show your carefree side by doing something fabulous – laughing out loud, blowing a kiss – a background to show off your free spirit helps.
3. It’s all about background
‘Super selfies’ are ones where the person is doing something interesting; traveling the world, in a beautiful art gallery or at a glam event. Make the most of it and choose your selfie location wisely. A colourful, bright or eye-catching background is an interesting way to freshen up the mood and lighten the shot.
4. Use ‘good’ light
A bright flash doesn’t help you look your best. Find good light that flatters your features. Soft and subtle morning light or dusky evening light gives a gentler focus to the picture and isn’t so harsh. Sit by a window to light your face or switch to black and white to reduce shadows, as Kim Kardashian recently said in her Mail Online interview.
5. Filter it
Have you experienced the magic of Instagram. It can transform a normal picture into a beautiful one. Dark shots can be lightened with filters on Instagram like Amaro, the Nashville filter takes us into a retro zone, cute frames can be added and things in the background can be blurred out.
Wow. Too easy. Next step? Start practicing your snapping skills for your next close up.
