Post Ideas

Lighting

Lighting is one of the essential elements to consider when shooting video or photos. If the surroundings are too dark, then no amount of processing, touching up or cropping will help. A basic lighting rule to remember is don't shoot into a light. Or if you're outside, don't shoot into the Sun.

Always make sure the Sun or the light you are using is behind the camera. Using more than one light is preferable; however, if you only have one light, do not put it too close to the subject. Often bouncing the light off the ceiling or the wall will look better.

The Background Matters

Nothing wrecks a great selfie more than someone in the background photobombing their face into your shot. After considering the lighting issues, make sure your background is as uncluttered as possible.

If you have an opportunity to shoot on a blank wall or an otherwise plain background, use it. If your closet door is open, close it. If there's traffic behind you, move somewhere else. Where possible, remove everything in the background that takes away from the picture. When considering your background, less is more.

Angles Matter

Cameras have different widescreen angles so the proper distance to hold the camera from your face will vary. In some cases, you may want to use a selfie stick to get a wider angle. Once you know which is your good side or which angles you prefer, shooting the photo from above will provide a more flattering angle. It will likely emphasize your eyes and make your face and neck seem smaller.

Hold your hand at approximately 30 degrees above your shoulder, slightly above your face level. Using angles below your face is not recommended. Lower angles tend to make your chin look big and show your nostrils.

Take Lots of Shots

It's always prudent to take multiple shots when taking a selfie. When doing a selfie with a celebrity or public figure, it may be challenging, but even professional photographers take many shots to ensure they get the best image. Take shots in rapid succession and change the angle or height slightly for each shot.

If time permits, take at least three shots with slight changes then take three more shots with a different background or from a different angle. Taking 3 or 4 different shots from 3 different angles will give you ten shots to choose from, making it more likely that you will get the "perfect shot" you are looking for.

Process Your Photos

It's a good idea to process your photos using an app that has image process presets. Digital Samurai recommends Snapseed by Google because the image processing presets are very good.

Image-processing can be tricky. You don't want to spend more than a minute or so processing a photo; however, if you don't do any processing, your photos may not be as effective and may negatively impact your brand.

The fastest way to improve your photo is likely to crop it. Once it's cropped, you can decide if it requires further treatment. It is prudent to crop out elements of the photo that don't enhance the primary subject.