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Remember the days of waiting weeks to see how your pictures developed? Now that almost everyone has a smart phone, we can see how our pictures turned out immediately, and we can take as many as we want without wasting film! Did you know that the “average” American takes over 1,000 photos a year, some topping over 180 a month? For better or worse, you’re most likely going to be in quite a few of photos.
That’s why it’s so meaningful for you to feel comfortable in front of the camera. When you feel confident and comfortable, you look good! Read on for tips that will take the guesswork out of taking selfies and being on video.
Clear, plump, moisturized skin will leave you with a healthy glow that shows on camera. Conversely, dead, dry skin can accentuate wrinkles and reflect the light unfavorably, making your complexion appear dull and lifeless. To prepare skin, we suggest you gently cleanse with our Herbal Cleansing Bar, a detox soap with botanicals to calm redness and help minimize pores. After cleansing, apply a light moisturizer, like our Royal Jelly, Green Tea, and Vitamin B3 Face Cream. It will leave your complexion immediately looking dewy and fresh, and will help to rejuvenate skin and even skin tone over time.
Lighting plays a huge role in how you appear in photos and videos. Have you ever noticed that professional photographers have so many contraptions to reflect and filter light? The right lighting can make you look even more mah-velous, darling!
You want to aim for soft, natural light, and you’ll want your face facing the light. Bright, harsh, (like full-on sunlight) can cast unfavorable shadows, accentuate wrinkles, and cause you to squint. You’ll also want to avoid bright lights or windows directly behind you. This wall cause your face to become covered in shadows. (Remember those true crime type shows where the interviewee was hiding their identity by being back lit so their face was blacked out?)
For bright outdoor shots, head for soft or dappled shade. For shots on rainy days or in a dark room, you’ll want one or two warm lights pointing directly at you. You want to avoid harsh, overhead lighting.
Overcast days are actually pretty sweet for taking selfies. The diffuse light isn’t overly bright and is flattering because it doesn’t cause harsh shadows.
Changing the angle of your phone can make a huge difference in your selfie. (My phone has face recognition and groups photos by person. Even my phone is like, “Is this really you?” when the pic is taken from an unflattering angle. Thanks phone, for not recognizing me in that picture!)
Experiment with taking pictures from different angles and at different heights. You can also try different facial expressions, and focus your eyes on different points. Remember to look at the lens, not the screen if you want your photo to appear to be looking at the viewer. Try looking up and to either side for a fun whimsical type pose. Photos taken at slightly above eye level and slightly to the side are usually the most flattering. (Did you know that no one has a symmetrical face, and most people prefer one side over the other?)
Make sure your posture is good. Sit or stand up straight. Picture someone has a string attached to the top of your head and is pulling you straight up. Try looking straight ahead, then lowering your chin just slightly.
For videos or meetings, prop up your webcam so that it is just above eye level.
Be aware of your background. Too much clutter is distracting for the viewer, and may reveal something you would rather not.
Before your meeting/ video/ or photoshoot begins, double check what is visible behind you and remove anything distracting or that you don’t want shown.
There’s no reason not to. Even professional photographers take many more photos than what they actually use. You may find a certain angle or lighting that you really like through experimenting and taking many photos. You might also find that some photos work for a certain application, while others don’t. You can also play around with different lenses and filters on your phone. When everything is said and done, you can always delete the extra photos afterwards.
Nothing is more beautiful than a woman who is confident and comfortable in her own skin. Feeling at ease, and feeling like yourself will show your authentic beauty in the photos. Relax, don’t take yourself too seriously, or try to be too stylized or posed. Think about things that make you smile and feel confident. Wear clothes that you feel beautiful and comfortable in.
Taking beeautiful selfie photos will most likely require a little bit of practice, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. You might even grow to love having your life and memories documented through photographs.
