Picture Perfect: 5 Secrets for Flawless Selfies in 2019

In today’s social media focused world, knowing how to take a good selfie is basically a prerequisite for life. It might seem like an easy task, but we all know that getting the right arm angle and avoiding multiple chins while looking natural takes some skill. So, where do you sit on the selfie scale? Are you a seasoned professional or still finding your best side? 

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

To make sure your selfie game is strong this year, we have some insider tips on how to get the perfect pic.

Do Your Prep

Looking flawless in your next selfie doesn’t just come down to camera angles (although they can help - see below). Your online idols start with a pretty solid foundation of clear, dewy skin, sparkling white teeth, and bouncing, shiny hair. Even if you don’t have a team of make-up artists and hairdressers on hand and are still saving up for teeth whitening, don’t despair. 

To get selfie-ready, step up your self-care regime with some deep conditioning hair treatments, YouTube make-up tutorials, and some whitening toothpaste. Take your selfies first thing in the morning when your skin is fresh, your hair and make-up freshly prepped and your clothes are only artfully unrumpled and coffee stain free.

Use the Right Light

Any good photographer knows that lighting is crucial. To take the perfect selfie, you need to make sure that you have good lighting. Natural light is best, so where possible, head outside or take your photo near a window with natural light. It will be ten times more flattering than artificial lighting. 

It is best to avoid full sunlight though, which is why outdoor weddings are usually not held at midday. The sun is at its most harsh at this time of day. Try to find a shaded spot outside or stand with your back to the sun. You also want to make sure that the light is even on your face, avoiding shadows around your eyes or under your nose.

Keep Your Hands Busy

It is easy to feel a little awkward while posing for a photo. A great tip is to find something to do with your hands. When you have your hand on your hip, are playing with your hair or clutching your morning coffee, keeping your hands busy can help you look more natural. 

It is All About the Angles

Angles are essential to a good selfie – and we are talking about your jaw and your hip as well as your camera! A slight downward camera angle can be very flattering, as can tilting your head, tucking in your chin and stretching your neck out to show off your collarbones. 

A little poke out of your hip is a favorite look, as is the “Barbie doll feet” trick (standing on your tippy toes to make your legs look longer and thinner). Pay attention to what some of your social media idols do, and you will notice a trend in poses and angles that you can emulate.

Take Lots of Photos

Just like a magazine shoot and good reviews, it can take time to get that perfect picture. Experiment with different angles, expressions, and backdrops and make sure that you take lots of pictures. It is far easier to delete the outtakes than to start again from scratch to set up the shot. Even models and Insta-stars often take 50+ photos to get that perfect one.

Just remember, practice makes perfect. What are you waiting for? Get snapping!