Terri Ramsey Beavers Smartphones made selfies more common, but they were around long before that. In 1839, Robert Cornelius took the first photo selfie.
He did a good job, but the mechanics of how to take selfies were a lot different than. Taking any photo was a lot more work in that era.
In 2020, most of us carry cameras in our pockets or purses. You can snap a selfie at work, at home, or even in the drive-thru line.
But if you want to take better selfies, keep reading. We’ve got selfie tips that will make you a social media star.
1. Angle From Above, Not Below
Many women already angle their phones above their heads when they take a selfie. One study found that women like higher angles because they’re more forgiving. It can also make women appear less aggressive or dominant.
Men, however, are more likely to hold their phones at waist height and tilt it upward. They think it makes them look more powerful.
If you want to look powerful, you can experiment with different angles. But for most of us, a higher angle is better.
2. Get Outside
Some homes have amazing natural light. But if your home isn’t one of those, it’s time to head outside.
In fact, you should head outside even if you do have great lighting indoors. Taking good selfies is simpler in natural sunlight.
The sun is kinder to your features than the bulbs above your bathroom mirror. Indoors, you may look worn out. Going outside helps you look refreshed and revitalized.
3. Avoid School Picture Grins
Remember school picture day? The photographer asked if you had a boyfriend or girlfriend, then expected you to smile like you meant it.
Take better selfies by ditching the forced grin. You don’t want to look like you’re in a hostage situation.
Think of something that makes you happy. Maybe it’s your significant other or a great show you watched on Netflix.
If that doesn’t do it, try to think of a good (or bad) joke. Something silly can relax your face and help your grin become genuine.
4. Add a Buddy
Still having trouble relaxing? You’ll get better with practice, but one easy selfie hack involves adding a friend.
It doesn’t have to be a human friend, either. If you’re still in quarantine, grab your pet and get snapping.
For extra fun, you and your dog can both dress up. Look to a site like frenchiecloset.com for stylish canine garb.
5. Run a Background Check
You’ve done it: you’ve taken the perfect selfie. But after you post, you notice a pile of dirty clothes in the background.
Don’t only look at your face. Look at the entire photo. If there’s something even mildly embarrassing in your photo, it’s better to find it now.
It also helps to look around the room before you decide it’s a good place for a photoshoot. If every room is messy, maybe it’s time to do a quick clean-up session first.
More Selfie Tips
The above list of selfie tips is only the beginning. If you have a friend who takes great selfies every time, feel free to ask them for tips as well.
You don’t have to look like a celebrity to take a great photo. It’s a cliche, but feeling good often helps you look good. Check out our health and wellness section for more confidence-boosting advice.