Shooting from below can make some people seem powerful, but it usually makes the chin and nose look prominent, which is not a flattering look for most people. [2] X Research source It’s best not to go too high so the photo doesn’t get distorted. Hold the camera out and a little above eye level. Then take the picture.
A profile shot from the side Half of your face—either the right or the left Zoom in on your eye, mouth, or cheek
For instance, if you want the focus to be on your eyes, frame the shot so your eyes are a third of the way down from the top of the photo. This provides a more interesting photograph and probably a more flattering angle. If you’re taking a full-body shot, you might arrange the shot so you’re slightly to the left or the right of the frame. [5] X Expert Source Stephen CardoneProfessional Photographer Expert Interview. 5 May 2020.
If you want a close-up shot, zoom the camera in slightly, then hold it far away from you or take it further away and then crop the photo to make it seem as though it was taken close-up. If your camera has a timer, prop it up against something, set the timer and back away. The resulting photo will likely be much improved.
Ask a friend to take a photo for you. She may tease you about it, but she may also want you to take one of her. If you are at an event or doing an activity, ask someone else there to take a picture of you (and your friends if you’re there with other people). Just be sure that the person is trustworthy so you don’t have your phone or camera stolen.
You can still emphasize your eyes by ensuring that they are wide open and looking above or to the side of the camera. Be sure to exaggerate looking away. If you look very slightly away from the lens, it will seem like you didn’t know where the camera was. If you look at least a foot from the camera, it will come across as a deliberate choice.
If you want to look happy, be sure you are smiling with your eyes, not just your mouth. The way to do this is to actually feel happy. [11] X Research source It’s okay to show other emotions, too, if you would prefer a self photo that is somber, flirty, sad, pensive, frustrated, or matter-of-fact. Just try being genuine.
For a business photograph or for a profile for a business networking website, select modest, professional clothing and a neat hairstyle. For dating websites, you may want to wear something colorful or fun, but try not to look overly sexy (because you will likely look like you’re trying too hard to be sexy). Style your hair in a casual way that shows that you have paid some attention to your look. For social media websites, think about how you want the world to perceive you. Your clothing choice is pretty wide-open, but unless you are showing off that you have just completed a 20-mile hike, it’s unlikely that a dirty t-shirt is the best choice for a selfie.
If you are able, take photos on an overcast day. If you are inside, try taking photos near a window with natural light (but not direct sunlight) coming in. If you must use light that isn’t natural, avoid fluorescent lighting and overhead lighting. Indoors, you may be able to turn off overhead lights and turn on lamps for a better light effect. If direct overhead lighting (either natural or artificial) can’t be avoided, use the flash on your camera to fill in light so that there are no shadows under your nose or eyes.
Bathrooms and messy bedrooms are often not the best choice for selfies, but they frequently occur there. A picture is never flattering if there is a toilet in the background. If you are indoors, find a neutral background such as a blank wall or a window. If you are outdoors or at an event, be sure to include yourself and your environment so that your picture tells a story. To create a more artistic look, focus the camera on your eye, and blur out the background. You can either do this by adjusting your camera settings so the aperture is open wider, or you can use portrait mode if your phone camera has one. [15] X Expert Source Stephen CardoneProfessional Photographer Expert Interview. 5 May 2020.
Pose in a doorway. Use both arms outstretched to hold the camera instead of one. Stand between two things, such as trees or bushes outdoors. Use your hand under or on your chin to frame the bottom of your photo.
