How to take better selfies with your phone

I want to give you 3 tips on how to take better selfies with your phone.

Have you ever taken a selfie with your phone? Do you usually love or hate those selfies? Do you maybe take 30-40 selfies just to end up with 1 single usable image? Or maybe you’re already pretty decent at it but want to elevate your selfie game? If the answer it yes, then this post is for you.

Nowadays, everyone takes selfies. Everyone from my (teenage) kids to your grandma. Whether it’s for Snapchat, your new profile on LinkedIn, a Facebook or Instagram post, or for your personal business website. Although, if you’re a professional in any industry whether you are running your own business (and yes, this includes my MLM & network marketing pros) or work in a start-up company…I strongly suggest you hire a professional photographer, a.k.a. ME.

All selfies taken with iPhone XR, edited by me and using Unfold to create the collage.

Why is it important to have a good headshot?

I’ve talked about the importance of a good, up-to-date and professional headshot for years. (Here is a sample of a headshot/personal branding session I shared previously.) If you’re still not sure why having headshots, marketing and personal branding content captured by a professional photographer is so important, here are just 3 reasons for you.

1. A professional photographer specializing in headshots and branding photography KNOWS the in’s and out’s of what it takes to create images that not only reflect you & your business, but also how to captivate and attract your target clients. Ultimately, helping your business be more profitable and successful.
2. While you can take some images yourself that you can absolutely love, letting go and allowing a professional to take over can eliminate unnecessary stress and work which will allow you to focus on the things that you enjoy most about your business. Most professional headshot & branding photographers will also include professional hair & makeup services in their packages as well as styling guides. I cannot tell you how many clients of mine over the last 10+ years started out feeling utterly overwhelmed when it came to their headshots. However, they absolutely loved that I was right there for them, guiding them along the way and making sure they felt absolutely amazing with the way they looked while also having fun in the process. I know letting go can be challenging for many but it can also be utterly freeing.
3. A professional understands the psychology behind a strong headshot. I can only speak for myself here but I’m sure this applies to any professional who has worked in the industry, specifically specializing in headshot photography, for several years. We understand how backdrop/location, lighting, body language and facial expressions can attract the right client for you and your business. Trust in the years we have put into our craft.

“Sometimes you just need a quick selfie from the social gathering you are attending…”

Okay, back to taking selfies. Obviously, I believe investing in a professional service will pay itself back tenfold. However, I also understand that not everyone is at that level where they have the budget to regularly hire a professional. Plus, sometimes you just need a quick selfie from the social gathering you are attending but you still want to look good in it. (Unless you’re a Kardashian/ Jenner and have your personal film and camera crew at your beck and call 24/7…you’re on your own.)

Behind-the-scenes selfie taken during my own photoshoot with my dear friend Amber of Fife Photography with my iPhone XR. Note how I was distracted and my eye-connection is slightly off (it happens to me too…I really should’ve thought twice about bringing those two dogs with us for the shoot…haha) but Amber masterfully is looking into the phone’s camera lens and NOT into the display.
I’ve been taking my own selfies, with my professional camera (digital & film) and my cell phone, for over 10 years. Yes, you read that right. I started taking selfies before selfies became a “thing”. Look it up…according to Google selfies didn’t become “mainstream” or “viral” until 2013/2014. Yet, back in 2009 I created an album on my Facebook profile titled “alter Ego”…which is filled with selfies! I’ve taken so many selfies over the years that I know my angles really well. And that experience has lead to many messages over the years from friends and followers asking me for tips. Well, I finally created a little video for you guys with my top 3 tips. While I’m a pro at photos…I’m still very new to video. I don’t know anything about cutting a clip together filmed on my DSLR so this was taken with my iPhone XR. Please feel free to send constructive criticism on how to create a better video in the comments below if you must. LoL

3 tips on how to take better selfies with your phone:

1. Light. Personally I prefer natural window light. A storm door or open doorway can be just as good. Preferably with a sheer curtain to soften the light a bit. Window light is beautiful and absolutely universally flattering.
2. Angles. Bring your head slightly forward (think of a turtle, extending your neck like a giraffe…) and then tilt it slightly down. This will help eliminate those extra chins nobody ever wants, me included.
3. Make eye contact. Connect your eyes to the actual camera – NOT the display! I don’t know the actual percentage here but I feel confident in saying that probably 80% of people usually look into the display when taking a phone selfie and NOT into the actual camera. Looking at the actual photo taken will have a similar effect of someone looking at your chin while you’re talking to them. Just stop it. LoL

And here’s my short video…bloopers and all. Because we all know bloopers are the best anyways. Enjoy!

I hope this helps and some of you will be able to take your selfie game up a notch or two. But, above all, have fun with it. Taking selfies or having your portraits taken professionally should always be fun!

xox,

B