How to #takeabetterselfie: a few tips and tricks

...but first

I feel like I need to apologise right now for spamming your Facebook and Instagram feeds with my mug.  I've just realized that taking a selfie is one thing, and it's another to share it on your social media. It won't happen as often now, but if you still want to come along on my #takeabetterselfie journey, just come and read my blog; I'll share new selfies here.  I'll get better at this, I promise.



Advice for the uninitiated

So, on Sunday morning, I woke up feeling crappy over the events of the days prior.  Without thinking too much, the first thing I do is check my phone, and this article on Medium by Aanand Prasad about taking better selfies appeared on my Facebook feed, which I suppose provided me with just the impetus to embark on this whole thing.

Besides providing really useful tips on how to #takeabetterselfie, Aanand is pretty easy on the eyes and has an English accent to boot.  Seriously, check out his Instagram for the selfies that made his cut.  I could listen to him talk about his new washing machine all day.

Anyway, if you can tear your gaze away from his beautiful eyes, Aanand actually has some great tips to make your next selfie a success.  Here are a few things I've learned from applying his tips:

One is rarely enough. 

Chances are the first few shots you take will be shite. You'll be self-conscious and your face won't do what you want it to. Here's when most people will quit: the shot won't be right, you won't like the way you look, it puts you off taking selfies altogether. 

Aanand says it usually takes him anywhere from 1-20 shots to get the one that makes the cut. Don't worry -- taking selfies is just like any other skill: the more you do it, the better you'll get. You'll know which angle you like being photographed, what kind of lighting suits your skin tone, etc. 

I've been guilty of being impatient with the process, too. Just relax, allow yourself to experiment and you'll get the shot right.

Walk, don't run, into the light

This is key, guys.  You'll most likely get the best selfies in indirect natural light.  Too much can make you look pale and puffy.  Aanand recommends starting off indoors, near a window. If you have blinds or any means to control the amount of light coming in, use it.

Try out different apps

I don't like the iPhone's native camera app. When you use the forward facing camera, it captures a mirror image of the photo you took.  This isn't the way I see myself, which is a strange thing to say because the camera's just showing me how other people see me.  The way I'm used to seeing myself is my image in a mirror, so I try and use apps that take photos the way I am used to seeing myself.  I agree with Aanand's recommendation to use B612 [iOS/Android].  It has a bunch of nice filters too and its pretty easy to use.  Instagram's great too, but I use it more as a sharing platform.

Thanks for sticking with me, guys.

Unfortunately, today's not been the best: a combination of being uplifted by new music (I just discovered Troye Sivan) and at the same time fueling the pyre of my yearning for well... everything I don't have (see again: Troye Sivan).  Yep. :-/

Watch the video below.  Feel your heart swell, etc.  This is Day 3.