How to Shoot Better Selfies for your Social Media
Equipment
1: iPhone/Smartphone
2: Selfie stick with a tripod
3: Wardrobe Styling that fits your client's lifestyle
Tip #1
Think like a pro photographer.
Get into the frame of mind that you have an actual photoshoot session. You should plan out the details of your selfie shoot's looks ahead of time and based on your target clients' lifestyle, just like any other photoshoot for your business. But, this time, you are the photographer.
Tip #2
Use a tripod to set your iPhone farther away from you.
Have you ever noticed that your nose looks more prominent in a handheld selfie? Moving away from your iPhone helps resolve the side effect of making anything near the lens look larger than it is in real life. Plus, a tripod lets you make better selfie compositions —helping your selfies to look more professional.
Tip #3
Use your back camera.
It's the best camera on your iPhone. You can mirror your iPhone screen with your laptop to view yourself, or you can place a mirror next to your phone to see yourself. In the last case, you can take some photos, check what you have, and make adjustments as needed. I know it's easier to see yourself on the front camera, but it's lower quality, and you want the best possible quality.
Tip #4
Use a remote to trigger your iPhone.
With a remote, you can take your own selfies while you vary your pose and expressions. Plus, it’s much easier to shoot yourself while not having to go back to your iPhone after you’ve set everything up. If you don't have a remote, use the 10-second timer and press the volume up button, but you can only take one shot at a time. I’ll cover in another post how to mirror your iPhone to your laptop or tv.
Tip #5
Shoot all your selfies outside during the day.
iPhones cameras have software that can adjust to most daylight conditions, but the quality of photos they capture with low light is still inferior and screams out selfies. Sunlight is the best light source we have, and photography was designed around sunlight, plus it's free. You need good lighting for good photos.
Use Soft Lighting —it makes soft or no shadows, and It's the most flattering type of light because it hides skin imperfections. To capture soft lighting, shoot on a sunny day, early morning, or late afternoon when the sun is at lower angles.
Tip #6
Shoot in the shade if the sunlight is too harsh or too high up.
That way, you can avoid hard shadows, especially under your eyes. Overcast work, too, since the clouds diffuse the sunlight and give lots of soft light. Afternoon when the sun is at lower angles.
Tip #7
Shoot inside only during the day with lots of window light.
Our eyes' pupils adjust to the change in lighting conditions, so there is usually not as much light inside as we think there is. So, shoot in spots where there is lots of window light falling on you. Window light is soft and wonderful for selfies and portraits. The larger the window, the better it will wrap around you and give you a more 3D illusion.
Tip #8
Check and double-check your background.
The best photos have either interesting backgrounds or very simple ones. Does everything showing in the frame make sense for your business (check your notes)? If not, take it out. Fewer items in the background are usually best. Everything in your selfie should look clean, neat, well-kept, with elements that go with your target client's world.
Tip #9
Glam up your look to match your client's lifestyle.
Wear only outfits that line up with your ideal client's lifestyle, including accessories and shoes. The proper styling can take your selfies from simple to spectacular, so dress to impress. Glamourous life is usually not casual or comfy outfits. If your persona is a high-end luxury market, your outfits should always reflect this.
Tip #10
Use Gridlines
Two vertical and two horizontal lines layout what’s called the rules of thirds in composition. The parts where the lines cross each other are the strongest points of interest in your photo. Put the most interesting part of your selfie on one of the crosses for a more pro look. Also, use the gridlines to help you keep your selfies straight when aligned with any vertical or horizontal items in your frame.
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Bonus Tip
Change your iPhone to the below camera settings. iOS 14.4
Go To: Setting (scroll down) then Camera,
change the settings on your iPhone to match these below.
Go To: Setting (scroll down) then Camera, Preserve Settings.
Change the settings on your iPhone to match the below.
Go To: Setting (scroll down) then Camera, Formats
change the settings on your iPhone to match these below.
Use these settings for better control and quality during your selfie photoshoot. When you open your camera, you’ll see the grid and controls as in my cat photo. Use these settings and remember to adjust the exposure as needed for each composition.
Now you know that if you post selfies as part of your business, they should be of the best possible quality and style. So, only post the best selfies you can take that fit your target clients.
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