How to take a great selfie!

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Here is the very first selfie I ever took! On my high school senior trip to NYC in 1989. 🙂
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Still at it in 2016!

6 tips for taking a great selfie!

First of all, there are no rules. If you love a picture, even if the lighting is horrible and it’s blurry and dark and all messed up, so what? If it’s meaningful to you, that’s what most important! Some of the best selfies have come from breaking the rules completely. But, here are some tips to taking great selfies:

  1. Smile for real! Think of something (or someone!) that makes you feel genuinely happy. Relax and breathe!  🙂1464092_10153597074905263_2064038318_n12646977_10209155524264456_3351949663432662177_n12670431_10208862605750260_3122558927757317487_n12647070_10100804769168282_3205024387633143509_n
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    (or do the complete opposite and and look serious and mysterious…)

     

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    Adding people and animals that you love creates real smiles!

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  2. Take a bunch of pictures. Try a variety of angles. Holding your camera slightly above makes your eyes appear larger and is normally a more flattering angle.  If you don’t like what you shot, delete it and try again.
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    Break the rules!  Sometimes holding a camera below eye level creates a confident feeling and can include some interesting background elements to tell a story about where you are.

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  3. Play with a selfie stick and a timer. Sometimes the “arm’s length” angle doesn’t work as well- and it opens up tons of new options!
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    I shot this with a remote control button. I can compose a shot and step right in! The options are endless!

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    The classic mirror shot is always a fun option.

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  4. Watch your background! Avoid clutter behind you. Crop if necessary. 12688198_10208665944676691_8568684858828537578_n
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    Or… include your background to tell a story about where you are or who you’re with!

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  5. Find good light. Covered shade is what photographers are always looking for! Under a tree or in a doorway usually looks great. Avoid bright sun or overhead light that creates shadows under your eyes. A lot of people take selfies in their cars because the light is flattering.12596526_10205821594278787_527449638_o12336326_10203996029540870_1173403195_n 12650974_10207311345293939_6655275246611455138_n

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    Sometimes the most interesting lighting situations just sort of happen. Get creative! (you can always delete it if it doesn’t work out.)
  6. It’s great to capture the moment when you are all dressed up and looking good. 12662608_10207142453778048_2970843704193494157_n

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    But, some of the best selfies are those real, unprotected moments where you are just at home in your pajamas, feeling comfy and being yourself!

 

Coming Soon! February 27: Basic Selfie Workshop at Buzzy Beauty- come and get expert tips on makeup, posing and lighting!

Look forward to the next step: Advanced Selfie Tips: funky ideas, and using filters, props and words to take it to the next level.310155665_10204130109586791_3331640439153032938_n 12650728_10208627973198472_197000870_n 12670183_10205601123496689_2659509499631070059_n 12698409_955171354552092_1338868058598462301_o

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