How to Take a Good Selfie and Nail Your Review Photos

I’ve never been accused of being photogenic myself so, for this assignment, I went to an expert. My teammate Carla Marie Monica, Armoire Influencer and Partnership Manager, has been in front of the camera for over 15 years. She was in the big-time spotlight as a a radio morning show host and producer on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show in New York City and hosted The Carla Marie and Anthony Show in Seattle. In addition to her work at Armoire, Carla Marie hosts The Morning Show Podcast and The Carla Marie & Anthony Show on Twitch, not to mention she’s also the in-game emcee for the Seattle Seahawks! Where does she get the energy? How does she stay camera ready? Read on for her expert advice.

1. Know Your Angles

Every face is unique, and finding your best angles can make all the difference in your selfies. Spend some time experimenting with different angles to see what flatters your face most. Here are some tips:

• Tilt Your Head: Slightly tilting your head can soften your features and add depth to the photo.
• High Angle: Holding the camera slightly above your eye level can make your eyes appear larger and your jawline more defined.
• Side Angle: A three-quarter turn of your face can create a slimming effect and add dimension.
• Over-the-Shoulder: A playful angle that captures a profile or partial face view while adding an intriguing sense of motion or mystery.
• Low Angle: For a powerful and confident look, take the selfie from slightly below eye level, but be cautious as it can overemphasize the jaw and chin.
• Eye Contact: When taking a mirror selfie, look at the camera lens via the mirror, not at your phone in hand.

2. Good Lighting Is Key

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a great selfie. Natural light is your best friend, so try taking selfies near a window or outdoors. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, which can cast unflattering shadows.

• Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise or before sunset offers soft, warm lighting that’s incredibly flattering.
• Ring Light: If natural light isn’t available, you may want to pick up an inexpensive ring light to create a consistent, flattering glow.
• Avoid Backlighting: Unless you’re aiming for a silhouette, make sure the light source is in front of you.

3. Choose the Right Background

The background of your selfie should complement your subject—you! Cluttered or distracting backgrounds can take away from your photo. Here are some ideas:

• Neutral Walls: Simple and clean backgrounds keep the focus on you.
• Nature: Trees, flowers, or a scenic view can add a touch of beauty and context.
• Interesting Textures: Brick walls, murals, or textured fabrics can create a visually appealing contrast.

4. Use a Good Camera

While most smartphones today come equipped with excellent cameras, knowing how to use them effectively is key.

• Front vs. Rear Camera: The rear camera often has better resolution, but the front camera lets you see your framing. Choose based on your priorities.
• Portrait Mode: This feature blurs the background slightly, mimicking the effect of a professional camera.
• Clean the Lens: A smudged lens can make your photo appear blurry, so give it a quick wipe before snapping.

5. Master Your Poses

The way you position your body and face can transform your selfie. Here are some tried-and-true poses to try:

• The Classic Smile: A genuine smile can light up your face and create an inviting photo.
• The Smize: Smiling with your eyes, as coined by Tyra Banks, adds a touch of mystery and sophistication.
• Playful Poses: Tilt your head, rest your chin on your hand, or play with your hair for a casual, candid vibe.

6. Makeup and Grooming

Even minimal grooming can make your features pop in a selfie. Here’s what to consider:

• Matte Finish: A little powder can reduce shine and give your skin a flawless look.
• Highlight and Contour: Subtle contouring can define your cheekbones and jawline, while highlighter adds a radiant glow.
• Well-Groomed Brows: Your eyebrows frame your face, so make sure they’re neatly shaped.
• Lip Color: A pop of lip color can brighten your face and draw attention to your smile.

7. Camera Settings and Apps

Take advantage of your smartphone’s camera settings and editing apps to enhance your selfies:

• Gridlines: Turn on gridlines to follow the rule of thirds and create a balanced composition.
• HDR Mode: Use High Dynamic Range (HDR) for better detail and lighting balance.
• Editing Apps: Apps like Lightroom, Snapseed, and Facetune can help you adjust brightness, contrast, and minor imperfections.

8. Play with Filters

Filters can add personality and mood to your selfies. However, avoid over-editing, which can make your photo look unnatural. Subtle filters that enhance colors or lighting are often the best choice.

• Enhance, Don’t Overdo: Use filters to highlight your natural features or adjust lighting, but avoid ones that drastically alter your appearance.
• Match the Mood: Choose filters that align with the vibe of your photo. For example, warm tones can create a cozy feel, while cool tones add a sleek, modern touch.
• Experiment with Apps: Explore apps like Instagram, VSCO, and Snapseed for unique filter options and subtle enhancements.
• Keep Consistency: If you’re curating a social media profile, use similar filters across photos to maintain a cohesive aesthetic. Filters can add personality and mood to your selfies. However, avoid over-editing, which can make your photo look unnatural. Subtle filters that enhance colors or lighting are often the best choice.

9. Use Props and Accessories

Props and accessories can add interest and creativity to your selfies. A stylish hat, chic sunglasses, or even a coffee cup can give your photo a narrative and personal flair.

• Incorporate Seasonal Elements: Use props that reflect the season, such as a scarf in winter or flowers in spring, to give your selfie a timely touch.
• Hold an Object: Items like a book, a drink, or a handbag can give your hands something to do while adding a touch of personality.
• Experiment with Layers: Accessories like necklaces, scarves, or statement earrings can make your selfie pop and add texture.
• Play with Motion: Incorporate props that allow movement, such as tossing your hair with a hand or holding a flowing fabric to create a dynamic effect.
• Coordinate Colors: Match your props and accessories to your outfit or background for a cohesive, stylish look.
• Use Unique Props: Quirky items like balloons, vintage cameras, or artistic objects can make your selfies stand out.

10. Experiment with Composition

Think beyond the center-aligned face. Experiment with different compositions to make your selfie stand out:

• Close-Up: Focus on specific features like your eyes or smile.
• Off-Center: Position yourself slightly off-center for a more dynamic shot.
• Include Your Environment: Showcasing a bit of your surroundings can add context and storytelling to your selfie.

11. Tips for Full-Length Selfies

Full-length selfies, especially for showing off your #OOTD (Outfit of the Day), require some additional considerations:

• Use a Mirror: Stand in front of a clean, full-length mirror to capture your outfit. Make sure the mirror is free of smudges or streaks.
• Find the Right Angle: Place the camera at waist or chest height to avoid distortion and capture your proportions accurately.
• Step Back: Ensure there’s enough space to fit your entire outfit in the frame while maintaining focus on the details.
• Good Posture: Stand tall with your shoulders back to present your outfit in the best light.
• Use a Timer or Remote: For hands-free full-length selfies, use your phone’s timer feature or a Bluetooth remote to snap the photo.
• Highlight Accessories: Showcase key details like shoes, bags, or jewelry to complete the look.
• Natural Light: As with any selfie, good lighting is crucial. Position yourself near a window or outdoors for the best effect.

12. Be Confident

Confidence is the secret ingredient to a great selfie. Stand tall, own your look, and let your personality shine through. A confident expression can make even a simple photo captivating.

13. Take Multiple Shots

Don’t settle for the first photo you take. Experiment with different angles, lighting, and expressions. Taking multiple shots increases your chances of finding the perfect one.

14. Consider the Mood

Your selfie’s mood can reflect your emotions or the message you want to convey. Think about how you want to come across—fun, serious, playful, or artistic—and adjust your pose and expression accordingly.

15. Avoid Common Mistakes

Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overuse of Filters: Too many filters can make your selfie look overly processed.
• Duck Face: Unless it’s ironic or for comedic effect, this pose can feel dated.
• Bad Lighting: Poor lighting can wash you out or create unflattering shadows.
• Poor Gaze: Looking at your phone instead of the lens through the mirror.

16. Practice Makes Perfect

Like any skill, taking a great selfie takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out as expected. Keep experimenting, and you’ll develop your signature selfie style in no time.

17. Incorporate Your Personality

Your selfies should feel authentic and reflect who you are. Whether it’s your love for bold makeup, quirky expressions, or minimalism, let your personality shine through.

18. Know When to Stop

Finally, don’t let the pursuit of the perfect selfie take away from the moment. Sometimes, the best photos come from relaxed, unplanned moments.

A great selfie is more than just a photo; it’s a snapshot of your personality, mood, and style. By mastering angles, lighting, and composition, you can elevate your selfies from average to outstanding. So grab your camera, experiment with these tips, and start capturing your best self!