Let’s face it when it comes to social media a person is usually measured by the selfie-meter. Let me explain when you have a good selfie that is flattering to both you and your audience you rack up imaginary confidence points. Those points give you the confidence to post more often and in turn make you more of an online super-star over time. What happens when you can’t take that perfect selfie though?
If you are anything like myself, it usually takes a series of at least 10 photos to get that ‘perfect’ shot. WHO has time for that…I certainly don’t! As a result, I have decided to share my tips to make your selfie-game a little easier – because we all have bad face days.
Step 1:
Find the angle that most flatters you! This may involve standing in a mirror or taking a few test shots, but angles are EVERYTHING in the selfie-sphere. For example, if you want to diminish your eye bags, shift your camera upwards and look up when you take a photo. Right side or left side of face counts too! For me, photos that show my face dead on work out best and are almost no-fail when taking a photo. Take a look at a series of photos and decide what works for you. This part of the process takes time but it will become a staple for that perfect shot in the long run.
Step 2:
Location! Often times the background of a photo can help with the overall interest in the selfie. If you don’t want someone concentrating on your face then look to the background for help. A simple background with bold colour will often add to your facial features while a busy background will take the visual plain away from your face. Choose wisely!
Step 3:
Light up that space! Have you ever seen a photo look worse than when it is taken in a poorly lit area? If you are indoors, my little trick is to take a photo facing a window or light source, it will bring out all of your features and make your eyes sparkle. Remember to angle your camera so that it looks down on you, slightly above your forehead and voila! A perfectly lit shot!
@thissweethappylife Instagram
Step 4:
Move the photo around – you may hate the photo upright but love it when you turn it upside down. A selfie doesn’t always have to be right side up after all. When you take that initial photo make sure to be far enough away from the photo so that you can twist it and turn it any way you see fit.
Step 5:
When all else fails with angles and lighting, turn to the filter gods! With millions of apps and filters out there one is sure to flatter you. I personally love over saturated filters that blur out fine lines and pop lip colour and eyelashes – play with a few and see which you like best.
Best Instagram Filters For:
- Pale Skin – Valencia will have you slightly glowing
- Blemishes – Amaro lightens up areas without over saturating – pimples be gone!
- Fine Lines/Eye Bags – Rise does just that! Lifts those lines away!
- Dull Features – Mayfair will have that lip pouting with colour and those cheeks glowing!
Step 6:
Remember to touch up your photos when you need to – don’t go overboard on this! A simple patch tool can help get rid of that unwanted zit or use the blur tool to blur out a fine line or 2. Make sure not to use this ALL OVER your face though! (The internet gods will call you out on it.)
Step 7:
Have fun! Anyone can see through a photo that is over photoshopped or one that has been taken a million times to capture that perfect set. The more fun you have the more people will be able to see that in your photo reflection!
