Feature – Selfie Tips From Professional Photographer Jenna Karwoski

Selfie Tips From A Pro

It’s time to get SELFIEsh

We all have these amazing cameras in our pockets and we definitely use them don’t we! But are we simply just clicking a button and “taking a photo” without much thought? Or are we taking full advantage of lighting & the best angles? Are we incorporating the setting or location? And most importantly are we actually capturing the essence of whatever it is that is calling us to take that photo?

As a professional photographer, when I pull out my smartphone/camera, for a selfie, I am always inherently considering several factors. Lighting. Lighting is EVERYTHING! My surroundings. Do I want a close up of just me or do I want to get more of the “scene” in the background. WHY am I wanting to take this selfie right now anyways? Is it because it’s an extra good hair or make up day or is it because I am just totally feeling my wardrobe/styling choice. Or am I creating content that will allow me to convey a message or interact with my social media audience? Really, it can be any reason but once I know the why, I begin assessing the HOW I am going to execute.

And let’s talk, real quick, about why we even take selfies! Vanity is not the only thing that leads us into the desire to take a selfie. We take selfies, sure, to celebrate how we are feeling about ourselves at that moment, and there is nothing wrong with that. But we also take selfies, to capture a moment, to express ourselves. To present ourselves to the world. To build connections and build trust. They can even humanize us, in an ever growing world of social media. In fact, a new study at Ohio State University, suggests that while selfie shots may get a bad wrap for being “shallow”, self portraits actually serve a deeper psychological purpose and capture the “bigger meaning of a moment”. Plus, if you are an entrepreneur and you rely on social media AT ALL for your business, I can promise you, your audience DOES want to see YOU doing YOU things.

So, here are a few tips for you to consider the next time you pull that handy-dandy smart phone (aka, your camera) out of your pocket to snap a selfie for personal OR professional reasons.

Find Your Best Lighting

Natural light is your best friend. Face a window or go outside during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) for the most flattering light. Avoid harsh overhead lighting that can cast unflattering shadows.

Experiment with Angles

Don’t stick to the same angle every time. Tilt your head slightly, try different expressions, or shoot from various angles to see what works best for your face. A slight upward or downward angle can create a more interesting composition.

Use the Timer and Place Your Phone

Instead of holding your phone at arm’s length, place it on a stable surface like a table, the ground, or a stack of books. Set a timer, step back, and incorporate your full body or the surrounding environment into the shot.

**BONUS TIP, Put your phone on burst mode and try some movement-whip your hair, laugh into the camera, or walk into the frame at the countdown. Then once the photo is taken, click on the photo, then edit, then at the bottom, click life, and scroll through the various frames it picked up and choose your favorite!

Mind the Background

Pay attention to what’s behind you. A cluttered background can distract from your selfie. Choose a simple, clean background or one that adds to the story of your photo without overwhelming it.

Pose with Purpose

Instead of just standing still and looking into the camera, think about the story you want your photo to tell. If you’re hiking, for example, pose as if you’re in motion, like taking a step on the trail, or enjoying the view around you. This adds a dynamic feel to your selfie.

Show Emotion and Expression

Posing isn’t just about physical positioning; it’s about conveying how you feel in that moment. If you’re at a scenic lookout, let your expression reflect the awe of the view, or if you’re at a fun event, show your excitement through a candid laugh or smile.

Use Props or Landmarks

Incorporate objects or landmarks into your pose. Lean on a fence, hold a flower, or frame yourself against a mountain. This helps integrate you into the scene and creates a connection between you and your surroundings.

Vary Your Gaze

You don’t always have to look directly into the camera. Look off to the side, towards your surroundings, or at something specific within the frame. This can add a sense of spontaneity and help convey the feeling of being immersed in the environment.

So the next time you pull out that phone for a selfie, remember these tips and give it a try! And if you like the results, post it to your social media and tag me, I would LOVE to connect and check out your elevated selfies!!!