It’s official: We’re living in the age of shameless self-photography. “Selfies” now make up 30 percent of all photos among people ages 18 to 24, according to a recent survey by Samsung.
The poll also found that men are more likely than women to snap a selfie. So if you insist on shooting your own online dating profile pic or headshot for the company website, here’s how to put your best face forward—without looking like your 12-year-old daughter conducting an iPhone photo shoot.
1. Step outside
Leave mirror shots where they belong: in the past with MySpace. Adam Assoian, founder of Focused in Photography, also suggests ditching the plain white wall—it’s boring and looks better when left to the pros with a high-quality camera. Instead, head outside. The lighting’s better and the background’s more interesting.
2. Go toward the (natural) light
Trying to angle your desk lamp or using your camera’s flash will leave you looking jaundiced. The sun is a photographer’s best friend, and mid-morning or late afternoon is ideal. “The goal is to make sure the sun isn’t too high in the sky,” Assoian says. Face the sun; turning your back on it will leave you looking like a shadow figure.
3. Lower your arm
No need for your biceps to make a cameo in the shot. “Everyone knows you’re taking a picture of yourself,” Assoian says. Relax your arm, and hold your smartphone about a foot away from your face.
4. Flash your pearly whites
No one wants to relieve their high school yearbook picture, so skip the tilted head and forced smile. You want to look relaxed and happy. “Put that smartphone to use and watch a funny video to make you laugh—you’ll be left smiling naturally,” Assoian says. Oh, and look straight at the camera. There’s no such thing as a candid selfie.
5. Say no to filters
Save the Toaster filter on Instagram for pictures of your breakfast. “You want your photo to be as true to what you look like as possible,” Assoian says. Your picture is the first thing someone looks at when it comes to social media sites—whether dating or professional—and an edited picture is easy to spot.
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