Reasons why your 'selfie' is ugly

Since social media applications like Instagram and Snapchat came into play, taking the perfect selfie has become almost as important as having one’s breakfast.

Selfies have gradually grown to be part of our daily lives. So in learning to survive in this digital age, you need to learn how to take a really good one. If you’re still struggling to get that ‘Instagram-worthy selfie’ here are 6 things you are most likely doing wrong

 

1. Taking pictures with a bad background- This is the first thing to consider when taking your selfie. Amazing selfies have very simple backgrounds (think solid colored walls) or very interesting ones (think graffiti). Stay clear from those cluttered bedrooms and disorganized spaces as they tend to distract from the center of attention which is supposed to be you.
2. You’re using bad lightening- Taking photos under bulb lights are a no-no. Natural light is your best friend when it comes to taking the perfect selfie. The best time to shoot a photo is during sunrise and sunset when the light is most beautiful. If you are indoor, find a window and get close to it. For outdoor pictures, put the light behind you and make sure the sun is behind your head. The right light would make your skin glow and give your hair all the extra shine it needs!
3. Posing from the wrong angle – Before you can arrive at that Instagram-worthy selfie that would get you tons of likes, you need to understand your face and what works for you. Find your better angle(most of us have a side that looks better than the other) and perfect your pose. Not all pictures look great when taken from the upward angle; try holding the camera closer to your face, tilt your head to highlight your cheekbones and make your eyes look bigger.
4. You’re overthinking it- No it’s not a picture for your driver’s license or school Id card, it’s a selfie. If you’re having fun taking a photo, it’s more likely the people viewing the photo will have fun doing so. Lighten up and make silly faces. Better still; practice this in front of the mirror before taking the actual picture.
5. Impatience- Not everyone gets lucky with taking a perfect shot at the first try so you need to be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day; same applies to your selfies.  Strike two poses or ten until you arrive at the perfect one. Sooner than later you’ll become an expert on this. Besides, what’s the hurry? It’s always fun going through your pictures anyway.
6. You’re not editing – Editing a picture doesn’t necessarily mean you’re trying to hide something. Apps like Vscocam and Photowonder offer you a wide range of filters that work to beautify your photos, turning them into something more than a plain picture. Filter away till you arrive at what you deem as perfection.

So now you know how to take great selfies- start shooting.