12 Tips for Taking Better Selfies

Show up in front of the camera in a way that makes you feel good.

Selfies are a skill, just like any other type of photography. Here are twelve of my top tips for getting selfies that make you feel good.

1. Take Extra Photos: Take more pictures than you could ever possibly need. All the poses you could ever want. All the faces. There’s no reason not to.

2. Delete the Extras: Take the time to cull the photos you don’t want, and figure out why you don’t like them. Editing is a big part of learning to get better. 

3. Natural Light is Your Friend: Find as much natural light as possible. Outdoors, oversized windows, anywhere that you can find that great indirect sunlight.

4. The ‘Magic Hour’: Right before and after the sun rises/sets is called the magic hour because of the excellent indirect sunlight. Take photos at this time as much as you can.

5. Picture the Grid: Or turn the grid on your phone! Imagine a hashtag/pound sign/# laying over your photograph. Try to aim to put your subject along the lines and at the cross marks. 

6. Utilize Your Technology: You have a nifty little camera phone at your disposal; it does incredible things. Figure out what you want to do with your photos, and make it happen.

7. Use the Space Around You: Find awesome backgrounds. Stick your face in a flower bush. Stand in front of a monument. There are great places to get yourself in the picture. 

8. Think About Why: Why are you taking this photo? What story are you trying to tell? 

9. Try out different angles, modes, etc.: Mix up your selfies. Shoot from above, below, the side. Try shooting in square format. Try doing it with literally every mode on your camera. 

10. Don’t Over Edit: Trust your instincts. Please don’t spend more time editing your selfies than you do taking them and scrapbooking them. There is no perfect photograph.

11. Print Your Photos: For so many reasons. One, so that you can scrapbook them—two so that you have them saved in a physical form. Three, because it helps your brain realize your art in a different format, and that will make you a better photographer.

12. Practice. A Lot. The absolute best way to get better is to practice.

Get practice in with my Thursday3 Selfie Challenge — each week on Thursdays, snap a selfie & jot down three things going on in your right now life. #Thursday3 on social media or share with us on the ALP app!