How to Take a Great Selfie: Tips for Perfect Portraits

As a Headshot Photographer I will always suggest that you use a professional for best results but for some people this isn’t going to work for them so they might like to try using their phone with some tips here instead. Taking a great selfie can be both fun and rewarding, capturing your best angles and stories to share with friends and followers. Here are some tips to help you take the perfect selfie:

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1. Find Good Lighting

Lighting is key to a great selfie!

  • Natural Light: Whenever possible, use natural light. Position yourself facing a window or go outside if it’s cloudy . Natural light is flattering and reduces shadows.
  • Avoid Harsh Light: Sunshine can be too harsh. Aim for the softer light of early morning or late afternoon or cloudy days.
  • Artificial Light: If natural light isn’t an option, use soft indoor lighting. Avoid overhead lights that can cast unflattering shadows.
  • If you drive, try sitting in the front seat of your vehicle as the directional diffused light really flatters!
Headshots Newcastle
Headshots Newcastle

2. Know Your Angles

Finding your best angle is crucial. It isn’t always from above as most tend to assume!

  • Experiment: Tilt your head slightly to find your best angle. For most people, a slight tilt up or down or tilted to the side works best.
  • Avoid Straight-On Shots: Slightly angling your face to the left or right can add depth and dimension.
  • Try moving your camera below, above and to the slides of your face and see what flatters your features and bone structure best.

3. Use the Right Tools

Use the tools available to enhance your selfie.

  • Selfie Stick or Tripod: These can help get a better angle and include more of the background.
  • Timer or Remote Shutter: Use the timer or a remote shutter to avoid shaky shots.

4. Frame the Shot

Composition matters.

  • Rule of Thirds: Imagine your screen divided into a 3×3 grid. Position your face along these lines or at their intersections.
  • Close-Up or Full Frame: Decide if you want a close-up of your face or a wider shot that includes more of your surroundings.

5. Choose the Right Background

A clean, uncluttered background keeps the focus on you. 

  • Simple and Clean: Choose a background that isn’t too busy or distracting.
  • Contextual: Sometimes, the background can add to the story of your selfie, like a beautiful rural landscape or an interesting urban scene. 
  • If this is for business, where would your clients expect  to see you?
  • Try to keep backdrops in soft focus by using the portrait mode on your phone camera.
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6. Focus on Expression

Your expression can make or break the selfie.

  • Relax: Take a deep breath and relax your face. A natural smile is always more appealing than a forced one.
  • Engage: Think of something that makes you happy or laugh. Genuine emotion translates well in photos.
  • Look into the lens and imagine a client, a friend or someone else you are pleased to see looking back at you

7. Use Filters and Editing Sparingly

Enhance your selfie, but don’t overdo it.

    • Subtle Filters: You can use filters to enhance colours and lighting, but avoid those that drastically alter your appearance or add too much unflattering contrast
    • Edit Lightly: Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation subtly for a polished look. Avoid heavy editing that makes the photo look unnatural.
    • Only edit if it needs it!

8. Clean Your Lens

A dirty lens can ruin a good selfie.

  • Wipe It Down: Clean your phone’s camera lens with a soft cloth before taking your photo to ensure a clear shot.

9. Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t be afraid to take multiple shots.

  • Experiment: Try different poses, expressions, and angles until you find the best one.
  • Review and Learn: Look at your selfies and see what worked and what didn’t. Learn from each shot.

10. Confidence is Key

Lastly, confidence shines through in photos.

  • Be Yourself: Authenticity is attractive. Let your true personality shine through.
  • Own It: Be confident in your look and enjoy the process.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to taking great selfies that capture your best self. Happy snapping!

11.Don’t worry!

If it just doesn’t work! You can always book in with me for a slick and brilliantly executed headshot. Or even a short course to learn more tips on portraits here in Newcastle at my city centre studio.

More info here; 

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